My dog absolutely loves this place, and if I could, I'd bring him every day. The only downside is the amount of mud he tracks back into the car - it would take a bath for him and a car wash for me after every visit! I'd love to see something more effective than the current hose for rinsing dogs off. A self-service dog wash station would be life-changing and make it much easier to visit more often. HOW DO WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!!!!! read more

This is one of my dog, Reilly's favorite places to Go , beside The Beach.. great area , well kept and many friendly dogs and owners.. however, if it rains hard, there are many muddy spots for her to Get muddy..We also Like Independence in Libertyville & Waconda ( the best) Reilly gives them a 4 bark approval read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Reilly "Grazin' in the Grass" - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Heard about the Lake Forest dog parks through a friend and decided to check this one out. It is absolutely amazing. There's bathrooms, trails, a lake/pond that's additionally fenced off within the larger fenced area. People are generally pretty patient with other dogs (sometimes our dog's way of saying "hello, can I play with you?" ends up being a body slam). It can get busy but it's never been crowded from what I've seen. Parking lot though sometimes can get full I'm taking a star off for the ridiculous price. They've upped the non-resident daily fee to $30 plus a $.25 "convenience fee" through the app even though there's no other way of paying. That's nearing the cost of a ticket to Six Flags for maybe an hour or two's worth of time. Did we pay it? Of course, anything goes for our pup, but be aware they've upped the daily fees. Might be more worth it for an annual fee. read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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Great place to take your dog as long as it gets along with other dogs! Permit is required. No monitors, so if your dog gets "bothered" by other dogs, you need to manage their interaction. Park cops show up occasionally to check permits, etc. read more

Good park for dogs to roam. Nice location with doggies bags, trash cans locates through out the trail. Two lakes for dogs to swim. There was an area with picnic tables and benches. Definitely will have a picnic the next trip. Must buy a permit for usage on Lake Forest website. All in all... very good day. read more

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Prairie Wolf is the dog park I wish I had when I lived in San Diego. There are is so much open space with trees, trails, benches, and a small lake for some swimming/splashing. It really is a dog's amusement park. There is a daily fee of $10 for residents and $20 for everyone else. I think the price is a bit much but the place is very well maintained for public use. I'll happily pay the price for my GSD to run herself tired. We both leave the place needing a nap. This is an amazing place for large breeds to roam freely and explore. Go ahead and expect your dog to get muddy and in need of a bath after a visit here. I bring my pupster here pretty often. You won't regret it after you see your furbaby's smile. read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - My pup watching the birds - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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Wonderful place to take your well behaved dog to socialize with other dogs and get a lot of exercise. You'll get a lot of exercise in the process as well! This place is considerably larger than most enclosed dog parks we've visited and well worth the $20 non-resident fee you can pay through a mobile app. We have been here when it was warm and it can be extremely muddy in many areas so boots are a must. Winter here is wonderful and our big dogs love it. If you bring toys or a ball for retrieving, know that they are fair game. Very nice walking trails that circle back to the main entry. We've encountered extremely friendly and courteous people here with their dogs who pick up after their pets for the most part. read more

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Visited from Chicago and this is an amazing area for your dog to roam free and run around with other pups! People are great at picking up after their dogs and this is very clean and spacious area with a small lake, outhouse for humans, plenty of trash cans! I do hear there are tics but I didn't find any on my pup (I wiped him down with lemon eucalyptus before we went). Also we were lucky to be there on a dry day but I can see it getting muddy. Finally - and the reason this didn't get 5 stars, is small children should NOT be allowed! Especially small children holding large toys. My pup likes to grab toys and it was stressful making sure he doesn't get near the toddler running around with a huge toy ‍. Also, there are dogs who don't like children so I feel like this creates unnecessary stress in an area specifically for dogs. read more

