BlackDog Park - Burnsville, MN
BlackDog Park – A Pet-Friendly Retreat in Burnsville, Minnesota
BlackDog Park is a scenic, sports-focused park located along the river in Burnsville, MN. This dog-friendly destination features two baseball fields, a football field (secured and generally for team use), open green spaces, paved parking, and wooded areas for outdoor fun. While not an official off-leash dog park, its large open spaces and pet-friendly attitude make it a favorite for dog owners looking to tire out energetic pups or walk alongside pet-friendly trails. Shade from mature trees and river breezes make it a pleasant spot during summer months, but bug spray is a must due to the park’s proximity to woods and water.
Although the park does not provide water fountains or dog waste bags, visitors consistently remark on the cleanliness and good maintenance of the grounds. There are also picnic tables, benches, trash cans, and a port-a-potty available for visitors. While the park doesn’t have fenced or gated dog areas, many regulars enjoy bringing long leashes for ball games or casual walks. Please ensure that dogs remain leashed and under control at all times. Parking is available (though limited), and the park connects with short walking trails and playgrounds for a family-friendly day out.
Frequently Asked Questions about BlackDog Park
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, this is not an official off-leash dog park; dogs must remain leashed.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there are no fenced or gated dog-specific areas.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must remain leashed and under control at all times.
- Are water fountains or bowls for dogs available? No, visitors are encouraged to bring their own water for dogs.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? No, please bring your own poop bags. Trash bins are available for disposal.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are several benches and picnic tables around the park.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a playground and ball fields available.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are some trails, though most are short and may not lead directly to the river.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a paved parking lot, though it can be on the smaller side.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, mosquitoes are very prevalent; bring insect repellent!
Reviews
For the love of everything BRING ALL THE BUG SPRAY YOU CAN. The mosquitoes are absolutely THICCCCCCCCCCCC and hungry. We were there for a football game tonight and made to sit in the grass by the trees and were swarmed. Even with the bug spray they weren’t great but better. They were just so bad.
Black Dog Park is geared towards sports. Two baseball fields, a large open green space, and a beautiful football field. The football field is for the local football teams and is fenced off and locked when not in use. Bring insect repellent! There are lots of woods and it’s right near the river so the mosquitoes are pretty ruthless no matter what time of day or night.
Wonderful biking/electric scootering roads. Great, safe playground for kids and well kept soccer field during summer ofc(:
Very beautiful scenic park. The parking lot is on the smaller side but is paved. The grass and fields have been kept up and despite being a dog park the ground seems to be maintained or dog poop free. One possible down side is this is not an official off leash park and so it is not fenced in and no big dog small dog separation, so a long line is required for any ball throwing but it’s perfect for tiring out even a Belgian Mallinos with the big hill.
I was hoping for a nice trail in the woods and a view of the river. I found a trail, but it was mostly in the sun, and it stopped abruptly at a gate with a thick chain and No Trespassing signs on it. The other two “trails” were only a few dozen yards long and did not take me all the way to the river. There is one more trail I haven’t explored yet. There are also ball fields, picnic tables, and a port-a-potty.