Guide to Nisswa · The Nordic
Nisswa With Your Dog in Deer Season: Blaze Orange, Leashed Trails & Lake Safety
Your dog is family, so of course they should come along. Late fall is a wonderful time to bring your dog to the lake: the trails are quiet, the air is crisp, and there's nothing better than a long walk followed by a nap by the fire.
It's also deer season, from the firearms opener on Nov 7 through the end of muzzleloader season on Dec 13, which means a few extra precautions. This post is our deer-season checklist for dog owners. Our year-round guide to Dog-Friendly Nisswa is coming soon; until then, our Things to Do in Nisswa guide covers the rest of town.
Key takeaways
- Deer season opens Sat Nov 7. Put blaze orange on yourself and your dog for any walk near woods.
- Dogs must be leashed on our properties and on the Paul Bunyan Trail. Pick up after them.
- Buster Park in Brainerd is a free, fenced off-leash dog park open dawn to dusk.
- Leashed dogs are welcome on Northland Arboretum hiking and snowshoe trails (not groomed ski trails).
- Big Axe Brewing in Nisswa has a dog-friendly patio.
First things first: blaze orange in deer season
Minnesota's firearms deer season opens Saturday, November 7, 2026. Season A runs Nov 7–22 in 100-series areas and Nov 7–15 in 200-series areas, and muzzleloader season runs Nov 28 – Dec 13. Hunters are out in the woods around the Brainerd Lakes, including on some public land near trails.
What that means for you and your pup:
- Wear blaze orange (or blaze pink) when you're out walking, even on established trails. See the DNR blaze clothing rules.
- Put your dog in an orange vest, collar or bandana. A brown or black dog in the brush in November is hard to see.
- Walk midday. Hunting activity tends to be highest at dawn and dusk.
- Stay on trails and keep your dog leashed. It keeps them safe and close.
Need a vest? The Animal House in Nisswa (nisswapets.com), 24463 Hazelwood Dr, is a local pet shop; give them a call to see what's in stock.
Our homes and your dog
Good news: dogs are welcome at all four of our homes.
A few house rules that keep everyone happy:
- Dogs stay leashed on the property. Our lots are open and neighbors have pets too.
- Pick up after your dog, in the yard and on walks.
- Towel off after lake or trail time. Pack an old towel or two for muddy paws.
What our homes offer your pup:
- Clark Lake: 3.5 acres, a sandy beach, and the Paul Bunyan Trail directly across the street for easy morning walks.
- Lake Hubert: the trail is just down the street, and the sunroom with a gas fireplace is perfect for drying off.
- West Twin: 1.67 acres with a beach and dock.
- Gull Lake: a lawn path down to the lake and a year-round hot tub for the humans.
Trails for leashed walks
Paul Bunyan State Trail
The Paul Bunyan State Trail is a paved trail running right through Nisswa. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and you need to pick up after them. It's flat, easy and close to every one of our homes. It sits right across the road from Clark Lake.
Northland Arboretum, Brainerd
The Northland Arboretum in Brainerd welcomes leashed dogs on its hiking and snowshoe trails. Dogs are not allowed on the groomed ski trails once ski season starts. It's lovely on a gray November day.
Fritz Loven Park, Lake Shore
Fritz Loven Park, just west of Nisswa off County Road 77, has 80 acres of wooded trails along Stony Brook, plus snowshoeing in winter. Keep your pup leashed, and wear blaze orange during deer season.
A note on Whipple Beach, Baxter
Whipple Beach in Baxter is a lovely beach and rec area, but city rules don't allow pets on the beach. Leashed dogs are fine in Baxter's other parks, and the fenced Baxter Dog Park at Clearwater Park is off-leash.
Crow Wing State Park
Crow Wing State Park, south of Brainerd, allows dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet. You'll need a state park vehicle permit. Check the park page for hunting-season notices.
Off-leash fun: Buster Park
Buster Park at 1101 East River Rd in Brainerd is a free, fenced off-leash dog park, open dawn to dusk. It's the place to let them run.
Dog-friendly patios and stops
- Big Axe Brewing, Nisswa: dog-friendly patio, right on Main Street. Patio comfort depends on the weather in November!
- Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter: dog-friendly patio.
- Passport, Brainerd: has a "Pawsport" menu for dogs on its patio.
- Pampered Pets, Baxter: grooming, a pet wash, boarding and day care at 8301 Industrial Park Rd (appointments required).
Packing list for your pup
- Leash, plus a spare
- Blaze orange vest or bandana
- Food, bowls and treats
- Their bed or crate, so they feel at home
- Old towels for wet paws
- Paw balm or booties if it snows (road salt is rough on paws)
- Waste bags
- Vet records and your vet's phone number
Late fall lake safety
- Keep dogs off new ice. Early ice is thin and unpredictable. See DNR ice safety.
- Watch the cold water. Lake temperatures drop fast in November.
- Dusk comes early. By late November, it's dark before 5 pm. A light-up collar helps.
FAQ
Can I bring my dog to The Nordic?
Yes! Dogs are welcome at all four of our homes. They must be leashed on the property, and please pick up after them.
Do dogs need blaze orange during hunting season in Minnesota?
It's not legally required for dogs, but it's strongly recommended. People in many situations are required to wear it; see the DNR rules.
Is there an off-leash dog park near Nisswa?
Yes: Buster Park in Brainerd, a free fenced park open dawn to dusk.
Are dogs allowed on the Paul Bunyan Trail?
Yes, on a leash, and you must pick up after them.
Bring the whole family (fur included)
We hope you and your pup find the quiet, sniff-every-pine kind of vacation up here. For more November ideas, see Nisswa in November. Bringing the dog for the holiday? Our Thanksgiving at the Lake guide covers hosting a big group, pets included.
Book direct
Our best rate, no booking fees, straight from us. Book direct at bookingthenordicmn.com. Find your dates.