Prairie Wolf is a fantastic dog park - a bit of a Disneyland for pooches! Your dog will have the best time ever running through seemingly endless fields of high grasses and swimming/splashing around in the two small lakes on the property. The daily fee is $10. for Lake Forest residents and $20. for everyone else. Don't forget to pay because the Lake County Forest Preserve Police check the lot frequently. The entire property is very well enclosed, so no worries about your dog wandering out of the multi-acre property. It can get quite muddy, so I would recommend wearing old shoes or boots and plan on washing your dog after your excursion. There is a handy dog rinsing station (bath still required later) near the main entrance and decent bathrooms for humans there as well. You'll get your exercise for the day just following your bestie around and perusing the 40+ acres of trails. read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Muddy, but VERY happy pooch! - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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On the morning of 6/7, our dog was charged by an unmonitored dog who bit her on the neck and throat. We do not know anything about the dog, as the owner was not present for any of this interaction. Because they were not managing their dog, ours got stitches and we are working on fear-based reactivity. While a gorgeous park, the owner behavior is not reliable, and that is not safe for other dogs. read more

So many open fields along the trail. With several benches and trash cans. This place is like the Disney World for the dogs. A place that requires multiple visits. Will be back again. Internet connection isn't always that great though. read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - One of the many fields for your dog to run free in along the trail. - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Great park to take your dogs to. I am so glad my friend recommended this place. All sizes welcome! My 9month y/o dog Lucy absolutely LOVED playing with the pups in the pond - and I'm sure it was a great cool off to wonderfully HOT summer day. The tide was low, so for one of her first times in the water, it was really easy and comfortable for her. It gets VERY muddy, so be sure to bring a towel to wipe down your pup after the hose and shoes you are ok with getting extremely dirty. 10/10 read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Lucy made some friends today! - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Best dog park in the United States! (Trust me, I've been to dog parks in NY, NJ, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin... and probably a few others) Expansive terrain, fenced off lake that you can choose to let your dog play in, excellent walking paths, restrooms, cleaning area with water hoses so your pup doesn't need to leave a mess. read more

Bow wow wow yippee yo yippee yay Bow wow yippee yo yippee yay And my cute yorkie George is always the life of any gathering. If you have a dog (or dogs in your life) bring them to this fun well organized outdoor dog park. They will get they exercise, friend, and canine on. It's great seeing them in their element and thriving. One of my jobs is dog sitting and I'd have to say most of the pups are really well behaved. If a person has an aggressive dog, one that doesn't know is strength, a wallflower or scared cat of fidos, or a "sir humps a lot" they might wanna avoid this spot. However, generally it's a blast. Ain't no party like a puppy party cuz a puppy party don't stop! read more

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This is a great place to take your dog for some Free Range fun, dog socialization, and muddy wet fun. First you park and pay. $10 resident, $20 non Lake County Residents. A bit steep! But if you live nearby, an Annual Pass is also available. People were really friendly here, and I talked to a regular about all the paths to weigh our day with my friend's 18 month old pup. I'm not a huge fan of dog socialization, or dogs humping or fighting, so I was all about finding the path that went around the small lake. If there's been rain, your dog will get muddy in the many dug out mud pools around this place. There's a hose for water and washing. There's a pit bathroom for moms and dads. I'm still wary of LCFP district continuing the pay to play model and overcharging, but still a great place. read more

My dog Lucy gives her own review: Woof. Woof woof woof. Woof. Woof woof. Pant pant. Then she passed out in doggy bliss. Any questions? read more

So a friend of mine has a rambunctious Lab that requires 3 to 4 walks minimum per day to tucker out. Friend was desperate, telling me, he needs to get out of the city for a peaceful break. Another guy has a large Retriever and a shoulder recovering from recent surgery. The shoulder cannot handle the dog's enthusiastic yanking. This is where Prarie Wolf Park is worth the trip. It is a public service miracle I wish I could keep secret! This place is heaven for dogs: Like an off-leash Puppy-Disneyland... there are freshly mowed fields, tall prairie grasses, flowers, shrubbery, trees, hiking paths, a lake... and it is all fenced in with the occasional bench for human rest. It is clean, it is glorious and it is less than $5 to get in (a bargain!!!!). They check for tags and fees at the door- so get your pup in order before you leave, it is worth the drive. The people I've met here all seem so calm, mature and responsible- I have yet to encounter a sick or abused animal, a pet owner who didn't pick up their pup's poo, or a dog humping everything in sight. Too good to be true? Best of all, there are none of those obnoxiously loud, screaming owners who shriek "WRIGLEEEEEEEEEY" every two to six seconds for what seems like hours (sooo intolerably obnoxious!) I do advise that you have a lot of beach towels on hand to protect your car after this muddy romp. Also, Don't Forget to bring a tube a racquetballs for fetch, as you will inevitably lose a couple to another ball-centric dog. Friends above told me, with tears in their eyes how much this secret getaway means to them and how much good it does... then beg me not to ever, ever write a review. read more

