McKinley Dog Park is the Chicago Park District’s off-leash Dog Friendly Area inside McKinley Park, at 2230 W. Pershing Road on the city’s Southwest Side. It covers about 12,000 square feet, has a separate area for small dogs, and is looked after by a neighborhood volunteer council, which makes it a solid choice for a regular run.
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What the McKinley dog park is like
The dog area sits in the southwest corner of McKinley Park, next to the outdoor pool decks and southwest of the fieldhouse, according to McKinley Park News (8 January 2019). The same report put its size at about 12,000 square feet, with separate sections for large and small dogs, a dog drinking fountain, several ground surfaces, and new trees and benches.
The McKinley Dog Park Advisory Council, the volunteer group that campaigned for the space, lists these features:
- about 12,000 square feet of fenced, off-leash space
- a small-dog area
- two water fountains for people and pets
- free pick-up bags, paid for through the council’s fundraising
When the park had its soft opening in early 2020, McKinley Park News reported that the asphalt surface still needed to be color-coated once the weather warmed, and that the water would be switched on in the warmer months. We could not confirm whether the coating was done, so check how hot the asphalt is on a summer day before your dog runs on it.
Quick facts
- Address: 2230 W. Pershing Road, Chicago, IL 60609 (Chicago Park District)
- Hours: 6am to 11pm daily (the park’s posted hours)
- Size: about 12,000 sq ft
- Small-dog area: yes
- Water: two people-and-pet fountains, seasonal
- Cost: free, but a Park District dog permit is needed
Like every Park District dog area, it needs a current permit and tag on your dog; our Chicago city guide explains how to get one.
How the dog park came about
Neighbors started working on the project in 2014, according to the advisory council. In January 2019 McKinley Park News reported that the City Council had approved $400,000 of Tax Increment Financing from the Archer/Western TIF district to build it, with the council raising further money through its own events. Construction was planned for 2019, and the council says the park opened in January 2020.
The council is an officially recognized Park Advisory Council, with the Chicago Parks Foundation as its fiscal sponsor. In July 2020 it launched a donation drive to cover maintenance, cleaning supplies, programming and events, noting that just a few small monthly gifts would keep the bag dispensers stocked. If you use the park often, that is a practical way to help keep it running.
About McKinley Park
The dog area is a small part of a 71.75-acre park with a long history. The South Park Commission named the park in October 1901, a month after President William McKinley was assassinated, and it opened in 1902 on the site of the former Brighton Park Race Track. The Chicago Park District says more than 10,000 people came to the dedication on 13 June 1902, and that its success led to a whole system of South Side neighborhood parks that influenced park design across the United States.
The park is bounded by Archer Avenue and 37th Street on the north, Pershing Road on the south, Damen Avenue on the east and Western Boulevard on the west. A statue of McKinley by sculptor Charles Mulligan, unveiled on 4 July 1905, stands in the northwest corner at Archer and Western. There is also a large lagoon beside a natural area of native prairie, savanna and aquatic plants, and a fieldhouse built in 1916 by D.H. Burnham & Company.
Other facilities listed by the Park District include an outdoor pool, water playground, ice rink, fishing area, community garden, picnic grove, paths and trails, and sports fields and courts.
Walking your dog in the rest of the park
Your dog can walk the paths around the lagoon with you on a leash; off-leash play is only for the fenced dog area.
Getting there
The dog area is at the park’s Pershing Road and Western Boulevard corner. CTA bus route 49 Western runs along Western Avenue, beside the park’s west edge.
Nearby dog spots
- Wentworth Park Dog Park, farther southwest in Garfield Ridge
- Bronzeville Dog Park (Park No. 590), to the east in Grand Boulevard
- Fred Anderson Dog Park in the South Loop
- More options in the Chicago city guide and the list of all Chicago dog parks
McKinley dog park FAQ
Where exactly is McKinley Dog Park?
It is in the southwest corner of McKinley Park, near Pershing Road and Western Boulevard, next to the outdoor pool. The Park District’s address is 2230 W. Pershing Road, Chicago, IL 60609.
Does McKinley Dog Park have a small-dog area?
Yes. Both the advisory council and McKinley Park News describe separate areas for small and large dogs.
What are the hours?
The Park District lists McKinley Park as open from 6am to 11pm daily. At the 2020 soft opening, McKinley Park News reported expected hours of 6am to 9pm, so check any signs at the gate.
Is there water for dogs?
Yes, there are two fountains for people and pets. They are switched on in the warmer months.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: McKinley Dog Friendly Area, Chicago Park District: McKinley (William) Park, McKinley Dog Park Advisory Council, McKinley Park News (8 Jan 2019), McKinley Park News (5 Feb 2020), McKinley Park News (7 Jul 2020), Wikipedia: McKinley Park, CTA route 49. Park details change, so check before you go.