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Top 5 Outdoor Spots To Explore With Your Dogs Near Chicago



LaBagh Woods


N Cicero Ave, north of W Foster Ave

Chicago, IL 60630


Parking: Yes | Dog: On Leash | Bathroom: Yes


Located at the southern start of the popular North Branch Trail, LaBagh Woods is host to diverse natural areas, including wooded landscapes, wetlands, savannas and sedge meadows. Known for exceptional birding opportunities, this site also offers picnic groves and large open fields.


Source: Source: https://fpdcc.com



Schiller Woods


W Irving Park Rd, west of N Cumberland Ave

Chicago, IL 60634


Parking: Yes | Dog: Off Leash | Bathroom: Yes


Located along the Des Plaines River Trail, Schiller Woods is home to a diverse array of natural habitats including wooded areas, remnant prairie, sedge meadow and wetland. With wide-open spaces and a pond, visitors can enjoy easy access to outdoor activities such as picnicking, fishing, kite flying and more.



Matthiessen state park


2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348


Parking: Yes | Dog: On Leash | Bathroom: Yes


Canyons, streams, prairie and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in central LaSalle County, approximately four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities, make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for a special outing.



Indiana Dunes State Park


1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304


Parking: Yes | Dog: On Leash | Bathroom: Yes


Let's head for the beach! You'll love the sights and sounds of the three miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan. A beautiful nature center offers details of the history of the dunes area and a variety of special programming year-round. The sand dunes will astound you, as will the vast variety of desert plants, giant wood ferns and white pines.



Prairie Wolf


1917-2075 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045


Located in Lake Forest, this special place is one of five designated off-leash dog park within the Lake County Forest Preserves where dogs can run and play off-leash.The 44-acre area is fenced and features training enclosures, large fields, trails, toilets, water and a drinking fountain. Dogs can swim in a pond located through gates at the east end of the park. Please pay close attention to your dog in this open swimming area to make sure it does not stray.





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