Doggies Welcome
Larrabee Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Larrabee Dog Park at Ward Park, Chicago: River North Dog Area

Larrabee dog park is the name many maps and listings use for the Ward Dog Friendly Area, a fenced off-leash space in A. Montgomery Ward Park in River North, with its own entrance on Larrabee Street just north of Erie Street. It is the off-leash option right by the river in River North, but note that dogs are not allowed in the rest of Ward Park.

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How the Larrabee dog park works

The River North Residents Association (RNRA), which supports the park, explains the setup clearly: “Dogs are not allowed in the main park area. There is a Dog Friendly Area (DFA) outside of the main park with a separate entrance located on Larrabee St. just north of Erie St.” It describes the dog area as “a fenced, off-leash area for supervised dog recreation.”

That split matters when you visit. The riverside promenade and the playground are in the main park, so your dog cannot join you there, even on a leash. Use the Larrabee Street gate and keep your visit inside the dog area.

The Park District’s own listing for the Ward Dog Friendly Area gives few details beyond its address and parent park. It does not list the size, surface or features, so we have left those out rather than guess. A DFA permit tag is needed for each dog; our Chicago city guide explains the permit.

Two addresses, one dog area

You will see different addresses for this spot. The Chicago Park District lists the Ward Dog Friendly Area at 630 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL 60606, which is the address for the whole of Ward Park. The dog area entrance is on Larrabee Street, which is why many dog owners call it the Larrabee dog park. If you are using a map app, navigate to Larrabee and Erie and walk north to the gate.

Ward Park and the river

Ward Park is a 3.10-acre park along the North Branch of the Chicago River. The Park District says it acquired the southern two acres in 2000, and Centrum Properties donated another acre in 2003. Wolff Landscape Architects and Peter Walker and Partners designed it around the river, with “a river walk promenade complete with benches and shade trees” and views of the water and skyline.

Other features in the main park include a playground, a spray pool, a mosaic wall and Sheila Klein’s sculpture “Commemorative Ground Ring,” which is shaped like an engagement ring and includes a skyscraper and a three-part Chicago window. RNRA adds that the park has a river edge habitat and a water taxi stop, and hosts events such as the Taste of River North and a summer movie series.

The park was named in 2010 for Aaron Montgomery Ward, who founded the world’s first large mail-order house in 1872. The Park District notes his legal fights to protect open space on the lakefront made him known as the “Watchdog of the Lakefront.” Downtown dog owners can see the result at the Grant Park dog park.

Getting there

  • ‘L’: the Chicago station on the Brown and Purple lines is at 300 W. Chicago Ave., roughly half a mile from the Larrabee gate.
  • Bus: that station lists connections to the #37 Sedgwick and #66 Chicago buses.
  • On foot: most visitors walk from nearby River North buildings. Check the CTA pet rules in the city guide before bringing a dog on transit.

Quick facts

  • Park District address: 630 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, IL 60606
  • Dog area entrance: Larrabee St., just north of Erie St.
  • Parent park: Ward (A. Montgomery) Park, 3.10 acres
  • Hours: 6am–11pm daily
  • Fencing: fenced, off-leash (per RNRA)
  • Dogs in the main park: not allowed
  • Cost: free, with a Park District DFA tag

Other dog areas near River North

Follow Larrabee Street north for about a mile and you reach the new Near North Park dog park at Park No. 598, which has separate large and small dog areas. Across the river in the New Eastside is the Lakeshore East dog park, and west of the river is the West Loop 569 dog park. See all Chicago dog parks for the rest.

Larrabee dog park FAQ

Where is the entrance to the Larrabee dog park?

The entrance is on Larrabee Street just north of Erie Street, separate from the main entrance to Ward Park, according to the River North Residents Association.

Can I walk my dog on the Ward Park riverwalk?

No. RNRA says dogs are not allowed in the main park area, which includes the river promenade. Dogs are only allowed in the dog friendly area.

Is the Larrabee dog park fenced?

Yes. RNRA describes it as a fenced, off-leash area for supervised dog play.

What are the Larrabee dog park hours?

Ward Park is open 6am to 11pm daily, per the Chicago Park District.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Ward Dog Friendly Area, Chicago Park District: Ward (A. Montgomery) Park, Chicago Park District: Dog Friendly Areas, River North Residents Association: A. Montgomery Ward Park, CTA: Chicago (Brown/Purple) station. Park details change, so check before you go.

Wicker Park Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Wicker Park Dog Park, Chicago: The Rebuilt “Wicker Bark” Run

The Wicker Park dog park, known locally as Wicker Bark, is the Chicago Park District dog area in the southwest corner of Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave. It reopened in November 2025 after a volunteer-led rebuild that added artificial turf, agility boulders and a large sun shade. It’s a good pick for sociable dogs that like to wrestle and climb, though big and small dogs share one space.

