Amazing Venues and Places in the Lake County Area That You Can Enjoy with Your Dogs

Oct 19, 2024

There’s a saying that our dogs are our best friends for a short while, but to them, we’re their best friend for their entire lives. Today, we’re bringing you some fantastic local area destinations that you can enjoy with your best paw pal, so you can get in a few extra hours of bonding time! Whether you’re looking for a place to socialize and meet new doggy pals, or you prefer a quiet, leisurely stroll just the two of you, we’ve got something for everyone’s puppy preference. Let’s take a “paws” in our hectic life to appreciate our furry friends this weekend!

Let us know some of your favorite places to pal around with your pooches! We’d love to hear all about it, so drop it in the comments below.

Robert McClorey Bike Path in Waukegan is a beautiful “rail trail” area spanning 25 miles for hiking, biking, and more. Looking to get into canicross? Well, this is a great venue to practice. The paths here are asphalt, concrete, and crushed stone and are bike, skate, and cross-country skiing friendly. It’s also a wheelchair accessible area, meaning disabled dog handlers can join in on the fun comfortably.

Lakewood Dog Park in Wauconda covers 80 acres and offers swimming areas, walking paths, and large grassy areas where your dogs can roam free. Well-mannered, friendly dogs are more than welcomed here with a permit membership that can be purchased online; daily admission and annual pass options are available. Your dog can try a little bit of everything nature has to offer, and explore safely in a dog-friendly environment for your peace of mind!

Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha sprawls across 360 acres of land, and includes the Carlisle Family Dog Park! You and your pup can enjoy some fun in the sun and fresh air with plenty of wooded trails, open picnic areas, and leashed playtime sessions. For the off-leash loving pups, you’ll want to head over to the Carlisle Dog Park where they can have much more freedom to roam without a tether.

Equinox Botanical Boutique in Kenosha is perfect for a day of pet-friendly plant shopping. Stroll through the boutique with your leashed, well-mannered dog and enjoy some window shopping or seasonal plant purchasing. It’s a great place to give your dog some healthy socialization to new environments, smells, and sounds in a pet-friendly location.

Oak Leaf Trail in Oak Creek is part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy program, much like the Bike Path in Waukegan. This trail winds along a decommissioned railroad corridor, providing natural enrichment and exercise for dogs and their humans. Please note, there is a 6-ft leash law here, and pets must be tethered at all times; no off-leash dogs permitted and pet waste must be picked up and disposed of immediately.

Duck Farm Dog Park in Lake Villa features 48-acres of fenced in area for your off-leash adventure seeking pups! You and your dogs can enjoy numerous options from open fields to grass trails to water features. Access is granted via daily or annual passes, and includes all 5 off-leash dog areas.

Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove is great for a weekend get together with your dog-loving pals. This Bavarian themed brewery welcomes leashed dogs to the taproom, biergarten, patio seating, and the lawn area. It’s a local favorite!

McHenry Outdoor Theater in McHenry offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a movie under the stars with your faithful canine companion! Dog handlers are kindly requested to keep their pup quiet so as not to disturb other movie goers, and to clean up after any potty breaks. It’s a super fun way to spend a few hours with your car-obsessed pal! Pack ‘em up for a car ride and then snuggle up with their favorite snacks and blankie for a screening.

Macushla Brewing Co in Glenview offers numerous craft brews and dining with your leashed, well-mannered pup on the patio or in the taproom. No snacks? No problem! Hop over to the next door neighbor restaurants from Hackney’s or Flaco’s Tacos and grab a bite to eat

Harbor Brewing Company in Lake Villa welcomes your pawpals both indoors and out at hte brewery and the taproom! Enjoy a weekly rotation of fine craft brews and a BYO-Food and snacks environment. Don’t forget to include your furbaby in your meal plans!

Gillson Dog Beach in Wilmette is available to locals and visitors for a fee entry (residents of Wilmette receive a discount, out-of-town residents will pay $200+ for annual access). Dogs are allowed off-leash in designated areas, but are expected to be well-managed and monitored by handlers, as well as having proof of vaccination.

Skokie Lagoons in Winnetka covers an impressive 894 acres, 36 miles of which are dog friendly paved and unpaved hiking, biking, and walking trails. Leashes are required and there is no off-leash dog park area, and there are recent sightings of coyotes and other animals roaming the area, so please be mindful to obey leash laws for everyone and your dogs’ safety.