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.

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

Walsh Park Dog Park, Chicago: Small- and Big-Dog Pens at the 606

The Walsh Park dog park is a small Chicago Park District dog area at 1722 N. Ashland Ave., set west of Ashland right beside the 606 trail where it begins. It covers only 0.10 acres, but when it reopened in 2015 it was split into two fenced pens, one for dogs under 25 pounds and one for larger dogs. That makes it a sensible choice for small or nervous dogs, and an easy stop before or after a leashed walk on the trail.

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Inside the Walsh Park dog park

The Park District describes the dog area as “west of Ashland and adjacent to train tracks,” with a doggie drinking fountain. For the layout, the most detailed account we found is DNAinfo’s report from 2 October 2015, when the dog area reopened after two years closed for 606 construction:

  • Two pens: the southern enclosure is for dogs under 25 pounds and the northern one for dogs over 25 pounds, divided by a fence with a lockable door.
  • Surface: artificial turf plus two enclosed sandlots filled with pea gravel.
  • Water: a water fountain for dogs in each pen.
  • Position: on the park’s eastern edge, facing both the Bloomingdale Trail and Ashland Avenue.

That description is more than ten years old and we found no newer official one, so check the signs at the gate for the current size split. Space is tight at a tenth of an acre, so this is a place for a social play session rather than long runs.

As at any Park District dog area, your dog needs a current dog-area tag; the Chicago city guide has the details.

Where the 606 starts

Walsh Park is the eastern end of the 606, the Park District’s 2.7-mile elevated park and trail along the old Bloomingdale rail line, which runs from Ashland to Ridgeway. The Park District calls Walsh Park “a major point of access” to the trail. The 606 is open 6am to 11pm and has 12 access points roughly every quarter mile.

Dogs are welcome on the trail, but the Park District asks users to keep them on a short leash. A good routine is a play session in the pen, then a leashed walk west. Churchill Field Park, with its own dog area, is another trail access point about half a mile along at Damen Avenue.

John Walsh and the park

Walsh (John) Park is a 2.18-acre park in the West Town community area, open 6am to 11pm. Besides the dog area it has an athletic field, basketball hoops, a playground with a spray feature, outdoor fitness equipment and a gathering space.

The site has a sad history. A vacant building there was destroyed in a deadly fire on 7 July 1970. Firefighter John P. Walsh Jr. (1923–1970), a Marine veteran with Hook & Ladder Company 44, died five weeks after being critically injured fighting the blaze. The Dana Civic Organization then asked the Park District to turn the fire-scarred lot into a neighborhood park, and the district acquired it by the end of 1972 with federal HUD grant funds.

More recent changes came with the trail. In 2014 the district secured an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant for the playground, fitness equipment, pathways, landscaping and lighting, and Block Club Chicago reported in March 2019 that the park’s south end would be closed until October for a renovation including better lighting and a new playground.

Getting there

The CTA #9 Ashland bus runs past the park; its Cortland/Ashland stop is a short walk north. The park is also easy to reach on foot or by bike from anywhere along the 606.

Quick facts

  • Address: 1722 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
  • Hours: 6am–11pm daily
  • Size: 0.10 acres
  • Layout (2015 report): separate pens for dogs under and over 25 lb
  • Surface (2015 report): artificial turf and pea gravel
  • Water: dog drinking fountain
  • Permit: Park District dog-area tag required

Nearby dog parks

Head west on the 606 to Churchill Park dog park, set against the trail embankment at Damen. South of the trail, Wicker Park dog park reopened in late 2025 with turf, boulders and a big sun shade. Logan Square Dog Park by the Kennedy Expressway also opened in 2015 with separate small- and large-dog sides. Browse all Chicago dog parks for more.

Walsh Park dog park FAQ

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

When it reopened in 2015, the southern pen was for dogs under 25 pounds and the northern pen for bigger dogs. Check the gate signs, as we found no newer official description.

Is Walsh Park dog park on the 606?

It is right beside it. Walsh Park is the trail’s eastern end and one of its main access points.

Can I walk my dog on the 606?

Yes, on a short leash. The trail is open 6am to 11pm.

What are the Walsh Park dog park hours?

