Minnesota’s 7 Best Dog-Friendly Ice Cream Shops
Megan Fitzpatrick & Nicholas Mudd - 3/15/25
Two of my favorite things are dogs and ice cream. I’m sure you can relate! So why not bring your best bud with you to get a sweet cone? Sounds like a perfect day to me. If you're in the Twin Cities or surrounding areas, you're in luck—there are plenty of dog-friendly ice cream shops where both you and your pup can enjoy a cool treat together. Here are some of the best spots to relax with an ice cream and your best pal!
1. MN Nice Cream - Northeast & Stillwater, MN
MN Nice Cream is a great spot for soft serve with a variety of customizable toppings. They have two locations, one in Northeast Minneapolis and another in Stillwater, making it easy to find a spot near you. They offer pup cups for your dog to enjoy—how’s that for treating your furry companion? In addition to their regular menu, they also serve dairy-free and vegan soft serve. And for some extra fun, they offer a variety of toppings like edible glitter! This is definitely an Instagram-worthy place to grab a sweet treat with your dog.
What’s special: Their dog-friendly pup cups and fun toppings make MN Nice Cream an exciting destination for both you and your pup.
2. Milkjam Creamery - Uptown, Minneapolis, MN
Milkjam Creamery is a must-visit for handmade, small-batch ice cream, and it’s located right in Uptown. Founded by local chef Sameh Wadi, the shop’s ice cream offerings are crafted with care. Milkjam Creamery also thinks of your dog, offering take-home peanut butter ice cream bones that are a true dog’s dream! Whether you’re enjoying one of their signature flavors or trying out a seasonal special, this spot is perfect for treating both you and your pup.
What’s special: Milkjam offers peanut butter ice cream bones for your dog, and their collection of unique, rotating flavors keeps things exciting for ice cream lovers.
3. Love Creamery - Duluth, MN
If you're up near beautiful Lake Superior, or on a trip to Duluth, MN, be sure to stop by Love Creamery. This women-owned and sustainability-focused ice cream shop offers handcrafted ice cream with fun, unique flavors. They’re dog-friendly and love dogs of all sizes, so bring your pup in for a pup cup. Plus, they’re so pet-friendly that they even offer a “cat-puccino” for your feline friends. Love Creamery has earned accolades, including being recognized as the 2022 Best Ice Cream Parlor in the Midwest by Midwest Living Magazine.
What’s special: Their commitment to sustainability and their inclusive, pet-friendly attitude make Love Creamery a great place to visit with your dog.
4. Sebastian Joe’s - Uptown & South Minneapolis, MN
Sebastian Joe’s is a family-owned ice cream shop that’s a local favorite in the Twin Cities. With locations in Uptown and South Minneapolis, it's easy to swing by for a pup cup. Known for its rich, delicious ice cream made from scratch, Sebastian Joe’s is a great spot to bring your dog for a fun, relaxed outing.
What’s special: Their dog-friendly environment makes it a perfect spot to treat your pup while enjoying one of their legendary ice cream flavors.
5. Nelson’s Ice Cream - Stillwater, MN
Nelson’s is a historic gem of Stillwater that’s been scooping ice cream since 1923. Known for their giant cones, they are also dog-friendly! Bring your pup in for a pup cup and enjoy some classic, nostalgic ice cream with your furry friend by your side. This spot is perfect for a stroll along the St. Croix River before or after indulging in some sweet treats.
What’s special: With its long-standing history and scenic location, Nelson’s is a fantastic spot to grab a treat with your dog.
6. Grand Ole Creamery - St. Paul, MN
Grand Ole Creamery has been a staple in the Twin Cities since 1984, known for its handmade ice cream. They are pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along and enjoy a pup cup with your sweet treat. Whether you're in the mood for something classic or something more adventurous, Grand Ole Creamery offers a wide variety of flavors that are sure to hit the spot.
What’s special: Their long history and commitment to quality ice cream make Grand Ole Creamery a reliable choice for you and your dog to enjoy together.
7. Cup and Cone - White Bear Lake, MN
Located right in downtown White Bear Lake, Cup and Cone is a beloved family-owned ice cream shop that’s been around since 1973. They offer pup cups, so your dog can enjoy their own treat while you indulge in one of their classic or seasonal ice cream options. Cup and Cone’s welcoming atmosphere and delicious treats make it the perfect place to spend some quality time with your dog.
What’s special: Their long-standing tradition of quality ice cream and dog-friendly options makes Cup and Cone a great spot for families and pet owners.
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream with Your Dog
While you're out treating yourself to a sweet ice cream, it’s important to keep a few things in mind for your dog’s safety and enjoyment:
Choose dog-safe ice cream: Many of the spots listed above offer ice cream made with dog-safe ingredients like peanut butter and yogurt. Avoid letting your dog have regular ice cream, which can cause upset stomachs or worse.
Small portions, please: Ice cream should be a special treat for your dog, so serve small portions to avoid any tummy troubles.
Hydration is key: Always bring along fresh water for your pup to stay hydrated, especially on warm days when the ice cream might tempt them a little too much.
Keep it fun: Remember, the best part of visiting these ice cream shops is spending quality time with your dog. If you’re not able to bring your pup along, make sure they’re well taken care of. Good Boy Dog Walking & Pet Sitting offers dog walking and pet sitting services in the North Oaks, Shoreview, and Vadnais Heights areas, so you can rest easy knowing your dog is in good hands.
Final Thoughts: Treat Your Pup Right
There’s nothing quite like sharing a delicious ice cream cone with your pup on a sunny day. The Twin Cities offer a range of pet-friendly ice cream spots where you and your dog can enjoy some sweet bonding time. Whether it’s a pup cup at Nelson’s or a peanut butter bone at Milkjam Creamery, there’s something special about treating your dog to their own cool treat.
And if you ever need a reliable dog walker in the North Oaks, Shoreview, or Vadnais Heights areas, remember that Good Boy Dog Walking & Pet Sitting is here to provide the care and attention your dog deserves.
Enjoy the ice cream, and don’t forget to treat your pup right!
Sources:
https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/state/minnesota/
https://www.sidewalkdog.com/dog-friendly-ice-cream-minneapolis/
Instagram, Facebook, & Company Websites
