Last updated on April 26th, 2023 at 01:10 pm
Dog Beaches in Chicago, Illinois
Table of Contents
6 Best Dog Beaches in Chicago:
- Montrose Harbor Dog Beach
- Belmont Harbor Dog Beach
- Evanston Dog Beach
- Gillson Dog Beach
- Foster Avenue Dog Beach
- Sunrise Park and Beach
Are dogs allowed on Chicago beaches? Yes, dogs are allowed on Chicago beaches! There are even some that are specifically designated as dog-friendly. So whether you’re looking for a place to take your four-legged friend to play fetch, go for a swim, or just enjoy a sunset walk, here are six of the best dog beaches in Chicago.
Montrose Harbor Dog Beach
Address: Montrose and Simonds Drive, Chicago, IL 60640
The Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago’s first legal off-leash beach. This dog beach is on the Northwest corner of Montrose Beach (the point closest to the city). Pet owners rave about this dog beach.
Handicap accessible ramp or the old entrance to the beach is to the right (south) of the boat launch at the end of the path, and down the rock wall, and there is a ramp at the boat launch. The Dog Beach is accessible at any time during regular Chicago Park District hours, from sun-up till 9 P.M. The most popular hours for Dog Beach visitors are in the morning.
A fee of $5 is required for all dogs visiting the dog beach, but DFA tags are necessary for everyone, which costs nothing.
Belmont Harbor Dog Beach
Address: N Lakeshore Dr. & Lakeshore Dr, Chicago, IL 60657
Belmont Harbor Dog Beach is a fantastic location to take your dog for a swim and have some fun. This beach may be smaller than Montrose, but it provides plenty of room for your dog to run about and explore.
Because of its size, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach can get congested, especially on weekends. On Sundays, parking costs $10, but the beach is free to enter. If your dog loves swimming, it’s important to keep a close eye as boats often come close to this area.
Additionally, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach does not have a cleanup area, so be sure to bring some towels along to lay down in your car for the drive home.
Belmont Harbor’s popular dog beach is a great place for your furry friend to enjoy the water and take in the beautiful view of boats in the harbor. As with all dog-friendly areas in Chicago, your pup must wear a DFA tag, which can be obtained from any vet for $5.
Evanston Dog Beach
Address: 1631 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60202
Between Clark Street Beach and the Church Street Boat Ramp, Evanston Dog Beach is located. The Winnetka Park District operates an off-leash dog beach at Centennial Park. This is a lovely dog-friendly beach, but make sure your companion doesn’t wand on the rocks. Dogs are permitted on this beach, however they must be on a leash at all times.
This off leash dog beach is limited to members only. To acquire a pass, which costs $60 for residents and $120 for non-residents (prices drop on August 1), you must present immunization papers as well as your pet’s license. On the City of Evanston’s website, more information can be found about how to obtain a pass for your furry friend.
Evanston Dog Beach is a great place to bring your dog to play and socialize with other dogs. The beach is also a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. There are plenty of rocks for your dog to explore and numerous places to get fresh water.
Gillson Dog Beach
Address: 800 Gillson Park Drive, Wilmette, IL 60091
Gillson Dog Beach is a popular destination for pet owners who are looking for an off-leash dog beach. The beach is located at the south end of Gillson Park in Wilmette, Illinois, and dogs are required to have a tag to enter. Tags can be purchased at Wilmette Village Hall for $25 for residents and $150 for non-residents.
The hours of operation for the dog beach are specific and vary depending on the time of year:
- From May 27 to June 11, the beach is open from 6am to 10:30pm.
- From June 12 to August 11, the beach is open Monday through Friday from 6am to 10am and 3:30pm to 10:30pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 9:30pm.
- From August 12, 2017 to June 10, 2018, the beach is open from 6am to 10:30pm.
Foster Avenue Dog Beach
Address: 5200 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60640
Fostert Avenue is a tiny Chicago dog beach, ideal for keeping an eye on your pet. This dog-friendly beach gets jam-packed with people in the afternoons, and early mornings are often less crowded. There’s even a DIY Dog Wash nearby just in case your dog gets dirty.
Sunrise Park and Beach
Address: 455 Sunrise Drive, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Okay, it’s not Chicago, but it’s a fantastic dog beach that isn’t too far away. To get to this peaceful dog beach, you’ll have to walk down a long wooden stairwell. Dogs registered in Lake Bluff are free to use the dog beach, while non-residents must purchase a $65 pass for themselves and a $35 pass for their dog.
This lovely beach is the perfect place to take your pup for a swim, go for a walk, or just relax in the sun. Make sure to bring water and cleanup bags, as there are no amenities at this beach.