The Park District lists Walsh Park as open 6am to 11pm daily.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Walsh Dog Friendly Area, Chicago Park District: Walsh (John) Park, Chicago Park District: Visit the 606, DNAinfo, 2 Oct 2015, Block Club Chicago, 20 Mar 2019, CTA #9 Ashland timetable. 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.

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

Near North Park Dog Park (Park No. 598), Chicago: New for 2026

Near North Park dog park is the dog friendly area inside Park No. 598, a new Chicago Park District park at 1500 N. Larrabee St. that opened in August 2026. It has separate large and small dog areas, artificial turf mounds, trees and pet-bowl drinking fountains.

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Inside the Near North Park dog park

The Park District describes the dog area as having “large and small dog areas, pet-bowl drinking fountains, artificial turf mounds, and trees.”

When the Park District announced construction in October 2024, it said the dog area would have “concrete and artificial turf surfaces with spaces for both small and large dogs” and a drinking fountain. The builder, BEAR Construction, described the same plan. The current Park District listing mentions only the turf mounds, so we can’t confirm how much of the finished area is concrete.

As with every Park District dog area, each dog needs a current DFA permit tag, which our Chicago city guide covers in full.

From school field to new park

The site has a long back story. According to the Park District, it was the outdoor recreation area of Near North High School. After Chicago Public Schools closed the school in 2001, the land went back to the Chicago Housing Authority, which transferred the 3.8-acre site to the Park District in May 2019. Block Club Chicago’s September 2024 report on the plans described it as the former home of Cooley High.

Dogs were here before the dog area was. In February 2023, a neighbor started a Change.org petition asking 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. to recognize “the Old Town dog park at 1514 N. Larrabee,” after police began warning owners who were letting dogs run off-leash on the open field. Off-leash play is only allowed in a designated dog area, so the new designated dog area settles that question.

The Park District board approved the project in September 2024, work began with a groundbreaking on October 18, 2024, and the Park District announced its ribbon cutting on August 31, 2026. The Park District’s August 2026 announcement lists $4.4 million in Tax Increment Financing and a $250,000 state DCEO grant among the funding.

The rest of Park No. 598

The whole park covers 4.01 acres near Stanton Park in the Near North community area. The Park District lists:

  • a 0.2-mile walking path, plus 0.42 miles of lit pathways with seat walls, benches and picnic tables
  • a 1.68-acre central lawn, an aspen grove, 95 shade trees and over 200 shrubs
  • a plaza with decorative pavers and a shade structure with accent lighting
  • a playground with separate spaces for ages 2–5 and 5–12
  • an adult fitness area with more than 20 workouts

The walking path and lit pathways give you a leashed loop before or after the dog area. The lawn is part of the main park, not the dog area, so dogs stay leashed there.

Getting to Park No. 598

The CTA Sedgwick station, on the Brown and Purple lines, is at 1536 N. Sedgwick St., about two blocks east of the park. The station lists connections to the #37 Sedgwick and #72 North buses. Check the CTA pet rules in the city guide before taking your dog on board.

Quick facts

  • Dog area address: 1500 N. Larrabee St., Chicago, IL 60610 (the park’s listing uses 1514 N. Larrabee)
  • Community area: Near North
  • Opened: August 2026
  • Hours: 6am–11pm daily
  • Small-dog area: yes
  • Surface: artificial turf mounds; the 2024 plans also listed concrete
  • Water: pet-bowl drinking fountains
  • Cost: free, with a Park District DFA tag

More dog parks close by

Larrabee Street links this park with another dog area: about a mile south, the Larrabee Dog Park at Ward Park sits beside the Chicago River in River North. Further north, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, is Wiggly Field, and west across the river in Bucktown is Walsh Park. Browse all Chicago dog parks for more.

Near North Park dog park FAQ

When did the Near North Park dog park open?

Park No. 598 opened in August 2026, according to the Chicago Park District. The dog area opened with the rest of the park.

Does the Near North Park dog park have a small-dog area?

Yes. The Park District lists separate large and small dog areas.

Is Park No. 598 the same as the old Old Town dog park on Larrabee?

It is the same site. Owners used the open field informally before, but that was not a designated dog area. The new park has an official dog friendly area.

Is there water for dogs?