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What the rebuilt Wicker Park dog park has

The Wicker Park Advisory Council, which ran the project through its Wicker Bark Committee, says the new layout is 25% bigger, giving almost 6,000 square feet of off-leash space. That lines up with the Park District’s own figure of 0.14 acres for the dog area.

  • Surfaces: an artificial turf run and play area, plus what the council calls “paw-friendly sealed and colored asphalt.”
  • Things to climb: agility boulders set into the play area.
  • Shade: a large sun shade structure, which matters on a hot afternoon.
  • Water: a new drinking fountain built for both people and dogs.
  • Seating: several seating areas for owners.

Neither the council nor the Park District mentions a separate small-dog section, so plan for a mixed crowd. If your small dog needs its own pen, Walsh Park’s dog area (see below) was split by size when it reopened in 2015.

Why Wicker Bark needed a rebuild

The council dates the dog area to about 1997 and calls it one of Chicago’s first designated dog friendly areas. After more than 25 years of hard use, its list of problems was long: fencing that was “originally designed to blend into the historic nature of Wicker Park,” with most of its posts “completely rotted through from dog urine”; pickets that weren’t built to dog-park standards, which was a hazard for small dogs; gravel beds that barely drained; and cracked asphalt that tore paw pads.

Block Club Chicago reported on 20 May 2025 that the dog park had closed as the renovation began, and on 14 November 2025 that it would reopen that Saturday. The council held its grand opening on Saturday 15 November. By the council’s account, more than $500,000 came in, including $250,000 from State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, $175,000 from 1st Ward Ald. Daniel La Spata, $75,000 from the Park District, $50,000 from SSA #33, which the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce manages, and about $100,000 from individual residents.

The council still looks for volunteers and sponsors to help keep the space in shape; details are on wickerpark.org.

The park around it

Wicker Park is a 4.74-acre park in the West Town community area, open 6am to 11pm daily. The Park District places the dog area at the corner of Wicker Park Avenue and Evergreen Avenue.

It is one of the older parks in the city. Businessmen Charles G. and Joel H. Wicker gave the four-acre parcel to the City in 1870. It first had an artificial lake, which was filled in and turned to lawn by 1890. A decorative fountain followed between 1892 and 1895, and in 1908 landscape architect Jens Jensen swapped its cast-iron centerpiece for a jet spray. Today the park has a fieldhouse, a playground with water spray, a ball field, basketball courts and 10,000 square feet of ornamental gardens that volunteers from the Wicker Park Garden Club designed, fund and maintain.

Each dog using Wicker Bark needs a Park District dog-area permit tag; our Chicago city guide covers how to get one.

Getting there

The CTA Blue Line’s Damen station is at 1558 N. Damen Ave., about a block and a half north of the park, and the #50, #56 and #72 buses stop there.

Quick facts

  • Address: 1425 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 (Wicker Park Ave. and Evergreen Ave. corner)
  • Hours: 6am–11pm daily
  • Size: 0.14 acres (almost 6,000 sq ft)
  • Surface: artificial turf and sealed, colored asphalt
  • Water and shade: people-and-dog drinking fountain; large sun shade
  • Permit: Park District dog-area tag required

Other dog parks near Wicker Park

Three more dog areas are a short trip north and west. Churchill Park dog park is about half a mile up Damen, right beside the 606 trail. Walsh Park dog park sits at the trail’s Ashland Avenue end and reopened in 2015 with separate pens for small and large dogs. For more room, Logan Square Dog Park was reported at about 8,000 square feet when it opened. See all Chicago dog parks for the rest of the city.

FAQ

Is the Wicker Park dog park open?

Yes. It closed in May 2025 for a full rebuild and reopened in mid-November 2025. The park is open 6am to 11pm daily.

Do I need a permit for Wicker Park dog park?

Yes. Like every Chicago Park District dog area, it requires a permit tag for each dog. The Chicago city guide explains the process.

Is there a small-dog area at Wicker Bark?

No separate small-dog area is mentioned by the Park District or the advisory council, so small and large dogs share the space.

What surface does the Wicker Park dog park have?

Since the 2025 rebuild it has an artificial turf run and play area plus sealed, colored asphalt, replacing the old gravel beds and cracked asphalt.

Is there water and shade?

Yes. There is a drinking fountain designed for both people and dogs, and a large sun shade structure.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Wicker Dog Friendly Area, Chicago Park District: Wicker (Charles, Joel) Park, Wicker Park Advisory Council: About Wicker Bark, Block Club Chicago (20 May 2025, 14 Nov 2025), CTA: Damen (Blue Line). Park details change, so check before you go.

River Park Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

River Park Dog Park, Chicago: Small Run Where the River Forks

River Park dog park is a small off-leash run, about a tenth of an acre, just southeast of the fieldhouse in River Park at 5100 N. Francisco Ave., on Chicago’s North Side. It is best for a quick play session with a dog drinking fountain on hand, and the real draw is the park around it, which sits where the North Branch of the Chicago River and the North Shore Channel split.