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I would give Prairie Wolf Dog Park 1,000 stars if possible! I've been coming here with my amazing dog Mieke for the last three years. This place is enormous: it has multiple fields, lakes, trails, etc.; simply everything that you could ever ask for. I can spend hours here, and my dog loves it, too. Aside from all of the amazing scenery, the practical aspects are nice: hoses to clean your dog, water fountains and even restrooms. Also, it's only $43 for a yearlong membership...can't beat that! I've missed this place since moving to SF, but I make sure to stop by every time that I'm in town. If you live within a 10 mile radius and have a dog, you MUST join...your dog will thank you! read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Mieke! - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Super huge 40-acre area for dogs to wander and play. It feels like a nature preserve where animals are welcome. You can walk your dog for a mile and/or socialize with other dogs totally off leash. My dog loves it read more

I really love this place as much as my two dogs do. Plenty of area with different surfaces such as grass and tall grass; unpaved, rough, and rugged; flat and relatively even; dirt and muddy. I try to avoid the few mud pit areas (though there are a few more the day after it rains), or divert my dog's attention as we walk by them because my one dog really seeks and loves the mud. There is a gated pond area where dogs can swim and retrieve, an uphill/downhill area with permanent 'makeshift' steps where my dogs love to jump over as if those are little hurdles, an open flat grass area where dogs can play chase or fetch ball or catch frisbees, etc. We cover most ground on each visit, my dogs running free or walking alongside me, and we all come home tired and happy. There is a water hose in front if you wish to rinse your dogs before putting them back in the car. There might be a couple of bowls that can be used for dogs to drink water from. There are also bathrooms for the humans by the entrance. The dog park is 18 miles from where we live or a 20-minute non-rush hour drive. Like another reviewer, I thought the daily rate of $10/dog non-resident fee is a bit steep although I do understand that it also costs to maintain these dog park facilities. After our first trial visit, I did a late registration (half price starting Sept 1 to Dec 31). Permit is good for all four Lake County Forest Preserve dog parks so it isn't so bad. We can visit the other dog parks till the end of the year. By far, this is the best place I have taken my dogs to. Update: 02/10/2013 - Love this place so much that I registered my dogs for this following year. It costs quite a bit but considering that this fee is good for the whole year and seeing that my dogs really love coming here, I feel that it's really worth it. read more

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Place is a schlep, and $10 for a day pass seems a bit excessive, but otherwise this is doggy heaven. Lot of area to roam. Lots of mud to play in. Never too crowded. I go with my wife, daughter, small child and dog. We all enjoy it. But if you take a child, be on alert, the dogs are having fun and sticking their noses anywhere they want. Small children get knocked down easily. And occasionally some owner will not have the best behaved dogs at the park as well, so just keep your eyes open. read more

I have been searching for a place like this for so long! I usually take my samoyed walking through the forest preserve trails near my home but have been dreaming of letting him off leash to run to his hearts content through the woodsy environment. I am from Cook County so I just filled out the daily pass available in the parking lot with a $10 fee. Those were well spent $10. The minuet I let my samoyed off the leash in the park he was in doggy heaven! There were so many other dogs there to interact with but the area is so big that you don't feel overcrowded. My dog was busy exploring the different areas of the park. There are prairie grass areas, tree filled areas and open grass areas. My favorite was the lake area, not only is it gorgeous but my pup was in the water splashing around with other dogs. My dog pretty much ran straight for 2 hours. The pure look of bliss on his face was worth the drive and time. I will definitely be returning here. I ended up with a muddy, tired an happy pup. It also was just a nice relaxing time for me out in a more natural environment. Loved everything about this place. read more

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So big my dog loves it The pond is nice and a beautiful walk for your dog and you hundred percent recommend

