While out on a drive one evening, along the backroads of Washington County, we saw a sign for the Dale Road Off Leash Dog Park. This was certainly off the beaten path. We noticed it along 50th St., just west of Manning. That's where 50th is a gravel road.
We had never been to an off-leash dog park, and didn't know what to expect (except the obvious - dogs and no-leashes). This weekend, we decided to try it out.
We have a gorgeous chocolate lab, Rudy. Now, he's still mostly puppy (not from looking at him, but from his age). He's just over a year old and is 70+ pounds. He and I have done doggy training together, and he's a pretty good listener - when its just me. He's easily excitable - from either other dogs, geese, or people who might pet him. Now, the weather here in the Twin Cities hasn't been terrific, and I haen't been great about getting Rudy out on long walks to get him tired out. Because we did graduate from basic training together (ok, it was just basic doggie training), so I thought Rudy was ready for the dog park.
What a great experience it was! The park is at the end of a small gravel road. There were several cars parked in the gravel lot when we got there.
There were about 20 dogs or so, and their human counter-parts. The park itself is HUGE (I found out later that it is 70 acres!) which are fenced around the perimeter. It is a gorgeous, well maintained park. There is running water, lovely walking trails, a porti-potty, garbage receptacles and poop bags. Folks were milling around, the dogs were playing and running around together. Rudy was so excited! He loved playing with the other dogs. 
I got a chance to meet some other dog owners, the kids were running and running with all the dogs. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming.
We went on a walk along one of the groomed trails. Rudy was in and out of the woods, chasing other dogs, and into the tall prairie areas. I was pretty proud of Rudy, in his ability to refocus when I called him. And, he was able to "heel" when that was the command during the walk.
It's been great to have found this park, and we've already enjoyed it 2 times - many more times to come!
If you've got a dog around Washington County - I think you can't go wrong with the Dale Road Off Leash Dog Park - it is located at: 11664 Dale Road, approximately three-fourths of a mile east of Cottage Grove Drive on the north side of Dale Road.
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