Where are the best dog photography locations in St. Cloud Minnesota?
There are many places that make wonderful locations for dog photography in and around St. Cloud MN. Quarry Park, Millstream Park, Mississippi River Regional Park, Bend in the River Park and Hester Park all feature natural elements & woods while downtown St. Cloud gives us urban textures, murals and colors.
Quarry Park, Waite Park
A large park just outside of St. Cloud with a path that winds through the woods and around the multiple granite quarries.
Notes:
– Dogs must be leashed
– Paths are crushed granite
– Summer can be rather busy with people walking and swimming
– Mosquitos can be rather thick in the summer months!
– Parking fee $10 after Memorial Day, $5 after Labor Day
– No dogs in the swimming quarries – #11 & #2
– No dogs in the Scientific Natural Area (SNA)
Spots perfect for dog photography at Quarry Park:
- The floating “bridge” that crosses the wetland area
- Quarry #13 & #10
- Open wooded area between Quarry #10 & #9
- The expanse of prairie + birch on the edge
- The cross country ski trail in summer!
- Wildflower prairie off the parking lot
Bend in the River Park, Rice
A short 20 min drive from St. Cloud lands you at Bend in the River Park. This location is a favorite for local photographers – a short walk lands you in the woods, in the prairie and amongst the various old farm buildings.
Notes:
– Dogs must be leashed
– Fall colors will have Bend in the River swarming with photographers
Spots perfect for dog photography at Bend in the River:
- Prairie with tall grasses and wildflowers
- In front of the old barn and other buildings – texture galore!
- One the walking path
- Down by the edge of the river in the woods
- On the porch of the old farmhouse
Mississippi River County Park, Rice
Directly across the river from Bend in the River, Mississippi River County Park is larger, quieter and diverse in its natural areas.
Notes:
– Trails intersect with the disc golf course – be aware of people playing!
– Can be buggy esp in the flood plains area
– HUGE park, you may want to consider ample time to walk the loop
Spots perfect for dog photography at Mississippi River County Park:
- The pine alleyway on disc golf hole #6 (the map of the park)
** If you follow the park road to the right at the fork, just as you’re nearing the edge of the prairie, you’ll see a little pull off area. Park there and walk towards hole #6. - The woods between hole #7 & #9.
- The prairie between the fork in the road
- Wooded area off the parking lot on the left fork
Downtown St. Cloud MN
Loaded with urban textures, architecture and colors!
Notes:
– Urban environments can be busy with various people walking about
– beware that some alleys might be extra grungy – check the ground!
– Parking meters enforced all days
– Parking ramps are free to park after 5pm & on weekends
Spots perfect for dog photography downtown St. Cloud:
- The steps & doors of the St. Mary’s Cathedral
- The yellow alley between 8th Ave N & 7th Ave N
- Murals in the alley between 7th Ave N & 6th Ave N
** this is a super tight space, wide angle recommended! - River’s Edge Convention Center river walk & parking ramp
- Front steps of the Stearns County Courthouse
Up for a drive? Let's go adventuring!
There are plenty of wonderful areas to explore in & around St. Cloud MN – but if you want a little more adventure, let’s head out of town!
Sherburne Wildlife Refuge + Uncas Dune Scientific & Natural Area (SNA)
Sherburne is a HUGE park brimming with woods, prairie and oak savanna. There are many trails to explore – Mahnomen Trail is my favorite thus far! Uncas Dune SNA is one of the few SNAs that allow dogs! You’ll find row planted pines, sandy prairie & Lake Ann!
Notes:
– The Prairie Loop is near the beginning of the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive
– No dogs in buildings, keep your dog leashed
– Stay within 100 ft of trails if on the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive
– Don’t squash the wildflowers or pick them or dig them up!
Drive time from St. Cloud: roughly 40 mins
Drive time from the Twin Cities: roughly 1 hour
Spots perfect for dog photography in the Sherburne area:
- LUPINES at the Prairie Trail Loop – bloom late May into June
- Row planted pines near Lake Ann
- Mahnomen Trail – grass + trees + sandy ground
- Lake Ann area – woods, lake, sandy ground
Montissippi County Park, Monticello
Montissippi (Monticello + Mississippi) is a large park with loads of diversity. There are row planted pines, open grassy areas, scrubby oaks as well as access to the river.
Notes:
– The main train is paved and is easy to traverse
– There are updates planned for 2026 to the play area, parking & trails
– Be mindful of the people playing disc golf throughout the park
– Dogs must be leashed
– The area with the row planted pines often has poison ivy & raspberries
** I’d love to do more sessions here!
Drive time from St. Cloud: roughly 40 mins
Drive time from the Twin Cities: roughly 50 mins
Spots perfect for dog photography in Montissippi County Park:
- Row planted pines
- Grassy area near the playground for action
- Amidst the scrubby oaks
These are our favorite places for sessions in the St. Cloud area.
(Are you in Minneapolis or St. Paul? Check out the Twin Cities favorite places page)
Ready to book your dog’s photography session in St. Cloud MN? Click to book today >