Yes. The dog area has pet-bowl drinking fountains, per the Park District.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Park No. 598, Park No. 598 Dog Friendly Area, Park District ribbon-cutting release (August 31, 2026), groundbreaking release (October 17, 2024), board approval release (September 11, 2024), BEAR Construction, Block Club Chicago (September 19, 2024), Change.org petition (February 2023), CTA: Sedgwick station. Park details change, so check before you go.

Bronzeville Dog Park 592 in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Bronzeville Dog Park 592, Chicago: Vincennes Ave, Largest of Three

Bronzeville dog park 592 is the Chicago Park District’s dog area at 4149-53 S. Vincennes Ave., in the Grand Boulevard community area. At 0.38 acres, it is the largest and southernmost of Bronzeville’s three numbered dog parks. It has separate spaces for small and large dogs, and it is the pick of the three if your dog wants the most room to run.

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How Bronzeville dog park 592 compares

The three Bronzeville dog parks were built together and look alike on paper, so here is what separates them. The residents’ group BARC says they are about a mile apart.

  • Park No. 592 (this page): South Vincennes Avenue just north of 42nd Street, 0.38 acres. The biggest of the three and the farthest south.
  • Park No. 590: South Indiana Avenue, 0.32 acres, about a block from the Indiana Green Line station. It opened first, in September 2019.
  • Park No. 591: South Lake Park Avenue in Oakland, 0.31 acres, beside the 10-acre Mandrake Park.

Inside the Vincennes Avenue dog area

There is no bigger park around this one. The Park District describes the whole 0.38-acre lot as a Dog Friendly Area and lists no other facilities. It was city-owned land that the community chose for a dog park. The city transferred it to the Park District in 2018.

BARC says each of the three parks has separate spaces for small and large dogs. The 2018 plans promised the same fittings at all three sites, but only the Indiana Avenue park got an opening-day write-up. We could not confirm the finished surface or a working fountain here, so bring water in summer.

Quick facts

  • Address: 4149-53 S. Vincennes Ave., Chicago, IL 60653
  • Community area: Grand Boulevard
  • Size: 0.38 acres, the largest of the three Bronzeville dog parks
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, as listed on its Park District page
  • Small-dog area: yes, per BARC
  • Park District phone: (312) 747-9938

Visitor impressions of Park No. 592

Google reviews read in September 2026 describe this as a clean, well-groomed dog park with a close-knit group of regulars. Reviewers often call the owners friendly, and one described the regulars as a family group who look out for each other. Several mention the separate sides for big and small dogs. One reviewer noted it is tucked into a residential block with easy parking and benches, and another found it uncrowded.

The gripes are about waste. One reviewer said people do not always pick up after their dogs, and another found the bag dispenser empty, so bring your own bags. One visitor described small patches of real and artificial grass; we have not confirmed the surface. Another mentioned a hose for rinsing the area and clean-looking dog water, but as we could not confirm a working fountain, bringing water in summer is still wise.

Its place in the Bronzeville trio

This was one of the first two sites to go into construction. In February 2019, Block Club Chicago reported that the Vincennes and Lake Park Avenue parks would be built first, with the Indiana Avenue park later that year. Then-4th Ward Ald. Sophia King said the work would take two to three months.

Things did not go quite to plan. When the Indiana Avenue park opened in September 2019, Block Club reported that the Vincennes site was still going through final checks. We did not find a source for its exact opening date.

Getting there

The Green Line’s 43rd station, at 314 E. 43rd St., is a couple of blocks to the south-west. CTA lists a connection there to the #43 bus. Dogs ride CTA only in carriers.

Permit

A Park District DFA tag is required here, as at the other two Bronzeville parks, and the Chicago city guide has the steps.

Other dog parks nearby

Browse all Chicago dog parks.

Frequently asked questions

What are the hours at Bronzeville dog park 592?

The Park District lists 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Which is the biggest dog park in Bronzeville?

Park No. 592 on Vincennes Avenue, at 0.38 acres. The other two are 0.32 and 0.31 acres.

Is there a small-dog section at Park No. 592?

Yes. BARC says all three Bronzeville parks have separate spaces for small and large dogs.

Can I get to Bronzeville dog park 592 by ‘L’?