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The River Park dog park itself

The Chicago Park District calls this spot the River Dog Friendly Area and describes it in one line: “.10 acres, located southeast of fieldhouse,” with a doggie drinking fountain. That is small. It works well for a few dogs at a time or for a dog that likes a quieter, closer space, but it is not the place for long sprints or big group play. If your dog needs more room, the much larger Horner Park dog park is downriver in Irving Park.

The Park District lists no separate small-dog section here, and it does not describe the surface or fencing. Every dog needs a Park District dog-area tag; our Chicago city guide explains how to get one.

A riverside park worth the leashed walk

River Park covers 28.8 acres at the point where, in the Park District’s words, “the Chicago River and canal converge.” The park district highlights its “rich wildlife habitat, excellent fishing, and a canoe launch,” and there is a natural area as well as the usual fields and courts. Block Club Chicago describes the park as straddling the Albany Park and Lincoln Square neighborhoods.

That setting makes River Park a good place to pair a short off-leash session with a longer leashed walk. The Park District’s history notes that work on a boat launch and river walk began in fall 1999 along the south side of the North Branch.

The boathouse and launches

The River Park boathouse opened in 2014, joining Park District boathouses at Ping Tom, Clark Park and Park No. 571. It now runs as RiverLab, on the west side of the river, which the Park District says offers canoeing, fishing and river education. The Park District lists two boat launches, one above the dam and one below it, and says the accessible launch for human-powered craft is free for public use. Block Club Chicago reported in October 2023 that the boathouse was due for upgrades to expand its education and storage space, paid for by the Lawrence/Kedzie TIF district, with work due to finish by the end of 2024; we could not confirm it was completed.

A century-old park

River Park is the largest of six parks created by the River Park District, which Northwest Side residents set up in 1917 along the North Branch and the North Shore Channel. It was one of 22 independent park commissions merged into the Chicago Park District in 1934.

The site opened on July 4, 1920, when the district dedicated a new flagpole to neighborhood children. Landscape work in 1927, based on a 1926 plan, added lawns, playgrounds, athletic fields, paths for walking, cycling and horseback riding, and a footbridge over the North Branch dam and waterfall. Architect Clarence Hatzfeld’s brick fieldhouse went up in 1929 with a 300-seat assembly hall. The pool followed in 1948, and the park grew in 1962 when the Park District leased more land from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

Other things at River Park

  • Seven tennis courts, two baseball fields and an artificial-turf soccer field
  • A running track and a sand volleyball court
  • A swimming pool and a water spray feature
  • Two playgrounds (east and west)
  • A fieldhouse with a gym and an auditorium

Quick facts

  • Address: 5100 N. Francisco Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
  • Where in the park: southeast of the fieldhouse
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (park hours)
  • Size: 0.10 acres
  • Water: doggie drinking fountain
  • Cost: free to enter; CPD Dog Friendly Area tag required

More dog parks on the North Side

For a big run with a separate area for small dogs, head to the Horner Park dog park. Toward the lake, the Challenger Park dog park is by the Red Line in Uptown and Puptown is in Margate Park in Uptown. For the full list, see all Chicago dog parks.

River Park dog park FAQ

How big is River Park dog park?

The Park District lists it at 0.10 acres, about a tenth of an acre, so it is one of the smaller runs in the city.

Where is the dog park in River Park?

Southeast of the fieldhouse. The park address is 5100 N. Francisco Ave.

Is there water at River Park dog park?

Yes. The Park District lists a doggie drinking fountain.

What are River Park dog park hours?

It keeps River Park’s hours, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Does River Park dog park have a small-dog area?

The Park District lists no separate small-dog section, so dogs of all sizes share the one run.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: River Dog Friendly Area, Chicago Park District: River Park, Chicago Park District: Dog Friendly Areas, Block Club Chicago (Oct 10, 2023). Park details change, so check before you go.

Puptown Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Puptown Dog Park, Chicago: Margate Park’s Dog Area in Uptown

Puptown dog park is the off-leash dog area in Margate Park, at Lawrence Avenue near Sheridan Road in Uptown on Chicago’s North Side. The Chicago Park District (CPD) lists it at 0.38 acres with a doggie drinking fountain, a good size for a proper run.

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Puptown in brief

  • Address: 4900 N Marine Drive, Chicago, IL 60640
  • Location: at Lawrence and Sheridan, in Margate Park
  • Size: 0.38 acres
  • Water: doggie drinking fountain
  • Hours: 6am–11pm daily (Margate Park hours)
  • Parking: metered parking at Margate Park

What Puptown dog park is like

CPD describes Puptown in one line: “4900 N Marine Drive .38 acres, located at Lawrence and Sheridan. Doggie drinking fountain.” That is roomy for a city dog area: the dog areas at Norwood Park and Portage Park are each listed at about a third of that or less.

CPD does not publish the surface, shade or whether there is a separate area for small dogs, and the Puptown volunteer website was not reachable when we checked. What visitors report about the surface and shade is summarized below.

