Three plus private fully fenced in acres of running and romping in the woods. (Thei is no lighting in The Field, if coming after dark, bring a flashlight) | Sniffspot
55Mom took me to this beautiful and spacious field to play with my outdoor toys (balls, frisbees and flirt poles) today. There was a lot of room to run and some cool smells to sniff. I loved patrolling along the fence line and there was a neat corridor of trees to walk and weave through. That meant there was plenty of shade for us on this sunny afternoon. The owners left me some water that tasted delicious and it was super fun trying to catch it when it came out of the cooler. They also had a bucket of tennis balls that I could chase down when mom through them with that chucking contraption thingy. I know we will come back here to play again in the future. I think I can even convince a few of my furiends to join us next time. Thanks for sharing your cool space! I'm gonna go take a nap now.Sue M.
Sue M.
September 2024
Mom took me to this beautiful and spacious field to play with my outdoor toys (balls, frisbees and flirt poles) today. There was a lot of room to run and some cool smells to sniff. I loved patrolling along the fence line and there was a neat corridor of trees to walk and weave through. That meant there was plenty of shade for us on this sunny afternoon. The owners left me some water that tasted delicious and it was super fun trying to catch it when it came out of the cooler. They also had a bucket of tennis balls that I could chase down when mom through them with that chucking contraption thingy. I know we will come back here to play again in the future. I think I can even convince a few of my furiends to join us next time. Thanks for sharing your cool space! I'm gonna go take a nap now.
Lewis & Clark Private Dog Run & Play Area | Sniffspot
55AMAZING! We will be back, our dogs loved the mound along with all of the fresh tennis balls. We told everyone about this hidden gem.
Very tidy with shade, sun and a beautiful view for the whole family. Colin B.
Colin B.
October 2024
AMAZING! We will be back, our dogs loved the mound along with all of the fresh tennis balls. We told everyone about this hidden gem.
Very tidy with shade, sun and a beautiful view for the whole family.
55Pristine, well kept yard. My dogs loved running up and down the hill playing ball while a bald eagle soared overhead. It doesn’t get any better than that, and we will definitely be back!Peggy M.
Peggy M.
August 2022
Pristine, well kept yard. My dogs loved running up and down the hill playing ball while a bald eagle soared overhead. It doesn’t get any better than that, and we will definitely be back!
55It was 18 degrees and a brisk west wind, but there was shelter from the wind by the stairs to the deck. Our two 30lb mini golden doodles had a great time tearing around the yard. There is a nice hill in the yard so they could get a workout going up and down. The untracked, pristine snow in the yard had lots of tracks when we left with two happy and tired puppies. Thanks so much for sharing your yard. We’ll be back!Barbara F.
Barbara F.
November 2022
It was 18 degrees and a brisk west wind, but there was shelter from the wind by the stairs to the deck. Our two 30lb mini golden doodles had a great time tearing around the yard. There is a nice hill in the yard so they could get a workout going up and down. The untracked, pristine snow in the yard had lots of tracks when we left with two happy and tired puppies. Thanks so much for sharing your yard. We’ll be back!
55Nel and her buddy Buzz always have a wonderful time visiting Sheri's Sniff Spot. The hill and the deep snow gave them a good workout. Clean and excellent as usual. Thank you so much.Barbara F.
Barbara F.
December 2022
Nel and her buddy Buzz always have a wonderful time visiting Sheri's Sniff Spot. The hill and the deep snow gave them a good workout. Clean and excellent as usual. Thank you so much.
Poppy's Play Prairie: 15 acres of fun! | Sniffspot
55With the change of season there are definitely more open areas where the fencing is down. Just be aware and have good recall. The road was the only place I had to be on top of the dogs and their recall. Cars zoom by fast and there are parts with no fencing. But as always we had a great time!!Eryn L.
Eryn L.
December 2023
With the change of season there are definitely more open areas where the fencing is down. Just be aware and have good recall. The road was the only place I had to be on top of the dogs and their recall. Cars zoom by fast and there are parts with no fencing. But as always we had a great time!!
