Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Lake Forest, IL
Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area in Lake Forest, Illinois
Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area is one of the most beloved dog parks in Lake Forest, Illinois, offering acres of fenced, off-leash freedom for energetic pups. The park features a unique combination of open fields, wooded areas, scenic pet-friendly trails, and a large, fenced pond, catering to every dog’s sense of adventure. Visitors enjoy both paved and unpaved walkways perfect for dog-friendly hiking in a natural setting, while owners appreciate the friendly community atmosphere and opportunities for socialization.
Amenities include wheelchair accessible entrances and parking, picnic tables, water access (with a pump/hose available in warmer months), and public restrooms. The park is always fully fenced, providing a safe environment for your dog to roam, play, and swim. Parking is ample and dogs are allowed off-leash at all times within the designated area, making it ideal for regular visits. Dog owners highlight the friendly vibe, mud-friendly attitude, and the sheer expanse of the area, making Prairie Wolf a go-to destination for Lake County pet enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash throughout the entire fenced area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the entire park is securely fenced, including a separately gated lake access area.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Yes, there is a water pump/hose available for rinsing and providing water to dogs during warmer months.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available onsite.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, wooded areas throughout the park provide ample shade.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the entrance and parking lot are both wheelchair accessible.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, picnic tables and other seating areas are available.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, there is a large pond with secured access for dogs who love to swim.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is enough parking space for visitors.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features both paved and unpaved hiking trails for you and your pup.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, it can get quite muddy, so visitors are advised to bring appropriate footwear and dog-cleaning supplies.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, entry requires either an annual membership or a one-time fee.
Reviews
Very nice place with open fields, woods and large pond! Dog heaven!
Huge space with open fields, wooded areas and both paved and unpaved walkways. All off-leash and fenced in! My energetic pup’s dream. I wouldn’t recommend if your dog is not social or reactive in any way, there are often a lot of dogs and most of them are not shy.
Best place for dogs and owners! Resy is a three year old mix and she loves running and water. The best part of walking your dog at Prairie Wolf Park is “off-leash”. The park is all fenced so it’s safe to let her run around freely. It is a huge park so it is also good for you to take a walk pleasantly watching your dog running all over the park.
You can pay for annual membership or one time fee. Enough parking space.
We come here to play every weekend.
This dog park is HUGE! It’s not just a small enclosed field. It is essentially an entire forest preserve that is enclosed . The area around the lake has its own fence with a gate so your pups can’t go in without you letting them in.
Odin is our 8 month old German Shepherd Super mutt and I was nervous to trust him in such a big area…. But the people were SO friendly and tolerant of his “in progress” puppy manners. The older dogs taught him how to respect their boundaries and cues. It was GREAT for socializing! We have been back several times now since our first trip and it is becoming a new routine.
Beware that it is muddy like really muddy… But that is to be expected as the ground thaws and hundreds of dogs run loose tearing it up. It doesn’t bother us… But you might want to wear boots!
So happy to have found this place! My dog adores coming here and running off-leash, and it’s a lovely walk in nature for both of us. There is a large open field, many trails, and a lake that is fenced off should you not want your dog to swim. (Once in the lake area escape is possible, as shown in the photo.)
It can be very muddy depending on weather, so waterproof shoes are good. My guy can get filthy so I bring shampoo and rinse him off at the water pump/hose near the entrance during warmer months.