Each dog using Puptown needs a CPD dog-area permit tag; the Chicago city guide covers the permit.

What regulars say about Puptown

Google reviews read in September 2026 describe Puptown as a clean, well-kept neighborhood run with a sociable crowd. Reviewers often mention responsible, respectful owners, and most find it roomy enough for a proper run. One regular added that there are usually enough dogs around for plenty of play.

CPD does not publish the surface, but reviewers consistently describe pavement or concrete edged with gravel, and no grass. Some wish it had grass; others like that their dogs come home clean. Reviewers mention the dog fountains, and a long-time visitor reported that the water runs in spring and summer and is turned off in cold weather. That same visitor said there is some shade but the paving gets hot, so they skip the hottest days; another mentioned small pools their dogs enjoy.

A couple of reviews mention owners on their phones while reactive dogs play. As at any well-used run, keep your own dog in view, especially near the gate.

Margate Park and the lakefront

Margate Park sits east of Sheridan Road, midway between Foster and Lawrence Avenues, and CPD says the fieldhouse sits within the grounds of Lincoln Park, the long lakefront park. The park’s main address is 4921 N. Marine Drive.

Beyond the dog area, CPD lists a fieldhouse with a gymnasium and fitness center, the Bill Hersh Playground, the Edgewater Meadows Community Gardens, a baseball field and picnic groves. Dogs must be leashed everywhere outside Puptown.

Getting to Puptown

By car

CPD says Margate Park has metered parking on-site through Chicago Park District Parking, which is handy if you are driving in with a dog.

By ‘L’

The rebuilt Lawrence Red Line station at 1120 W. Lawrence Ave. reopened on July 20, 2025, with elevators and escalators at the main entrances, according to the CTA. By the street grid, Puptown is roughly half a mile east along Lawrence; the CTA does not give a walking distance. Check the city guide’s CTA notes before bringing your dog on the train.

Nearby dog spots

Puptown dog park FAQ

Where is Puptown dog park in Chicago?

It is in Margate Park in Uptown, at Lawrence and Sheridan. CPD’s address is 4900 N Marine Drive, Chicago, IL 60640.

How big is Puptown?

CPD lists Puptown at 0.38 acres.

Is there parking at Puptown dog park?

Yes. Margate Park has metered parking on-site, according to CPD.

What are Puptown’s hours?

Margate Park is open 6am to 11pm daily, and Puptown follows those hours.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Puptown, Chicago Park District: Margate Park, CTA: new Red Line stations to open July 20. Park details change, so check before you go.

Pottawattomie Park Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Pottawattomie Park Dog Park, Chicago: Rogers Park Dog Area by Metra

The Pottawattomie Park dog park is an off-leash area at the north end of Pottawattomie Park in Rogers Park, on Chicago’s Far North Side. It runs along the Metra tracks, has a doggie drinking fountain, and the Chicago Park District (CPD) notes a small-dog area.

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Key details

  • Address: 7340 N. Rogers Ave., Chicago, IL 60626 (the park’s address)
  • Where to find it: east of Wolcott and south of Birchwood, at the north end of the park
  • Water: doggie drinking fountain
  • Small dogs: CPD lists a small dog area
  • Hours: 6am–11pm daily (Pottawattomie Park hours)
  • Community area: Rogers Park

Finding the Pottawattomie Park dog park

The dog area shares the park’s Rogers Avenue address, so use CPD’s directions rather than the street number. CPD describes it as tucked into “the northeast corner of the park along the Metra tracks,” behind the townhomes at 7403–27 N. Wolcott. Its own facility page puts it “east of Wolcott and south of Birchwood at north end of park.” By CPD’s description, Birchwood Avenue is the nearest street to aim for.

Because it sits right beside the Metra tracks, expect passing trains; that is worth knowing if your dog is nervous around loud noises.

What the dog area has

CPD’s listing is short: “Small dog area. Doggie drinking fountain.” It does not say whether the small-dog space is fenced off from the main area or how big either part is, and we could not find an official figure for the size.

CPD does not describe the surface or shade either, so we have left those out. You will need a CPD permit tag for each dog, as at every city dog area; see the Chicago city guide for how that works.

What visitors like, and what they don’t

Google reviews read in September 2026 describe a modest neighborhood dog area with a loyal local following. Several reviewers point out that it is tucked away at the back of the park and not visible from the street, so first-timers can struggle to find it; one noted that the walk in gives dogs a warm-up before they arrive.

Reviewers often mention a gate that splits the area into two sections, each with its own entrance, which is handy for small dogs or a dog that needs space. They also describe a pebble or rock surface rather than grass, which one said makes pick-up easier, and one reviewer mentioned benches, shade and a kiddie pool in summer. Opinions on upkeep are mixed: several call it clean and well maintained, while others say it could use more care and that unscooped waste gets lost among the pebbles, so check where your dog steps.

Most reviewers find the owners polite and watchful, though one felt people here tend to keep their dogs apart. One visitor also mentioned a Santa photo day in early December; the Dog Park Committee’s Facebook group is the place to check whether it is running.

