Rice Creek Off-Leash Dog Area gives dogs 13 fully fenced acres to explore along prairie paths, sandy play areas and wooded sections in Shoreview. The Ramsey County park includes a designated area for dogs under 30 pounds, and the current county park page lists drinking water on site.
Plan your visit
- Address: 5959 Lexington Avenue North, Shoreview, MN 55126.
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, local Minnesota time.
- Parking: Use the parking area reached from Lexington Avenue North and follow signs to the fenced dog area.
- Space: The county describes 13 fully fenced acres with prairie paths and play areas.
- Small dogs: A designated section is available for dogs under 30 pounds.
- Water: The county lists water fountains. Bring backup water and a bowl in case service is seasonal or temporarily unavailable.
- Surface: Expect sandy or fine-dirt paths, open prairie and wooded shade. Conditions can become dusty or muddy with the weather.
- Pond boundary: The former pond access is closed. Do not plan on dog swimming here.
Find the dog park entrance
The street address serves the Rice Creek Regional Trail Corridor. Enter from Lexington Avenue North, use the dog-area parking lot and follow the path and signs to the fenced entrance. Keep your dog leashed until you are safely through the entry gate.
Get directions to Rice Creek Off-Leash Dog Area.
Trails, water and the pond boundary
The large enclosure combines a broad sandy loop with prairie and wooded stretches, giving dogs room for longer runs as well as slower sniffing walks. Ramsey County lists water fountains and shade among the park’s features, but carrying backup water is sensible during freezing weather or maintenance interruptions.
Older descriptions may mention pond access. That access was removed, and current visitors should treat the pond as outside the off-leash experience. Follow posted boundaries and do not plan a swimming visit.
Rules before you enter
Ramsey County requires dogs to be leashed before entering and when leaving. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated, remain within sight and under verbal control, and may not behave aggressively or dig. Owners must pick up waste and are legally and financially responsible for their dogs.
Puppies younger than four months and female dogs in heat are not allowed. Children under 12 need adult supervision, and the county asks visitors to prevent running, screaming and food around the dogs. Remove and leash a dog immediately if aggressive behavior develops, and check posted signs for current conditions.
What park goers say
Visitors often praise the amount of room, the wide sandy walking loop and the mix of prairie and wooded areas. Many appreciate having a separate space for smaller dogs and describe the park as a good place for energetic dogs that enjoy longer runs rather than a compact neighborhood enclosure.
Park goers also mention that shade varies across the site and that the sandy surface can be dusty in dry weather or muddy after rain. Some visitors bring their own water even when community jugs or the fountain are available. Busy periods can bring many dogs together, so active supervision and an early exit when a dog becomes uncomfortable remain important.
More options and updates
Compare other listings in the Minnesota dog park directory. Before leaving, check the official Ramsey County dog parks page for closures, maintenance notices and current rules.
Last researched September 1, 2026. To report a correction to this listing, contact DogPark Near Me.