The Portage Park dog park is a compact off-leash area in the northwest corner of Portage Park, a 38-acre park on Chicago’s Northwest Side. The Chicago Park District (CPD) says it was developed in 2011; it is small, with a dog drinking fountain, and best for a short run close to home.
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Portage Park dog park at a glance
- Address: 4100 N. Long, Chicago, IL 60641
- Location in the park: south of Berteau and west of the service yard
- Size: CPD gives 0.09 acres on the dog area page and 3,000 square feet on the park page
- Water: doggie drinking fountain
- Hours: 6am–11pm daily (Portage Park hours)
- Opened: 2011
Where the dog area sits
Portage Park stretches from Irving Park Road north to Berteau Avenue, between Central and Long avenues. The dog area shares the park’s Long Avenue address, but CPD’s history places it at the park’s northwest corner, and the dog area page puts it “south of Berteau and west of service yard.” Head for the Berteau (north) end of the park rather than the decorative gateway at Irving Park and Central.
Off-leash play is allowed only inside the dog area; each dog needs a CPD permit tag, which our Chicago city guide covers.
What to expect inside
This is one of the smaller CPD dog areas. The two CPD figures differ a little: 0.09 acres on the facility page and 3,000 square feet (about 0.07 acres) on the park page. Either way, there is not much room for long sprints, and it will feel busy with only a handful of dogs.
The one feature CPD lists is a doggie drinking fountain. CPD does not say what the surface is, whether there is shade, or whether small dogs have their own section, so we have left those out.
Who you’ll meet at the Portage Park dog park
The Portage Park dog park’s biggest asset, according to Google reviews read in September 2026, is its community. Reviewers often describe knowledgeable, responsible owners, and one said regulars explain their dogs’ play style and limits to newcomers. Another reported that the regulars were patient with an anxious rescue, which is encouraging if your dog is shy. One visitor singled out the morning crew for high-energy play.
On size, reviewers find it adequate for a small run: room to stretch legs and play fetch, while small enough to keep your dog in sight. One called it never overcrowded.
Reviewers describe a paved surface, some shade and water for dogs, and several mention kiddie pools for cooling off in summer. One wished for grass instead of concrete on hot days, and another mentioned a quieter zone where dogs can take a break.
As at any busy dog park, watch for reactive dogs and step in early if play gets rough.
Portage Park: more than a dog run
Portage Park dates to 1913, when the Old Portage Park District acquired the land. CPD says the name refers to nearby routes “used by Native Americans and fur traders to portage their canoes between the Des Plaines and Chicago Rivers.” The prairie-style fieldhouse was designed by Clarence Hatzfeld in 1922.
The park also has a notable swimming history. The Olympic-size outdoor pool was installed in 1959 for the Pan American Games, and in 1972, CPD notes, the park hosted the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, “where Gold Medalist Mark Spitz set new world’s records.”
Leashed walks in the park
Beyond the pools, tennis courts and ball fields, CPD lists a bike path, a nature walk and the Portage Nature Garden. These make a good leashed loop before or after time in the dog area. The park also has three artworks, “Canoes,” “Hive” and “The Nature of the Place.”
Nearby dog parks
- Norwood Park Dog Park: a similar small dog area on the Avondale side of Norwood Park, farther northwest.
- Kosciuszko Park Dog Park: a gated CPD dog area in Logan Square.
- Horner Park Dog Park: a bigger dog area in Irving Park if you want more space.
See all Chicago dog parks for the full list.
FAQ
Where is the dog park in Portage Park?
It is in the northwest corner of the park, south of Berteau and west of the service yard. CPD’s address for it is 4100 N. Long, Chicago, IL 60641.
How big is the Portage Park dog park?
It is small: CPD lists 0.09 acres on the facility page and 3,000 square feet on the park page.
When did the Portage Park dog park open?
CPD says the dog friendly area was developed in 2011.
Is there water at the Portage Park dog park?
Yes, CPD lists a doggie drinking fountain.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Portage Dog Friendly Area, Chicago Park District: Portage Park, Wikipedia: Portage Park (park boundaries). Park details change, so check before you go.