Traveling can be stressful. But with your dog by your side, it can also be a wonderful adventure! Here’s the pet-friendly scoop on vacationing in Bloomington, MN.
Dog-Friendly Hotels
First, you and Fido need a grrreat place to stay. These Bloomington hotels welcome dogs, and some of them even have dog amenities like complimentary treats, fun pet toys, and private grass play areas.
1. Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
The Sheraton Bloomington Hotel loves when hotel guests bring pups along on their vacations. There’s no pet fee for visiting dogs, and hotel staff go above and beyond for guests with pets by placing them in hotel rooms close to outdoor potty areas. Each pup is also given a dog bowl with a mat, and a big fluffy dog bed for use during their stay!
2. TownePlace Suites Minneapolis Mall of America
TownePlace Suites’ spacious guest rooms are ideal for a family vacation, dogs included. Full kitchens, lounging areas, and cozy bedding will make you and your furry friend feel at home.
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South
At the homey and comfortable DoubleTree, dogs are welcomed with a treat (and humans get a chocolate chip cookie). Take a short drive to nearby Lake Normandale, where you and Fido can stroll around the beautiful lake on a wide, paved path. (See “Tail-Wagging Outdoor Adventures” for more details.)
4. Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
Kick back and relax with your favorite cuddle buddy at the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington. The hotel is just a few miles away from Mall of America and MSP International Airport, offering both convenience and comfort. Note: Visiting pups must weigh less than 50 pounds.
Radisson Blu Mall of America
5. Radisson Blu Mall of America
Radisson Blu is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stay with your furry friend. Upon arrival, canines are greeted generously with a dog package containing a dog bowl, bandana, pet bag dispenser, and more. The hotel also offers a private pet grass area for your convenience. Check out the special Don’t Forget Fido package, which comes with a dog bed and other snuggly swag!
6. Embassy Suites by Hilton Bloomington/Minneapolis
This dog-friendly hotel in West Bloomington welcomes pooches up to 50 pounds. It’s close to the Hyland Lake Park Reserve, with miles of walking trails for you and your dog to explore. During the annual Pets with Santa event, Embassy Suites invites pups and their owners to visit and take photos with St. Nick.
Several other Bloomington hotels welcome pets, including Days Inn by Wyndham Bloomington West, Extended Stay America Minneapolis-Bloomington, Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of America, Home2 Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington, Homewood Suites by Hilton Minneapolis-Mall of America, Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South, La Quinta Inn Minneapolis Airport Bloomington, La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis Bloomington West, Residence Inn Bloomington by Mall of America, Staybridge Suites Minneapolis-Bloomington, and Super 8 by Wyndham Bloomington/Airport.
Dog-Friendly Shops
Bow-WOW, Mall of America’s right down the road! More good news: Nordstrom at MOA welcomes well-behaved woofers so you can bring your fur-legged shopping buddy along. There’s even a #dogsofnordstrom hashtag on Instagram. Puppin’ posh.
Finding dog food ‘n treats is easy as pie here. Let your furry bestie pick out his or her faves at Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies or the local Pet Supplies Plus or Petco.
Tail-Wagging Services
Does your travel companion need a paw-fessional grooming? Dogtopia hits the spot, with dog spa services from nail trims and de-shedding treatments to a full-on fluff dry and blowout that’ll have the other pooches droolin’.
Want to make a dog-free shopping trip to Mall of America? Lucky Dog Pet Lodge is located just up the road and offers boarding and daycare, along with an 18,000-square-foot outdoor play area. Now Boarding is also close by and caters to four-legged travelers with 96 light-filled doggy suites, one-on-one walks and cuddle times, individual and group playtimes, and more.
Desserts on the patio at Urbana Craeft Kitchen
Pup-Friendly Patios
Urbana Craeft Kitchen’s seasonal, locally sourced menu has convinced us the extra “e” is for “excellent.” The restaurant’s dog-friendly patio is the pawfect place to unwind. Walk across the street to Bloomington Central Station Park for a post-meal stroll. Note: The connected Hyatt Regency is not dog-friendly.
NorthStar Tavern has just added a brand-new patio and we’re pleased as kibble that it’s dog-friendly. You’ll love the apps, burgers, craft cocktails, and dozens of beers on tap, and your pup will enjoy sneaking brunch or dinner bites under your outdoor table.
Tail-Wagging Outdoor Adventures
If you want a little time in the great outdoors during your stay, we aren’t short on space to explore. Enjoy more than 13,000 acres of land at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which is conveniently located in central Bloomington and less than 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis (pups small enough to fit in a carrier can even take the light rail).
Normandale Lake Park
Or give your pooch the freedom to roam at two off-leash dog parks. The Bloomington Off-Leash Dog Park is 25 acres of bow-wow bliss complete with a fully fenced area and a pond, and the Tretbaugh Park Dog Park is open seasonally from April-October for dogs of all sizes. To use the dog parks, just bring your dog’s current dog license for the city in which you live.
Want a lakeside experience? Pack a picnic for you and your fur baby and head over to Normandale Lake or Hyland Lake for a postcard-perfect meal. Normandale Lake’s wide, paved lakeside path has plenty of shaded areas, and you can enjoy a concert or outdoor movie at the bandshell. Look for water bowls by the drinking fountains outside the restrooms, too. Hyland Lake is within a park preserve and recreation area, which means acres and acres to explore. Fido might even see some ducks or deer go by. Dream big, pupper.
