We’re lucky to live in the incredibly dog friendly Twin Cities of Minnesota. Since we vacation in Okoboji every year to celebrate our anniversary, we’ve gotten pretty good at knowing which places are dog friendly there too. So far, Vacation Okoboji hasn’t included a listing of dog friendly places, so consider this my service to fellow dog-loving tourists of the Okoboji area. 

Dog Friendly Lodging

This will be short because we don’t have much experience. We were loyal customers of Fillenwarth Beach Resort for many years. We even got married there. Fillenwarth is a great place to stay! They have tons of activities to enjoy; they’ll teach you to water ski, cruise you around the lake and tell you about the area history, taking you sailing, let you borrow paddleboats and canoes and of course, their famous Sun Runner cruises! We miss those Sun Runner cruises. (hey Fillenwarth, if you’re reading this, any chance you’d let us sneak on once in a while?)

Fillenwarth is a dog friendly hotel, they just ask that you crate your dogs when you leave them unattended in the room and of course that you notify them in advance you’re bringing dogs. If you don’t want to leave them behind in a crate, they can also arrange to have a dog sitter come stay with them. 

We’d still be going to Fillenwarth every year if we hadn’t bought the camper. Last year was our first time not stay there and it was an adjustment. But it’s worth the adjustment – we’re able to stay at Emerson Bay State Recreational Area for five nights for less than the cost of one night at the resort. The campground is stupid cheap, $19/night for full hookup!

Emerson Bay is right on the water and they allow dogs. They have a rule that you can’t leave your dogs unattended in the camper, but there are lots of places we can bring the boys with us, a doggy-day-care nearby and Rover sitters to come keep the dogs company.

Dog Friendly Bars, Breweries and Restaurants

West O Brewery – Makers of some delicious beers, especially the award-winning Coco Stout, allows dogs on the patio.

Okoboji Brewing Co – Dog friendly patio. Pro-tip, pick up lunch at the nearby Taco House and enjoy it on their patio with a pint or two!

The Barefoot Bar – This tiki bar is right on the water and very dog friendly. Get a bucket-o-booze, drink from funny cups, pose with the kitschy decorations and share the ice with the dogs, it gets hot!

• 

• 

Pirate Jacks – This dive bar has a great location on the end of a dock in Arnolds Park. They’ll let you bring dogs during the day, but ask you leave them at home when it’s packed full of loud people. 

The Gardens – This restaurant has a great outdoor patio on the lake and  they allow dogs on the patio. A great place for dinner, or a cocktail at sunset.

Maxwells Beach Cafe – A great place in Arnold’s Park with a patio for you and your pooches to hangout together.

Bobs On the Beach– A historical gem in Arnold’s park and a place you must visit for a hot dog! They have tables outside where you and your furry friends can enjoy a snack

Bracco –  Fun and fancy restaurant with an amazing lake view, their patio is very dog friendly.

The Ritz – For years this restaurant had a sign on the dock that said “No Dogs on Patio” but this year that sign was removed and our boys were welcome! Go, eat the pizza!

Woudes Bay – A weird little dive bar in the middle of an old resort, their kitschy patio has resident cats so tread lightly, but our dogs were welcomed and they got to meet a tiny baby puppy there too!

Other Dog Friendly Fun 

Still looking for more to do with your pups? Take a walk on the Great Lakes Trail, bring them along to an outdoor concert at Preservation Park, or explore one of the state parks in the area. Play fetch at the park or let the dogs go for a swim in the beautiful great lake! Bring your own boat, or rent one and take a cruise!

What have I left out? We’re going back to Okoboji in a few days, if you know of other dog friendly places let me know!