We’ll keep you posted as more and more beaches start to allow your furry friend. As the list grows, we will continue updating this blog post with all of them:
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Fines for Dog Owners on the Beaches in Chicago
Dog owners who visit the beaches in Chicago with their pets should be aware of the rules and regulations that are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone at the beach. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines for the owner.
The Chicago Park District enforces strict rules for dog owners who visit the designated dog-friendly beaches in the city. These rules include keeping dogs on a leash at all times, cleaning up after them, and ensuring that they are not aggressive towards other dogs or people.
If a dog owner is found to be in violation of any of these rules, they may be subject to fines. The fines for violating these rules range from $50 to $500, depending on the severity of the violation. For example, failing to clean up after a dog can result in a fine of $50, while having an aggressive dog can result in a fine of up to $500.
It is important for dog owners to understand that the rules and regulations at the dog-friendly beaches in Chicago are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone at the beach. Failure to follow these rules not only puts other beachgoers at risk but also puts the dog and its owner at risk.
In addition to fines, dog owners who repeatedly violate the rules may be banned from the beaches altogether. The Chicago Park District takes these rules seriously and works hard to ensure that the beaches are safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Dog owners who plan to visit the dog-friendly beaches in Chicago should be aware of the rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, so it is important for dog owners to follow the rules and be responsible while enjoying the beach with their furry friends.
FAQ
Where are the dog-friendly beaches located in Chicago, Illinois? Which beaches in Chicago allow dogs?
Dog-friendly beaches are located in several locations along the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. The most popular ones are Montrose Dog Beach, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach, and Foster Dog Beach.
Are dogs allowed on Chicago beaches?
Dogs are generally not allowed on Chicago beaches during the summer months (from May 1st to Labor Day). However, there are a few designated dog-friendly beaches where dogs are allowed year-round, as long as they are on a leash and under control.
What are the rules for dogs at Chicago dog beaches?
Dogs must be kept on a leash and under control at all times while on the beach. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and disposing of waste properly. Additionally, aggressive dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Do I need a permit to bring my dog to a Chicago dog beach?
No, you do not need a permit to bring your dog to a Chicago dog beach. However, you will need to purchase a Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Area tag for your dog. The tag is $10 for residents and $50 for non-residents, and it is valid for the calendar year.
Are there any amenities at Chicago dog beaches?
Yes, some dog beaches in Chicago have amenities such as dog wash areas, waste bags, and water stations for dogs. Additionally, there are often benches and picnic tables for owners to use while they watch their dogs play.
Are Dogs Allowed in North Beach Chicago?
No dogs on the beach. There are no dogs allowed on the beach in North beach Chicago. This is because the beach is for humans only and dogs are not allowed. If you bring a dog to the beach, you will be asked to leave.
Are dogs allowed at Illinois beach?
Dogs are allowed at certain designated beaches in Illinois, such as the dog-friendly beaches in Chicago and Evanston. However, dogs are generally not allowed on most Illinois beaches during the summer months (from Memorial Day to Labor Day) due to safety concerns and crowding.
Is Chicago a dog friendly city?
Chicago can be considered a dog-friendly city as it has several dog parks, dog-friendly restaurants, and designated dog-friendly areas including beaches. However, dogs must be kept on a leash and under control in public areas, and owners must clean up after their dogs to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all. Additionally, there are rules and regulations that must be followed at the dog-friendly beaches in Chicago, such as purchasing a Dog Friendly Area tag and following leash laws.
Can Dogs swim in Lake Michigan Chicago?
When visiting Chicago’s dog-friendly beaches, dogs are allowed to swim in Lake Michigan. Only Belmont Harbor Beach and Montrose Beach are the only Chicago beaches that allow dogs to swim in the lake lawfully.
Watch this space for more information about when your furry friend can enjoy the beach again:
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Conclusion
In Chicago during the summer, dog owners have many questions about beach vacations with their pets. For example: “Which beaches in Chicago allow dogs?”, or “Are dogs allowed on Illinois beaches?”, or “Are dogs allowed on the lake in Chicago?”.
In our article, we looked at all the dog-friendly beaches in Chicago and are ready to answer those questions.In our article, we looked at all the dog-friendly beaches in Chicago and are ready to give a definitive answer to these questions.
There are few beaches in Chicago that allow dogs. If you’re looking for a place to take your dog swimming in Lake Michigan, Belmont Harbor Beach and Montrose Beach are the only two beaches in Chicago where dogs are allowed to swim lawfully.
Montrose Dog Beach is one of the best at the dog beach in Chicago. This beach has plenty of space and amenities for your dog to enjoy and is in a great location. So head on down to Montrose Dog Beach today and enjoy a day out with your furry friend!