The park around it

Pottawattomie Park covers 9.4 acres. CPD’s history says the Ridge Avenue Park District bought the land in 1931 after the Birchwood Improvement Association pushed for a community center. The park joined the Chicago Park District in 1934 and grew through land purchases between 1949 and 1956. Its name honors the Potawatomi people, who lived in the Chicago area until they were forced west after the 1832 Black Hawk War.

Today the park has three baseball fields, a turf soccer field, basketball, pickleball courts, two playgrounds with a spray pool, a community garden and an air-conditioned fieldhouse. A painting from the Works Progress Administration era hangs in the fieldhouse. Outside the dog area, dogs must stay leashed.

Who looks after it

The 49th Ward lists both a Pottawattomie Park Advisory Council and a Pottawattomie Dog Park Committee, which has a Facebook group. CPD says the advisory council meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7pm, a good place to raise issues with the dog area.

More dog parks on the North Side lakefront

Pottawattomie Park dog park questions

Does the Pottawattomie Park dog park have a small-dog area?

CPD lists a small dog area, but it does not say whether it is separated from the main space.

Where is the dog park in Pottawattomie Park?

At the north end of the park, east of Wolcott and south of Birchwood, along the Metra tracks.

Is there water for dogs?

Yes, CPD lists a doggie drinking fountain.

Is there a group for the dog park?

Yes. The 49th Ward lists a Pottawattomie Dog Park Committee alongside the park’s advisory council.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Pottawattomie Dog Friendly Area, Chicago Park District: Pottawattomie Park, 49th Ward: Park Advisory Councils. Park details change, so check before you go.

Portage Park Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Portage Park Dog Park, Chicago: Corner Dog Area in a Historic Park

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

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.

West Loop 569 Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

West Loop 569 Dog Park, Chicago: Half-Acre Volunteer-Backed Bark Park

The West Loop 569 dog park is a Chicago Park District dog area at 1358 W. Monroe St., on the north side of the street between Throop and Loomis, across from Skinner Park. At 0.46 acres it’s one of the roomier runs near downtown. A volunteer group keeps it stocked with shade, water features and balls, so it’s a strong choice for dogs that want to run and cool off.

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A park built for dogs

Officially it’s Park No. 569, and the Park District describes it simply as “this small dog park,” 0.46 acres in the Near West community. The dog area is the only facility the Park District lists here. According to the Park District, it acquired the city-owned lot at Loomis and Monroe in 2015 and developed it into a park with a dog friendly area.

Day to day, the park is backed by The West Loop 569 Bark Park, a volunteer group that calls it “a 100% donation funded park.” The group describes a “half acre play area” with tree-shaded walkways, a rockery and turf, a mix of turf, concrete and rock surfaces, canopy sun shades and water features, including splash pools. It says it also provides tennis balls and ball launchers, seating and poop bags around the park.

The Park District doesn’t list a separate small-dog area here, and the volunteer group doesn’t describe one either.

Quick facts

  • Address: 1358 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60607 (between Throop and Loomis)
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
  • Size: 0.46 acres
  • Surfaces: turf, concrete and rock (per the volunteer group)
  • Shade: trees and canopy sun shades
  • Water: water features and splash pools
  • Permit: Chicago Park District DFA tag

As at any Park District dog area, your dog will need a DFA tag from a participating vet. The Chicago city guide has the details.

Who looks after the West Loop 569 dog park

The volunteer group’s donations page says gifts pay for “maintenance services to keep the park a safe and clean place,” including monthly power washing. Its volunteers run three committees: fundraising, a “Poop Scoop Patrol” with flexible days and hours, and event-day helpers. A “Daily Doggy Duties” sign at the park lists what needs doing.

The group also hosts events. Its 2026 calendar lists a Puppy Prom in May, the park’s birthday party in August and a Howl-O-Ween party on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It also mentions breed meet-ups and partnerships with local businesses. Check the group’s events page or its Instagram, @westloop569, for current dates.

One date differs between sources. The volunteer group says the park has been running “since 2014,” while the Park District says it acquired the site in 2015. We give both rather than pick one.

Around Skinner Park

Across Monroe Street is Skinner Park, the Park District’s 7.01-acre neighborhood park at 1331 W. Adams St. It runs the programming for this area, since Park No. 569 has none of its own.

Skinner has a long history. It was set aside in 1848 as Jefferson Park and soon improved with lawn, trees and a small lake, and Theodore Dreiser featured it in Sister Carrie. It was renamed in 1955 for the adjacent Mark Skinner School. Today it has ball fields, basketball courts, a playground and community gardens. It has no dog area of its own, so off-leash play stays on the 569 side of the street.

Hours and timing

The Park District lists hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. The volunteer group’s own site doesn’t list hours, so treat the Park District’s as the official ones. The group’s weekend events, such as the Howl-O-Ween party, run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Other dog parks near the West Loop

Browse all Chicago dog parks for more neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the West Loop 569 dog park?

