You’re driving down Territorial Road, just past Rogers, and you see a sign for Crow-Hassan Park Reserve. If you’re like most people, you’re probably expecting a standard city dog park. You know the type: a chain-link rectangle, some dusty gravel, and a few tired benches.
Honestly? That’s not what this is.
The Crow Hassan dog park—or more accurately, the off-leash exercise area—is basically a 40-acre slice of wild Minnesota prairie. It’s huge. It’s messy. It’s beautiful. And if you don't know the "unwritten" rules (and the literal ones), you might end up with a very stressed-out pup or a fine you didn't see coming.
It Is Not Fenced (Seriously, Listen Up)
This is the number one thing people get wrong.
When we say it’s a 40-acre off-leash area, your brain probably assumes there’s a massive perimeter fence keeping everyone in. There isn't. While there are some fenced boundaries along certain parts of the park, the entrance and several sections along the road are wide open.
If your dog has a "squirrel!" brain or a weak recall, this place is a gamble.
I’ve seen owners sprinting toward the road because their Golden Retriever saw a bird and forgot they exist. It’s scary. You’ve got to be honest with yourself about your dog's training before you unclip that leash. Basically, if they don't come back 10 out of 10 times when called, keep them on a long lead until you’re deep into the trails.
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The $6 "Secret" and Where to Pay
Don't be that person who ignores the kiosk.
Crow-Hassan is part of the Three Rivers Park District. Unlike your local neighborhood park that’s funded by city taxes, this one requires a permit. You can grab a daily pass for $6 or an annual one for around $45 (prices can shift slightly, but that's the ballpark).
- The Problem: Cell service at the trailhead is notoriously spotty.
- The Solution: Buy your pass online before you leave the house.
- The Reality: There are drop boxes for cash, but who carries exact change anymore?
They do check. Park rangers aren't there to be mean, but they do patrol the lots. It’s a $6 investment into keeping the 2,600-acre reserve maintained, so it's a fair trade.
Why This Park Is Different From Your Local Run
Most dog parks are for "socializing." Crow Hassan is for exploration.
The terrain is a mix of restored tallgrass prairie and dense woods. Because it’s so massive, you aren't just standing in a circle watching dogs sniff each other. You're hiking. You can easily clock 2 or 3 miles just wandering the off-leash loops.
The River Factor
The Crow River borders the park. It’s great for a cool-down, but it’s a wild river, not a manicured beach. Depending on the season, the banks can be incredibly muddy. I’m talking "need to hose the dog down for twenty minutes" muddy.
Also, keep an eye on the current. In the spring, when the snow melts, that water moves fast. If your dog isn't a strong swimmer, stay away from the edge during high-water months.
Hunting Dog Training
Here’s a quirky detail: Crow Hassan is one of the few places in the Twin Cities metro where people are allowed to train hunting dogs using "blanks" or starter pistols.
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If your dog is sound-sensitive, this might be a dealbreaker. You might hear a pop-pop-pop in the distance. It’s perfectly legal and part of the park's multi-use mission, but it catches a lot of casual hikers off guard.
Survival Tips for the Rogers/Hanover Area
I've spent a lot of time out here, and there are three things that will ruin your day if you aren't prepared.
- The Mosquitoes: In June and July, they aren't just bugs; they’re a localized weather event. Because of the river and the tall grass, the "skeeters" are brutal. Wear DEET. Use dog-safe repellent. Or just don't go at dusk.
- The Ticks: It’s a prairie. There are ticks. Lots of them. Check your dog (and your own ankles) before you get back in the car.
- Winter Prep: The park is open year-round, but the wind across that open prairie in January is no joke. It'll bite right through a light jacket.
Sharing the Space
You aren't the only ones out there. Crow Hassan Park Reserve is famous for its horse trails. While the horses have their own dedicated paths, there are places where trails intersect or run parallel.
Even in the off-leash area, you might see riders nearby. Always, always, always give horses the right of way. A spooked horse is a danger to itself, the rider, and your dog. Keep your pup close when you’re near the transition zones.
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What to Pack
- Water: There is a fountain near the entrance, but it’s turned off in the winter. Bring a gallon jug in the trunk.
- Towels: For the love of your car’s upholstery, bring at least two.
- Poop Bags: They provide them, but the dispensers sometimes run dry on busy Saturday afternoons.
- Physical Map: Or a screenshot of one. It’s easy to get turned around in the woods when every oak tree starts looking the same.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip to the Crow Hassan dog park, start by verifying your dog's recall in a large, fenced area first. Once you're confident, head to the Three Rivers Park District website and purchase your annual or daily pass so you don't have to fumble with your phone in a dead zone. Finally, check the weather and the "mosquito forecast"—if it’s been raining and it’s 80 degrees, maybe save the prairie hike for a breezier day.
Map out the "Off-Leash Area" specifically on the park’s PDF map, as the main entrance to the Park Reserve (where the horse trailers are) is separate from the dog park entrance further down the road.