Staring Lake Park Off-Leash Dog Exercise Area

I’ve been coming to this park since I was a kid with my childhood dog. I now have my own :) The park has a couple little trails which have been heavily used, a trail that follows the perimeter, with an entrance area that is mostly sand. There is a lil ravine area where you can walk on the upper sides or down below in the ravine. There is only one area so no separate one for small or frail dogs like Bryant Lake dog park. Some paths are wide and some get narrow. I’ve only ran into a few dogs that play a little too aggressive. Like anywhere, people and dogs make the place. I’d say 99% of the dogs there are happy go lucky pups who are friendly to all. Owners, please know your dog or keep them leashed if they have problems with certain dogs (one dog kept aggressively pursuing mine and the owner said they “seemed to have a problem with fluffy dogs”. Like that’s okay, but either leash up or work on training because my dog isn’t your test dog and there will be fluffy dogs). Sometimes it’s busy like the after work crew while mornings are pretty mellow. Overall, it’s one of my usual parks along with Bryant Lake (which has more grass but also its own sandy parts too!)

This is a great dog park in the spring, summer and fall. It closes in the winter time to accommodate cross country skiing. There's an upper and a lower level with a set of stairs that separates the two levels. They recently did some work in the park clearing some trees and added a railing to the stairwell. The area has lots of trees which provides shade in the summer and beautiful colors in the fall.

Staring Lake dog park is a wonderful way to spend time with my Lola and get her the exercise and social interaction she needs. The paths are scenic and there is plenty of space for a doggo to romp around. I even met my first friend in Minnesota here, as did my Lola. Highly recommended and appreciated. Still a good park to get away and spend time with your dog.

Great large natural park located at Staring Lake park. This Dog park is not labeled well online and does not often show up in searches for dog parks. Due to that and the setback location it seems to be a well kept secret. The several hours we were there we only saw a handful of other patrons. Everyone (and dogs) were very nice and friendly. Parking lot is paved, free and has water fountain on site. Signs direct you to the off leash dog area from the parking lot. Paved path down decline leads to the park. There is an accessible path and entrance for people who use wheelchair. Double gated entry leads to a medium sized open area with benches and picnic table. Water dishes and some random tennis balls here too. Paths are natural of sand and dirt. Tree roots are exposed so be careful not to trip! Terrain is sloped in many area, may include stairs, and become tighter as you hike. It is a nice walk/hike and not too strenuous. Lots of little paths for dogs to explore. One full lap around the outer path is approx 0.8 miles. Most of the area is wooded. No lake/water access. Likely muddy on heavy rain days. Beautiful Fall colors! Accessible Porta Potty at parking lot.

At first glance, this would be a 3 star dog park: lots of dirt, no water ( even tho it’s called “Staring Lake” ), the layout doesn’t have a big loop to walk or a wide open area for playing fetch. However, I have to give it 4 stars because I had such a pleasant experience my first time here. There was plenty of parking, a convenient porta-potty as you enter the park and everyone I encountered was friendly and helpful. There is a water fountain for your pup at the entrance and park patrons were bring water into the park to fill dog bowls. This is the nice little spot for your pooch to burn off a little energy before you bring him to Scheels to bark at people on the indoor Ferris wheel… not that I did that or anything 😬