The Park District lists Park No. 569 at 0.46 acres, and the volunteer group calls it a half-acre play area.

Does the West Loop 569 dog park have water and shade?

Yes. The volunteer group lists water features and splash pools, plus tree-shaded walkways and canopy sun shades.

What are the hours of the 569 dog park?

The Park District lists 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Do I need a permit for the West Loop 569 dog park?

Yes. It’s a Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Area, so each dog needs a DFA tag.

Who runs the West Loop 569 Bark Park?

The Park District owns the park. A volunteer group, The West Loop 569 Bark Park, funds its maintenance through donations and organizes cleanups and events.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District Park No. 569, Park No. 569 Dog Friendly Area, Skinner (Mark) Park and Dog Friendly Areas pages; The West Loop 569 Bark Park home, donations, volunteer and events pages. Park details change, so check before you go.

Logan Square Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Logan Square Dog Park, Chicago: Two-Sided Run by the Kennedy

Logan Square Dog Park is the Chicago Park District dog area in Park No. 556, 2529 W. Logan Blvd., just west of the Kennedy Expressway and south of Logan Boulevard. It opened in 2015 at about 8,000 square feet, which DNAinfo called bigger than most city dog parks, with separate sides for large and small dogs, so it suits mixed-size households.

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Finding the entrance

Some online listings put the dog park on Western Avenue, but the Park District’s address is 2529 W. Logan Blvd. AnySquared Arts, the group behind the dog park’s mural, gives the entrance as the Logan Boulevard side road at Artesian Avenue, between Western and Artesian. The park is open 6am to 11pm daily.

Park No. 556 is a 0.62-acre park in the Logan Square community area. The city transferred the land to the Park District in 2009, and it was first developed as a passive park. The district bought more land in 2013, and the dog park followed. The Park District still lists it as Park No. 556 but calls the dog area Logan Square Dog Park.

Inside the Logan Square dog park

When it opened in August 2015, DNAinfo described the layout this way:

  • Two sections: one area for large dogs and one for small dogs.
  • Surface: asphalt with a light-reflecting coating meant to keep the ground cool in summer.
  • Water: a dog-height water fountain.
  • Size: about 8,000 square feet, which DNAinfo said in 2014 was larger than most city dog parks.

Plans reported in 2014 also listed permanent fencing, benches, a two-gated entry, gravel pits and a drainage system. Those were plans at the time, so check what’s there when you arrive. We found no newer official description of the surface or fixtures.

A Park District dog-area tag is needed for each dog, and the Chicago city guide sets out how to get one.

How neighbors got it built

This dog park exists because residents kept pushing. The Logan Square Dog Park Committee worked on it for years; its 2015 president, Kim Pool, told DNAinfo she joined in 2012 and that “some folks had been trying to get a dog park for years before that.” The site had been an abandoned car lot.

The committee first aimed to raise $75,000, expecting Park District matching funds. It then learned the job would cost about $446,000 with no match available. In the end the committee raised roughly $36,000 and the city’s open space impact fee made funds available; DNAinfo said the committee’s money would go toward maintaining the park. It put the final cost at $445,000 and reported a grand opening party planned for 30 August 2015.

The dog mural

The park’s most distinctive feature is its art. In May and June 2016, AnySquared Arts and the Artistic Bombing Crew, working with Renegades of Funk and Chicago Mural Works, led a community mural project at the dog park with “Colossal Dogs” as its theme. Artists including DTEL, FLASH ABC and Tracy Kostenbader took part, and neighbors of all ages helped paint. AnySquared says its crew touched up the mural and added to it in summer 2023.

Getting there

The CTA #49 Western bus runs along Western Avenue, a block from the Artesian entrance.

Quick facts

  • Address: 2529 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago, IL 60647 (entrance on the Logan Blvd. side road at Artesian)
  • Hours: 6am–11pm daily
  • Size: about 8,000 sq ft, in a 0.62-acre park
  • Layout: separate large-dog and small-dog areas
  • Water: dog fountain
  • Permit: Park District dog-area tag required

Other dog parks nearby

East along the 606 trail are three smaller options: Churchill Park dog park at Damen, Walsh Park dog park at Ashland, which reopened in 2015 with separate small- and large-dog pens, and, south of the trail, the rebuilt Wicker Park dog park. Further west, near Diversey and Pulaski, is Kosciuszko Park dog park. See all Chicago dog parks for the full list.

FAQ

Where is the entrance to Logan Square Dog Park?

On the Logan Boulevard side road at Artesian Avenue, between Western and Artesian. The Park District address is 2529 W. Logan Blvd.

Is there a small-dog area?

Yes. It opened in 2015 with separate areas for large and small dogs.

Do I need a permit to use it?

Yes. Each dog needs a Park District dog-area permit tag; the city guide explains the process.

What are the hours?

