Independence Grove Dog Exercise Area

Named "Best Dog Park" by North Shore magazine, this special place is one of four designated areas in the Lake County Forest Preserves where dogs can run and play off-leash. This 30-acre are just for dogs features fields and wooded areas, and a large pond for swimming and retrieving games. It is fenced on two sides with access on the west side to the Des Plaines River Trail. Please pay close attention to your dog in this open area to make sure it does not stray.

If accessing the Des Plaines River Trail, remember that once you leave the Dog Exercise Area, you must leash your dog and stay on the trail at all times. Please note, dogs are not allowed in Independence Grove Forest Preserve. Please stay on the Des Plaines River Trail if hiking south from the Dog Exercise Area.

Hours:
Open daily, 6:30 am to 7 pm or sunset, whichever is later.
From April through October, this Dog Exercise Area is closed until 11 am on the first and third Thursdays of each month to allow for trail mowing and other maintenance projects.