Dog-Friendly Activities Near Gurnee, IL

admin • March 9, 2023

Having a pet is an important part of many people’s lives. So, it’s important to keep them healthy and happy. There are plenty of things to do in Gurnee that your dog will love. So whether you want to go on a hike or have a relaxing day at the beach, here are some dog-friendly activities that you can do together!

Trainer and Black Dog

Lakewood Dog Park

If you’re a dog owner with a taste for the outdoors, you’ll find some pretty awesome options in this area of the state. From a local dog park to a 47-mile trail, you’ll be able to let your dogs enjoy their freedom while you get some fresh air and exercise yourself! The Lakewood Dog Park is a popular off-leash romp for canines and their owners. This fenced-in space is part of the Lakewood Forest Preserve and offers large open meadows, mowed trails, restrooms, a water hand pump and shade shelters. The park is also home to the yearly Dog Swim at Foster Pool, where dogs (and their humans) take a dip in the pool for some much needed exercise. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park (FLDP) and is in its fifteenth year. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon with your dog, and helps support the FLDP in its efforts to keep this park up and running.

Palos Preserves

Hike with your dog at Palos Preserves, a swath of land less than 30 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. The preserves are full of sloughs, inclines and unpaved trails that are perfect for an adventurous adventure. Whether you are new to hiking or a veteran, you can find an activity that will suit your abilities and your dog’s needs. Country Lane Woods and Maple Lake are great for beginners while Portuguese Bend and Swallow Cliff offer multi-use hiking trails shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. You can also bring your dog to one of the Forest Preserves’ Bremen Grove off-leash parks where they can play with other dogs and socialize. These parks are pet-friendly, and they have separate areas for small and large dogs as well as water fountains on site.

Pere Marquette State Park

Pere Marquette State Park is a popular destination that is full of fun activities for dogs to enjoy. There are lots of things to do here, including fishing, hiking, swimming, and camping. It is also a great place for bird watching, with many species of birds making their homes here. Bald eagles are especially common in the winter and songbirds fill the air with their distinctive sounds during the summer. Dogs can also enjoy a stroll along the lakefront trail. If you are looking for something a little more energetic, you can take a bike ride around the lake or visit the park’s playground.

Madison County Trails

Gurnee is a town that loves dogs, and you can find a lot of dog-friendly activities in the city. But if you want to go off the beaten path, there are many dog-friendly trails around Madison County. The Madison County Trails are a network of bikeways, running and walking paths that span the entire Madison County. The MCT Trails are a great way to get out and exercise, as well as explore the scenic landscapes and cultural institutions that make Madison County unique. You can easily plan a ride on the MCT Trails using our interactive map. It will also help you identify amenities along the trail such as restrooms, water fountains and parking lots.

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