The Park District lists Park No. 556 as open 6am to 11pm daily.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Park No. 556, Chicago Park District: Park No. 556 Dog Friendly Area, DNAinfo (15 May 2014, 21 Aug 2015), AnySquared Arts (Logan Square Dog Park projects, 2023 touch-up), CTA #49 Western. Park details change, so check before you go.

Kosciuszko Park Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Kosciuszko Park Dog Park, Chicago: Koz Park’s Gated Run

Kosciuszko Park dog park is a gated off-leash area at the northwest end of Kosciuszko Park, the 9-acre park at 2732 N. Avers Ave. in Chicago’s Logan Square community area that neighbors call Koz Park. It is a newer, neighbor-driven run that opened in spring 2021, and it keeps shorter hours than most Chicago dog areas, closing at 9 p.m.

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Hours: this one closes at 9 p.m.

Most Chicago Park District parks, and the dog areas inside them, are open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Kosciuszko Park is an exception. The Park District lists its hours as 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, so late-evening visits that work at other runs won’t work here. If you’re coming after work in summer, aim to be done by 9.

How the Kosciuszko Park dog park came about

The dog area grew out of a community campaign. Block Club Chicago reported in January 2019 that the plan was a grassroots effort dating back to 2016, to be paid for with the ward’s participatory budget money and donations rather than the $1.85 million in tax-increment financing that covered the rest of the park’s overhaul. That wider project upgraded the fieldhouse, pool and ball fields and replaced an abandoned basketball court with an outdoor fitness area.

When the renovated park reopened in May 2021, Block Club Chicago reported that the gated dog area at the northwest end had opened briefly, then closed again so crews could paint its asphalt a lighter color. The same report said the dog area, a community-led effort launched in 2016, was paid for with 31st Ward Ald. Felix Cardona Jr.’s menu money. So when it opened, the run was paved asphalt rather than grass or turf; we found no later report of a surface change.

What’s in the park

Kosciuszko Park is the biggest park in Logan Square, according to Block Club Chicago. Its northern edge runs along Diversey Avenue, and its western edge is one block east of Pulaski Road. Beyond the dog area, the Park District lists:

  • Baseball fields, a football and soccer field and an artificial-turf soccer field
  • A tennis court and a fitness course
  • A playground with a water spray feature
  • Community and harvest gardens
  • An indoor pool and a gymnasium in the fieldhouse

A landmark fieldhouse

The park was dedicated in 1916 and named for the Polish patriot Thaddeus Kosciuszko. Architect Albert A. Schwartz designed the Tudor Revival fieldhouse, which was expanded in 1936. The fieldhouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. It’s worth a look on a leashed lap of the park.

Getting there

The Park District address for both the park and the dog area is 2732 N. Avers Ave., Chicago, IL 60647. The dog area is at the northwest end of the park, toward Diversey Avenue and Pulaski Road. CTA’s #76 Diversey bus runs along Diversey Avenue on the park’s northern edge. Your dog will need a Park District Dog Friendly Area tag to use the run, and the Chicago city guide explains how that works.

Quick facts

  • Address: 2732 N. Avers Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
  • Where in the park: northwest end
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (park hours)
  • Surface: asphalt, painted a lighter color
  • Opened: 2021
  • Cost: free to enter; CPD Dog Friendly Area tag required

Nearby dog parks

The Logan Square dog park on Logan Boulevard near Western Avenue is another run in the Logan Square community area. To the northeast, the Horner Park dog park in Irving Park is much bigger and has a small-dog section, and the Hamlin Park dog park in Roscoe Village is another paved option. Browse all Chicago dog parks for more.

Kosciuszko Park dog park FAQ

What time does Kosciuszko Park dog park close?

9 p.m. The Park District lists Kosciuszko Park as open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, two hours earlier than most Chicago parks.

Where is the dog park in Kosciuszko Park?

At the northwest end of the park, which is bounded by Diversey Avenue to the north. The park address is 2732 N. Avers Ave.

What is the surface at Kosciuszko Park dog park?

Asphalt. Crews painted it a lighter color just before the run opened in 2021.

When did Kosciuszko Park dog park open?

In May 2021, as the park reopened after its renovation. It opened briefly, then closed again so crews could paint the asphalt a lighter color. Neighbors had pushed for it since 2016.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Kosciuszko (Thadeuz) Park, Chicago Park District: Kosciuszko Dog Friendly Area, Block Club Chicago (Jan 28, 2019, May 20, 2021), Wikipedia: Kosciuszko Park (Chicago), CTA #76 Diversey. Park details change, so check before you go.

Horner Park Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Horner Park Dog Park, Chicago: Big Run With a Small-Dog Area

Horner Park dog park is a fenced, volunteer-built off-leash area in the southwest corner of Horner Park, on Chicago’s Northwest Side in the Irving Park community area. It has a separate section for dogs under 30 pounds, a water play area and a dog drinking fountain, so it suits both big runners and small dogs that prefer their own space.

