It's no secret that city-dwelling dog owners struggle to find spaces for their four-legged friends to run off-leash. Tiny yards and crowded streets aren't exactly a dog's best friends, and most city dog parks tend to run small, lacking what the sprawling suburban parks offer. But nestled between St. Paul and Maplewood, Battle Creek Regional Dog Park is the best of both worlds. Part of the Ramsey County Park system, the densely wooded, 25-acre off-leash and fully fenced park is in a compact urban area, but it's so cleverly cushioned into nature that both you and your pooch will think you're miles away from a freeway or strip mall. It's the perfect destination for the man's best friend that needs more than a hurried neighborhood walk or a game of fetch in a cramped backyard. Battle Creek's well-groomed trails stretch in every direction, and getting lost among nature (while getting a good workout) is to be expected. Open fields and a swampy area also give your pup the option to socialize and run free with other dogs. Best of all, Battle Creek Dog Park is completely free, all day every day.