If you’re in Chicago and looking for the perfect day out with your dog, Rover has you covered. We talked to our community of dog people in Chicago to get their recommendations for the best dog-friendly activities their city has to offer. This complete route includes a fabulous dog walk, dog park, and dog-friendly restaurant. Your dog is ready for this! Read on for all the details you need.
For more dog adventures, check out our dog-friendly guides to cities across the country.
Total Distance: 1.0 mile / 20 minutes total walking time
In Chicago, begin your day at Puptown Dog Park, one of the most popular dog park options in the city for hot days. Next up, take your dog for a cooling dip in Lake Michigan at Montrose Dog Beach. Head south on N Marine Drive and make your way toward the water on W Lawrence Avenue. Cut through on the right via Lakefront Trail and another left toward W Lawrence Ave again. Make a right on W Lawrence and head down to the beach!
After cleaning and leashing up your dog, head out for a bite at The Dock via a half-mile walk starting south on W Lawrence Avenue. Follow the trail along N Simonds Drive and take a left on W Montrose Harbor Dr. From there, head toward the water to The Dock! Remember not to walk your dog on the main Montrose Beach—leashed or not, you’ll get a ticket.
Dog's Day Out: Chicago
Puptown Dog Park
Address: N Marine Dr, Chicago, IL 60640
Puptown is a dog park maintained and financed by the Puptown Dog Owners Group, a nonprofit membership association comprised of park patrons, neighbors and friends. Dogs of all sizes mingle and play in the asphalt space with ample shade and even a doggy-level water fountain.
Contact Info: (312) 742-7522
Hours:
- Daily, 6am-11pm
Why we love it:
Volunteers keep the asphalt and gravel tidy with regularly scheduled Saturday deep cleanings. Plus other dog owners donate water bowls, pools and toys for all to share.
Nice extras like leash hooks and free poop bags available.
Montrose Dog Beach
Address: W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
A dog-friendly, fenced-in beach open year round spanning nearly four acres and kept meticulously clean by a dedicated team of volunteers. The Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago’s first legal off-leash beach, located on the Northwest corner of Montrose Beach. Look for the big corrugated steel walls of the old Boat Launch, and you’re there. Note that DFA tags are required for all dogs, which cost $5.00.
Contact Info: (773) 295-6354
Hours:
- Sunrise-9pm (open during all regular Chicago Park District hours)
Why we love it:
Recently there was higher fencing installed to help keep dogs from escaping.
Very clean space thanks to efforts from volunteers and easy to clean off your dog afterward with dog-wash stations available for a fee.
Shallow waters allow your dog to roam pretty freely in the water.
The Dock
Address: 200 W Montrose Harbor Dr., IL 60601
Described as a “sandy getaway,” the Dock is located right on Montrose Beach and known for delicious bites, cocktails and live music.
Contact Info: (773) 704-8435
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 11am-10pm
- Sat-Sun: 10am-10pm
Why we love it:
Reminds you that Chicago can be considered a beach town!
Dog-friendly with a view of Lake Michigan – what could be better?
More Dog-Friendly Activities and Restaurants in Chicago
You’ve taken the walk, but are hungry for more dog-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, and activities. We’ve got you covered with our picks for dog-friendly eateries, swimming spots and more in and around Chicago.