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What the Horner Park dog park is like

The Horner Park Advisory Council describes the Dog Friendly Area as “25,000 square feet of fun,” with a water play area, a small dog area, a drinking fountain, natural landscaping and benches. The volunteers’ own FAQ lists Fibar ground cover, laid fresh each year, plus pavers and benches; the council’s clean-up notes mention sweeping the patio and moving mulch to spots that need it.

  • Small-dog area: meant for dogs under 30 pounds. Small dogs may also use the large-dog side.
  • Water: a drinking fountain on copper water lines and a splash pad, both added in the second phase of construction, which finished in July 2021.
  • Trash: the Park District does not empty bins inside the dog area, so the bins are placed as close to the entrance as possible. Carry bags out to them.
  • Lighting: there is none, so plan evening visits before dark.

A dog park built by neighbors

This area exists because local dog owners pushed for it. Block Club Chicago reported in August 2018 that the first phase had opened “after 5 years of hope,” following fundraising by a committee working with the Horner Park Advisory Council.

Phase two brought most of what you see today. When it reopened in July 2021, Block Club Chicago listed fencing, separate areas for small and large dogs, benches, a water fountain and a cooling station with a kiddie pool. The work ran late, partly because crews dug up broken glass from the site’s industrial past and had to remove about 6 inches of soil and replace it with clean fill.

The group behind it, the Dog Friendly Area Committee, still runs things day to day. It holds a clean-up on the first Saturday of every month from 9 to 11 a.m. It also raises money with a dog calendar photo contest.

What to know before you go

Watch for glass after heavy rain. The site was once a brick yard and garbage dump, and the dog park’s own FAQ warns that when the ground is disturbed or after heavy rains, glass fragments and other debris can come to the surface. Check the ground if it has been wet.

Tags and permits. Like every Chicago Park District off-leash area, this one expects each dog to wear a current Dog Friendly Area tag; our Chicago city guide explains how to get one.

House rules. The posted rules allow three dogs per person and no food, human or dog.

The rest of Horner Park

Horner Park covers almost 58 acres. The Park District says the site began as clay pits and later a garbage dump; acquisition began in 1946 and the fieldhouse was added in 1956. The park honors Henry Horner, Illinois’ first Jewish governor. A red granite monument in the northwest corner depicts his accomplishments, and an art deco relief carved by John David Brcin in 1948 was moved here from Grant Park in 1956.

Along the park’s riverside edge, the advisory council says 13 acres of prairie and oak savanna have been restored beside the North Branch of the Chicago River, with more than half a mile of trails. That natural area is posted with “No Dogs” signs, which Block Club Chicago reported in October 2024 were being ignored and vandalized. Keep your dog out of the natural area and use the dog park and the park’s ordinary lawns and paths, on leash, instead.

Getting there

The dog park sits near the corner of Irving Park Road and California Avenue. The Park District’s address for the dog area is 2741 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60618, which is the park’s main address on Montrose Avenue, so use Irving Park and California if you’re walking straight to the dog area. CTA’s #80 Irving Park bus runs along Irving Park Road past the south edge of the park.

Quick facts

  • Address (CPD): 2741 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60618; dog area at the southwest corner, near Irving Park Rd. and California Ave.
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the same as the park; no lights
  • Size: about 25,000 square feet, per the advisory council
  • Small-dog area: yes, for dogs under 30 pounds
  • Water: dog drinking fountain and splash pad
  • Surface: Fibar wood-fiber ground cover, plus pavers and a patio
  • Cost: free to enter; CPD Dog Friendly Area tag required

Nearby dog spots

Farther up the river, the River Park dog park is a much smaller run beside a riverside park with canoe launches. To the southeast, the Hamlin Park dog park in Roscoe Village was renovated in 2026, and the Challenger Park dog park is a compact option in Buena Park. For every Park District run, see all Chicago dog parks.

Horner Park dog park FAQ

Does Horner Park dog park have a small-dog area?

Yes. The small-dog area is for dogs under 30 pounds, and small dogs can also use the large-dog side.

Is Horner Park dog park fenced?

Yes. The 2021 phase of work added fencing and separate areas for small and large dogs.

What are the Horner Park dog park hours?

It follows Horner Park’s hours, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. There is no lighting, so the volunteers recommend going in daylight.

Is there water for dogs at Horner Park?

Yes. There is a dog drinking fountain and a splash pad, both installed in the 2021 phase of work.

Can I walk my dog in the Horner Park natural area?

No. The riverside natural area is posted “No Dogs.” Use the dog park, or keep your dog leashed on the rest of the park.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Horner Dog Friendly Area, Chicago Park District: Horner (Henry) Park, Horner Park Advisory Council: Dog Friendly Area, Horner Park Advisory Council, Horner Park Dog Park FAQ, Horner Park Dog Park: Dog Park Vision, Horner Park Dog Park: Rules, Block Club Chicago (Aug 3, 2018, Jul 13, 2021, Oct 23, 2024), CTA #80 Irving Park. Park details change, so check before you go.