Battle Creek Dog Park is run by Ramsey County Park & Rec and a dedicated group of volunteers.  It is considered by many to be the best dog park in the metro area.  Click here to see the WCCO video stating just that.

Another plus is that Battle Creek Dog Park is totally FREE!  A permit is not required and parking is plentiful and free.  However, donations from those that can afford it are greatly appreciated.

Battle Creek Off-Leash Dog Park is in Maplewood, Minnesota. It is a spacious 35 acre area that is fully fenced in. The dog park has miles of wooded trails, two small ponds and one larger swimming pond that is fenced off, 3 entrance gates*, two "playgrounds" and lots of friendly people. There is no water (besides the ponds), so be sure to bring some.

As described at A Little Brown Blog
The off-leash area contains two social area fields and several ponds nestled in rolling hills. There is plenty of room to play with others or stroll in solitude. Recent improvements include lots of benches, clean poop bag boxes, trash cans and wood chips for the paths.

Hours:
Dawn to Dusk

Directions:
I94 (near 3M) to McKnight Road. Travel south on McKnight Road and then turn left (east) at either Upper Afton Road (parking lot is first right) or Lower Afton Road (parking lot is first left) and park in one of the lots. The dog park area isn't signed.

*Entrances:

1. From the north parking lot (off of Upper Afton Road, "A" on the map) you'll see the gated entrance.
2. From the south parking lot (off of Lower Afton Road)--from the Porta-Potty look up the hill to your left.  When you get to the top of the hill you'll see the gated entrance.
3. Pedestrian gate just off of the McKnight Road walking path.

Notes: 

• There have been break-ins, do not leave valuables in your car.
• There are great paved trails for on-leash walks on the east side of Battle Creek Park (note paved trail in map)
• On the north side of Upper Afton Road there are paved trails for more on-leash walks in an open groomed area.  There is also a playground there and a water park.