Dog Friendly Beaches In Chicago !

By: Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care, Round Lake, IL

Woo Hoo !  We are FINALLY getting into late Spring and moving into Summer.  What an excellent time to find out where the dog friendly beaches are in the Chicagoland area.

I am sure there are lots of doggies out there that would love to get into the water this Spring/Summer.

Don't forget.. some local Forest Preserves have dog parks that include swimming lakes so check those out also if the Chicago beaches are too far to travel.

Below is a list of dog friendly beaches, however, it is always a good idea to check and make sure you don't need any special permits or pay any other fees associated with using these areas.  Also make sure you follow the rules once you are there.


Montrose Beach Harbor
4400 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL, US
Hours: Daylight Hours
Cost: $5 tag fee

There is an off-leash dog beach at the NW Corner of Montrose Beach. Entrance is where the old boat dock area was. Look for steel walls and dogs coming and going to find the entrance. Free Parking all along the street. Weekends can be crazy with tons of dogs in and out of the water. Make sure you watch your dog, and others, as some owners don't always pay enough attention to their dogs. Beach is pretty clean, and most owners are very good about picking up after their dogs. Make sure you bring your own pick-up bags as none are supplied.

Evanston Dog Beach (Members Only)

Sheriden Road and Church Street
Evanston, IL, US 60201
847.448.4311
parks@cityofevanston.org 

Hours: 7 am to 8 pm, April - November
Cost: A pass is $60 per dog owned by an Evanston resident; nonresident passes are $120 per dog 

Evanston's Dog Beach is located just north of the Church Street launch facility, where Church St. meets the lake. The dog beach is open from 7 am to 8 pm, May through October, weather permitting. No dog is permitted on the beach without a dog beach pass.

Belmont Harbor Beach

US 41 & W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL, US  

Belmont Harbor has a small fenced in beach for dogs.

Moraine Dog Beach and Park

2501 Sheridan Rd
Highland Park, IL, US
(847) 579-4087

To visit Moraine Dog Beach & Park you must register at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, with proof of license and rabies vaccination.  

Winnetka Dog Beach

N Sheridan Rd and Fuller Ln
Winnekta, IL, US 60093

Pet owners rave about this off-leash dog beach, which is fenced in with a hose for washing off your pet. No human swimming permitted.

So get out there and have some fun this summer with your doggie !  So ready for Summer to get here.