The Dog Commons On-Leash Trails

Couple walking their dog on the dog trails

As part of Nature-Based Therapeutics at the Arboretum, the Dog Commons On-Leash Trails is a place where two-legged and four-legged visitors discover opportunities for physical activity, education, socialization and emotional restoration. It incorporates trails and interpretive messaging with opportunities for seasonal outdoor activities with a canine companion.

This area is not "just an on-leash dog trail." It is about the entire experience of being outside in plant-rich landscape with an animal companion. A goal of the Dog Commons is to inspire a shift from walking the dog as a chore to walking the dog as a mindful and restorative experience that benefits health and well-being for humans and pets.

Parking & Access Directions

From our main gatehouse, follow the signs past the parking lots towards the Learning Center.
Drive past the Learning Center and then take the first left turn up the hill to overflow parking.
Entry to Dog Commons is on the right (west) edge of overflow parking.

Visiting the Trails

We want visitors to be as prepared as possible when visiting the Dog Commons! Please check out the following guidelines before hitting the trails.

Pack bug spray and your own water for yourself and your dog(s) to drink
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes
Beware of ticks in pathways and taller grasses; plan to check your dog(s) for ticks after walking the trails
Stay on the designated trails and keep dog(s) on a 6-foot leash
Be mindful of uneven trail surfaces
Poison ivy has been spotted along the trails. While we do our best to groom, please beware of this, and if needed, wash your dog(s) when you return home

Trails Map

The Dog Commons features distinctive borders and two unpaved trails:

Blue Dog Trail: 1.5 mile outer loop trail around a low lying wetland, also traverses woods and woodland/meadow edge. Estimated walking time is 25-40 minutes.
Green Dog Trail: .75 mile inner loop around a former hay field buffered by maple woods; connector trails offer ways to extend your walk. Estimated walking time is 15-20 minutes.

Dog Trails Map

Rules for the Dog Commons Trails

To ensure safety and enjoyment for all humans & canines, please observe the following regulations.

All dog vaccinations and licenses must be kept current during your membership and you must have a current record of vaccinations.
This area is typically open when our grounds are open to the public and closes over the winter. Be sure to check our open hours before your visit.
Use of the entire area is at your own risk. Each owner is solely responsible for their and their dog’s actions and assumes all liability for damages suffered by any person or dog injured by the member’s dog(s) while using the Dog Commons.
No smoking, alcohol, food, or glass containers are permitted.
Dogs are to remain leashed and monitored closely at all times.
Members are required to clean up after their dog(s). All waste must be bagged and disposed of properly in the marked receptacles.
Members are responsible to ensure their dog(s) do not dig holes or cause damage to trail plants or property.
Prong, pinch, choke or spike collars and retractable leashes are not permitted in the on-leash dog area for safety reasons.
All dogs entering the dog trail must be healthy and must wear a collar, current rabies tag and dog license if required by your city’s ordinance. Dogs with contagious health conditions are not permitted in the park.
There will be regular maintenance of the Dog Commons. During those times, the trails will be closed; advance notice will be given if possible.
For all emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, during normal business hours, call the Arboretum 612-624-2200 and state your name, how you can be reached, your location and reason for the call. Any serious injury should be reported promptly to the police.
All or any rules are subject to change without notice as deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of both humans and dogs.

The Dog Commons On-Leash Trails

Parking & Access Directions

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