Van Riper Dog Park - Onalaska, WI
Van Riper Dog Park is a favorite destination for dog owners in Onalaska, Wisconsin, offering a spacious and engaging dog park environment for pups of all sizes and energy levels. This dog park stands out for its variety of terrain, including hills, wooded areas, and unique sand surfaces, providing plenty of room for dogs to run, play, and socialize. Visitors appreciate the pet-friendly trails and shaded areas, as well as the great visibility across almost the entire park from a large central pavilion.
What makes this dog park unique in the La Crosse County region is its emphasis on fun and enrichment. You’ll find tunnels, agility-like features, and a generous supply of community toys that keep playtime exciting. While some reviews mention sand can get your pup dirty, many love that it keeps muddy days less troublesome. The park requires a modest annual membership fee, which goes toward its upkeep, making it one of the best maintained and cleanest dog parks in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in this designated area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the dog park is fenced.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? There is water available at the shelter, though it can be inconsistent at times. Visitors sometimes find only buckets or water may be temporarily turned off.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there is a pavilion offering plenty of shade and shelter.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, seating is available at the pavilion.
- Is there agility equipment for dogs to play on? There are tunnels and toys, offering agility-like features for dogs.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, there is a small annual fee (currently $15) to help maintain the park.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the park is known for being clean and well-maintained.
- Is there shade for dogs and humans? Yes, the park has plenty of shaded areas with natural trees and a large covered pavilion.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available at the park.
Reviews
Good clean dog park. My dog seems to really enjoy it. Large place to run and play with his poochie friends.
Awesome dog park! It’s sand so the dogs don’t get all muddy. There is a small fee but it’s only NULL annually and it is to keep the park nice. There are a ton of toys to play with as well.
We really like this dog park! It’s a nice change of pace from dog parks that are just a flat field, it has some woods type areas, hills, tunnels and a bunch of toys! Be warned, it is predominantly sand. Definitely bring a towel or blanket or prepare for your car to be trashed haha. I took a star off because there wasn’t any water. There were some buckets of filthy water but nothing to refill them with.
Visiting from out of town and made the quick drive to find this gem of a dog park for Hank and Echo to run the river water off. Lots of room and shade. Nearly the entire park is visible from the great pavilion!
Great space! Dog loves it. Not always happy with the water being turned off randomly at the shelter, though. Would be nice to have cold water for the dogs on a consistent basis. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic dog park.