Poppy's Play Prairie: 15 acres of fun! | Sniffspot
55One of the best sniffspots we've visited! Fantastic trails and endless options to explore the property. Great communication with the host as well. Well worth a 45 minute drive and we hope to be back soon!Jennifer K.
Jennifer K.
December 2023
One of the best sniffspots we've visited! Fantastic trails and endless options to explore the property. Great communication with the host as well. Well worth a 45 minute drive and we hope to be back soon!
Poppy's Play Prairie: 15 acres of fun! | Sniffspot
55This is probably the largest and most bio diverse sniff spot we have been. There are a ton of trails, we spend the entire hour walking around.Abhilaash R.
Abhilaash R.
December 2023
This is probably the largest and most bio diverse sniff spot we have been. There are a ton of trails, we spend the entire hour walking around.
Poppy's Play Prairie: 15 acres of fun! | Sniffspot
55Words really can’t express what a special space this is. I have been training and raising dogs for about 20 years, and I’ve never found a place like this. It is ideal from an exercise/recreational standpoint but also for handlers looking for new ways to work on training. The terrain is varied and has a variety of areas to explore (such as an open prairie area and enclosed trails), so you can find a level of strenuousness that meets your and your dog’s needs. The dog I am fostering had the time of his life, and it was so kind of the host to offer a discount for a fostered dog. The host was informative, kind, and flexible. Communication with the host was especially important to me because the dog I am working with has behavioral issues with meeting new dogs or people. Katie was so understanding of this and I felt safe to explore the area. 
I did find it helpful to look at the map that the host sends beforehand, and would suggest that future visitors do this and have it saved on their phone. Also take note of the host description regarding the semi enclosed nature of the space. Suggest leaving your dog on leash until you have a good sense of the space and how your dog is responding to you before considering off-leash.
Cannot recommend this Sniffspot highly enough, and left with a strong sense of gratitude for the experience. Andrew S.
Andrew S.
December 2023
Words really can’t express what a special space this is. I have been training and raising dogs for about 20 years, and I’ve never found a place like this. It is ideal from an exercise/recreational standpoint but also for handlers looking for new ways to work on training. The terrain is varied and has a variety of areas to explore (such as an open prairie area and enclosed trails), so you can find a level of strenuousness that meets your and your dog’s needs. The dog I am fostering had the time of his life, and it was so kind of the host to offer a discount for a fostered dog. The host was informative, kind, and flexible. Communication with the host was especially important to me because the dog I am working with has behavioral issues with meeting new dogs or people. Katie was so understanding of this and I felt safe to explore the area. 
I did find it helpful to look at the map that the host sends beforehand, and would suggest that future visitors do this and have it saved on their phone. Also take note of the host description regarding the semi enclosed nature of the space. Suggest leaving your dog on leash until you have a good sense of the space and how your dog is responding to you before considering off-leash.
Cannot recommend this Sniffspot highly enough, and left with a strong sense of gratitude for the experience.
Poppy's Play Prairie: 15 acres of fun! | Sniffspot
55This is our third time back - we love it here! It’s very quiet and private with TONS of room to explore. I loved the ornaments hung along one of the trails. Jenn R.
Jenn R.
December 2023
This is our third time back - we love it here! It’s very quiet and private with TONS of room to explore. I loved the ornaments hung along one of the trails.
Poppy's Play Prairie: 15 acres of fun! | Sniffspot
55Although we had 3 consecutive days of rain, this spot is THE best in the area for you and your dog(s). The woods, the fields, the ravines, the bridge, the creek, the trail--all of it gorgeous and well-maintained. This time of year, wear your waterproof hiking treads. Bring towels for the pups. I'll bring an Ecollar for my trained-but-ornery lab, who wanted to cross the dirt road and visit the farm across the way! My other two listened and stayed with me. I brought treats, though, and thank goodness for his food motivation. Know your dog; come prepared, and enjoy!! We're so fortunate that Katie shares her lovely acreage, year round!Melissa M.
Melissa M.
