Vicary Bottoms Park - Peoria, IL
Vicary Bottoms Park (Kickapoo Creek Dog Park) – Off-Leash Dog Adventure in Peoria, Illinois
Discover Vicary Bottoms Park, also known by locals as Kickapoo Creek Dog Park, a unique off-leash dog park in Peoria, Illinois. This expansive, natural area stands out for its open fields, wooded trails, and direct access to Kickapoo Creek, where dogs can swim and play. The park offers a scenic 1.5-mile hiking loop with mowed grass and dirt trails winding through the woods, making it an ideal spot for pet-friendly hikes and outdoor adventures for both you and your furry friends.
Vicary Bottoms is a favorite among dog owners for its off-leash policy, natural beauty, and peaceful environment for exercise and socialization. While it isn’t fenced, responsible pet owners enjoy the flexibility of letting well-trained dogs run free—though leashes are recommended for dogs with poor recall or aggressive tendencies. Enjoy birdwatching, open green spaces, and the gentle sounds of Kickapoo Creek during your visit. Just watch out for ticks in the summer and check your pets after your walk!
FAQ – Vicary Bottoms Park
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash throughout the park.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is no fenced area at Vicary Bottoms Park.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be leashed if they are aggressive or do not have reliable recall.
- Are aggressive dogs allowed at the park? Aggressive dogs should remain leashed or skip this park, per guidelines.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are natural hiking and walking trails, including a 1.5-mile loop.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, dogs have access to Kickapoo Creek for swimming and wading.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, ticks can be prevalent in the summer; be sure to check your dog after visiting.
Reviews
My dog’s favorite off leash park! Big open fields, and trails in the woods, and to the creek.
Amazing trails and dog friendly!! The creek and beach are a bonus!! Love this park!! ❤️
Off leash dog park with a small river. 🙌
Huge unfenced park where dogs are allowed off-leash. A mowed grass path turns a dirt trail though the woods and provides nice views of Kickapoo Creek, as well as access to the water for the pups to swim.
Following the trail all the way around makes a nice 1.5 mile loop. I would consider it an ‘intermediate’ since you sometimes have to step over logs. You’ll see and hear a variety of birds including hawks.
In the summer, the glasses grow tall and unfortunately it becomes heavily populated with ticks so be careful! Check yourself and your animals after visiting.
It probably goes without saying, but if your dog is aggressive, or doesn’t have a good recall command, keep them leashed or skip this park .
We call it Kickapoo Creek Dog Park. Follows park district rules. Fabulous volunteers work on the trails. We love to take our dog there!