Fort Ripley Trail - Fort Ripley, MN
Fort Ripley Trail Dog-Friendly Park – Fort Ripley, MN
The Fort Ripley Trail, located in beautiful Fort Ripley, MN, is a locally loved spot for outdoor enthusiasts and their dogs. While best known for ATV and horse riding, the park also welcomes hikers with dogs to enjoy its scenic, pet-friendly trails. The area is kept mostly natural, offering rocky stretches, forested scenery, bayside access, and a peaceful, rustic vibe. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking dog-friendly hiking near Sebie Lake or a relaxed outing in Central Minnesota’s countryside.
Though there are no specialized dog park amenities (such as fenced, off-leash zones or agility equipment), this trail offers plenty of open space for leashed walks, fresh air, and adventure. There is a porta-potty for your convenience, and parking is available by the trailhead. While the trail is accessible year-round, be cautious of ice in winter and rocky terrain in places. If you’re searching for a nature-filled outing with your pup in Fort Ripley, the Fort Ripley Trail is definitely worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, this area consists of scenic trails that are open for hiking, horseback riding, and ATV use.
- Are restrooms available for owners? There is a porta-potty available at the park.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available near the trailhead off Sebie Lake Rd.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the trails are open throughout the year, but use caution in winter months due to possible icy patches.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some areas can become rocky and muddy depending on the season and recent weather.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? The trails have little to no grass, which helps reduce ticks, but normal outdoor pests are always a possibility.
Reviews
Smaller trail but nice
Smaller trail but nice
Smaller trail but nice
Beautiful trails for taking the horses on an afternoon ride. Porta-potty available, no grass on trails, so no ticks, but some areas are a little rocky. Nice spot to test your horses water skills. There is a drop off close to the boat landing, so stay to the left, and you can generally ride out into the bay!
These are ATV trails, but I’ve found the groups that ride these trails to be very courteous to horses 🥰
Nice winter ride too, but be very careful of ice!
Beautiful trails for taking the horses on an afternoon ride. Porta-potty available, no grass on trails, so no ticks, but some areas are a little rocky. Nice spot to test your horses water skills. There is a drop off close to the boat landing, so stay to the left, and you can generally ride out into the bay!
These are ATV trails, but I’ve found the groups that ride these trails to be very courteous to horses 🥰
Nice winter ride too, but be very careful of ice!
Beautiful trails for taking the horses on an afternoon ride. Porta-potty available, no grass on trails, so no ticks, but some areas are a little rocky. Nice spot to test your horses water skills. There is a drop off close to the boat landing, so stay to the left, and you can generally ride out into the bay!
These are ATV trails, but I’ve found the groups that ride these trails to be very courteous to horses 🥰
Nice winter ride too, but be very careful of ice!
My first time four wheeling- this is a nice park. The trails are probably great fun for seasoned riders- lots of turns and hills. As a novice, I took things slowly. It was almost dusk when we arrived, so we didn’t have much time. I think had we stayed longer, I would have felt more confident to go faster. It’s definitely a pretty park. We plan to visit again in the spring.
My first time four wheeling- this is a nice park. The trails are probably great fun for seasoned riders- lots of turns and hills. As a novice, I took things slowly. It was almost dusk when we arrived, so we didn’t have much time. I think had we stayed longer, I would have felt more confident to go faster. It’s definitely a pretty park. We plan to visit again in the spring.
My first time four wheeling- this is a nice park. The trails are probably great fun for seasoned riders- lots of turns and hills. As a novice, I took things slowly. It was almost dusk when we arrived, so we didn’t have much time. I think had we stayed longer, I would have felt more confident to go faster. It’s definitely a pretty park. We plan to visit again in the spring.
Had a great time riding. Only wish they had some turnout spots on the paths where normal vehicles and trucks pull in because it gets really tight.