December 2023
Although we had 3 consecutive days of rain, this spot is THE best in the area for you and your dog(s). The woods, the fields, the ravines, the bridge, the creek, the trail--all of it gorgeous and well-maintained. This time of year, wear your waterproof hiking treads. Bring towels for the pups. I'll bring an Ecollar for my trained-but-ornery lab, who wanted to cross the dirt road and visit the farm across the way! My other two listened and stayed with me. I brought treats, though, and thank goodness for his food motivation. Know your dog; come prepared, and enjoy!! We're so fortunate that Katie shares her lovely acreage, year round!
Poppy's Play Prairie: 15 acres of fun! | Sniffspot
55Our 2nd time at this Sniffspot was a blast! Paths were a little icy but manageable if you take it slow around the corners. Lots of fun for our border collie! Jace S.
Jace S.
December 2023
Our 2nd time at this Sniffspot was a blast! Paths were a little icy but manageable if you take it slow around the corners. Lots of fun for our border collie!
Poppy's Play Prairie: 15 acres of fun! | Sniffspot
55We love this spot! It's our absolute favorite! Lots of space for the dogs to run. Great hills, & trails in the woods. It even has a bridge over a little creek, it's
beautiful. You need good recall if you take the leash off of your dog, but either way it is a perfect SniffSpot! Jennifer V.
Jennifer V.
January 2024
We love this spot! It's our absolute favorite! Lots of space for the dogs to run. Great hills, & trails in the woods. It even has a bridge over a little creek, it's
beautiful. You need good recall if you take the leash off of your dog, but either way it is a perfect SniffSpot!
Poppy's Play Prairie: 15 acres of fun! | Sniffspot
55Katie’s place is like having your own personal state park hiking trails- but even better because your dog(s) can be off leash safely. With this being a short 30 minutes from Minnepaolis, we will certainly be back! Merissa R.
Merissa R.
January 2024
Katie’s place is like having your own personal state park hiking trails- but even better because your dog(s) can be off leash safely. With this being a short 30 minutes from Minnepaolis, we will certainly be back!
Poppy's Play Prairie: 15 acres of fun! | Sniffspot
55This spot is amazing - will definitely be back!! Very easy instructions to follow and very clear where you are supposed to be walking. One lap around the trails was the perfect length for my 8 year old pup! Bethany K.
Bethany K.
January 2024
This spot is amazing - will definitely be back!! Very easy instructions to follow and very clear where you are supposed to be walking. One lap around the trails was the perfect length for my 8 year old pup!
How do Waconia's private dog parks work?
Private rentals by the hour
Our hosts are locals that are renting their yards and private land to dog owners
Trust and safety first
Spots are designed for safety and both hosts and guests are reviewed after each visit
Designed for private play
Only the people and dogs in your booking are allowed in the spot during your visit
Reactive dogs welcome
Many of the spots we list are designed with sensitive dogs in mind
Become a Sniffpass holder!
Get discounts on all bookings at all spots by buying monthly credits! Learn more!
FAQ about our Waconia dog parks
Are dog parks good for dogs?
It is important for dogs to have off leash exercise to sniff and run. But the free and open nature of public dog parks has drawbacks. There could be aggressive dogs, disease transmission and cleanliness issues. For this reason, many dog behaviorists discourage visiting public dog parks and recommend Sniffspot's private dog parks. Sniffspot private dog parks only allow one guest to book at a time and are not open to the public, which solves many of these issues.
Are dog parks safe?
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks much safer than public dog parks. With Sniffspot all bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog. 96% of reviews on Sniffspot visits in the Waconia area are 5 stars.
How do I know if a dog park works for my dog?
You can filter Sniffspot dog parks by fencing and distractions. If your dog doesn't have good recall, you can visit one of our 268 fully fenced dog parks in the area. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our 16 off leash areas where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. You can also filter locations to avoid other domestic animals and people. We also recommend reading reviews and reaching out to the host with any questions.
Sniffspot has 268 fully fenced dog parks in or near Waconia. Browse all fully enclosed options.
Where are good dog hiking trails near Waconia?
The Waconia area has 268 Sniffspot locations with private trails for you and your dog to walk or hike. Dogs can generally be off leash on Sniffspot trails. The most popular trail is The Lookout. 1+ Acre Fully Fenced K9 Retreat.
Are there dog agility courses for rent in Waconia?