Yes. The Green Line’s 43rd station, at 314 E. 43rd St., is a couple of blocks to the south-west. Your dog will need to travel in a carrier.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District Park No. 592 and Park No. 592 Dog Friendly Area; City of Chicago, Three Dog Parks Approved for South Side Neighborhoods; BARC locations; Block Club Chicago, 5 February 2019 and 18 September 2019; CTA 43rd station. Park details change, so check before you go.

Bronzeville Dog Park 591 in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Bronzeville Dog Park 591, Chicago: Lake Park Ave by Mandrake Park

Bronzeville dog park 591 is a 0.31-acre Chicago Park District dog area at 3902 S. Lake Park Ave., just east of Mandrake Park. Although it is one of the three Bronzeville dog parks, the Park District places it in the Oakland community area, not Grand Boulevard. It has separate spaces for small and large dogs, and a 10-acre park next door for a leashed walk before or after.

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Bronzeville dog park 591 vs. 590 and 592

The Bronzeville Association for Recreation with Canines (BARC), the residents’ group behind all three parks, says they are about a mile apart. This is the easternmost of the three and the only one with a large park beside it.

  • Park No. 591 (this page): Lake Park Avenue in Oakland, 0.31 acres, next to Mandrake Park. The smallest of the three, by a hair.
  • Park No. 590: Indiana Avenue in Grand Boulevard, 0.32 acres, about a block from the Indiana Green Line station.
  • Park No. 592: Vincennes Avenue in Grand Boulevard, 0.38 acres, the largest.

The dog area

The whole of Park No. 591 is the dog area. The Park District says the Oakland community picked this piece of city-owned land for a Dog Friendly Area, the city transferred it to the Park District in 2019, and the Park District built it as a dog park. The other two sites were transferred a year earlier, in 2018.

BARC says each of its parks has separate spaces for small and large dogs. Unlike Park No. 590, this site had no opening-day report: when 590 opened in September 2019, Block Club Chicago said the Lake Park Avenue park was still going through final checks, and we have not found a later account of what was built. Check the surface and whether the water is on when you arrive.

Quick facts

  • Address: 3902 S. Lake Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60653 (the Park District’s dog-area listing uses 3900)
  • Community area: Oakland
  • Size: 0.31 acres
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the Park District’s standard dog-area hours
  • Small-dog area: yes, per BARC
  • Park District phone: (312) 747-9938

Next door: Mandrake Park

What sets this Bronzeville dog park apart is its neighbor. Mandrake (Henry Brown) Park, at 3858 S. Cottage Grove Ave., covers 10.16 acres. It has a running track, an artificial turf athletic field, tennis and basketball courts, baseball diamonds and a playground. Its fieldhouse is the former Abraham Lincoln Center.

The park honors Henry McNeil Brown (1935 to 1996), an activist who, according to the Park District, began whitewashing billboards in 1990 that advertised alcohol and tobacco to Black and Latino children. The Park District bought the land in 1999 and 2000 and built the park.

Mandrake Park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dogs must stay leashed outside the dog area. The Park District says it also hosts Movies in the Park screenings and other Night Out in the Parks events.

About Oakland

Oakland runs from 35th Street to 43rd Street, between Cottage Grove Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. At about 0.6 square miles, it is the smallest of Chicago’s community areas. Of the three Bronzeville dog parks, this is the one nearest the lake.

Permit and hours

Bring your dog’s Park District DFA tag; our Chicago city guide explains who needs one and how to buy it. The Park No. 591 page lists no special hours, so the standard 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. applies.

Other dog parks nearby

See also all Chicago dog parks.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bronzeville dog park 591?

At 3902 S. Lake Park Ave., on the east side of Mandrake Park. The Park District places it in the Oakland community area.

Is Park No. 591 in Bronzeville or Oakland?

Both, depending on who you ask. It was built as one of three Bronzeville dog parks, but the Park District lists it in the Oakland community area.

Can my dog go into Mandrake Park?

On a leash, yes. Off-leash play is only for the fenced dog area.

Is there a small-dog area at Bronzeville dog park 591?

BARC says each of the three Bronzeville parks has separate spaces for small and large dogs.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District Park No. 591, Park No. 591 Dog Friendly Area and Mandrake (Henry Brown) Park; City of Chicago, Three Dog Parks Approved for South Side Neighborhoods; BARC locations; Block Club Chicago, 5 February 2019; Oakland, Chicago (Wikipedia). Park details change, so check before you go.