I love it here and my dogs absolutely love it here! Amazing for my pups who are new to city living. I wish it were closer, if so, I'd be there everyday. The dogs can run, swim and play fetch. read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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This dog park is worth the drive, my dog always knows if we are in the car for a while, we are going to the "big park." In addition to what Chista F. says, since her review, they have put in although modest but handy, restroom facilities. They also have small fenced off enclosures for small dogs or if you're doing some training. It's not only a treat for the dogs, it's a treat for humans too. Walking along the trails, there are tall grasses and some wild flowers. Surrounded by trees in fall you can enjoy the colors. If you lose your dog or find one, walk it to the front of the park, if you have to leave, leave the dog with someone else whose staying, and so on. If you lose/find, keys, leash, dog toys, cell phone, etc. Bring it up to the front of the park, these items usually are found on one of the posts or the picnic table closet to the gate. Three warnings: 1. If you don't have a season permit, buy the daily permit, they check, especially on weekends. You will get a ticket. 2. If going after a recent rain, there are mud pits that your dog is guaranteed to find. 3. Related to #2, bring mosquito repellent, otherwise you will feel like you've undergone an acupuncture treatment, with terrible side effects. I kid you not, you've been warned. Bzzzzz! Slap! Crap! read more

Way to expensive just to run your dog around. Even if you are a Lake County resident you have to pay, and it's too muddy if it rains. Overpriced and the people are rude. read more

woof woof! I always know when we are going to the Lake Forest doggy park when my parents pack my towel, bandana, collar and at least 3 tennis balls since I always lose at least one. It's about a 30 minute drive from the city, but this is the only place where I feel like I can run around like a real dog. I love riding in the car so I don't mind the trek. When we pull into the parking lot my tail starts to wag. As soon as my parents close the 2nd gate I am a FREEEEE dog! I have lots of friends there and have never had an issue with another dog. I am also a very friendly, social dog that goes with the flow. My parents let me play around in the field at first but then we get started on a hike through the fields. I always find hot tubs to get muddy in and usually have an entourage with me of other dogs. My FAVORITE part of the park is the swimming pond. I am a water dog so this is where I excel. I like to race all the labs in the water and beat them; my long legs and webbed feet allow me to do that. Most of our time is spent at the pond, but then we continue our journey where I dry off quickly. It takes about 30 minutes to get back to the front area and then we usually circle it again. I love this place and I am so happy and tired when I get home. This place is also super fun in the winter time, but I have to wait until spring time to swim again. Come play with me next time. My name is Red! Woof! read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Red in Lake Forest - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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This is quite a spectacular dog park (from a dog's perspective) considering what I've seen all around the city and suburbs. Lots of variation that all dogs will love; prairie paths, open fields, backwoods trails, a big swimming lagoon and mud pits galore! Here's the drawbacks: as many have stated, there are always a few that don't watch their dogs and are there to either socialize or stare at their phones. I don't have a problem with dogs running up to my dog and playing either, but you have to watch the body language as some are aggressive and the owners don't correct them. One dog dashed towards my dog and tried to bite her. His teeth were showing and his body was rigid which is a sure sign of aggression. My observation is that the owner allows this behavior and thinks it's normal. I confronted him and he just walked away and ignored me. Some dogs are playing when they run towards you but just be aware as most owners don't recognize the difference between the two. Most people there are fine, however and their dogs are great. WORD OF CAUTION: There were two occasions when we took our dog there and she became infected with colitis. She vomited the next day and became lethargic. We took her in to our vet and sure as crap, she was infected. Our vet said that it was ingested. We thought about it and it was very muddy and raining that day as we tossed a ball and stick for her to fetch. The vet said when it rains, all the fecal matter from other dogs THAT ISN'T PICKED UP by the owner dissolves with the rain and gets everywhere. Please note, this is only during and after rain periods where mud and puddling is everywhere, especially in grassy areas. It was definitely our fault that we took her there the second time after a snowfall that melted and tossed a stick around that she took into her mouth. $400 a pop for those visits! Bottom line, avoid wet, muddy days and definitely leave the toys behind (rule of the park anyway). Also, there is the risk of your dog obtaining the canine influenza if they come nose to nose with other dogs. This warning was given by my vet as the AVA has not brought its status down as an epidemic and it's still spreading. Because of this, we do our best to keep alway from other dogs because we just don't know if they have it. We're not trying to be snobby. Some dogs won't exhibit symptoms and can still spread it to another dog who could be less immune to its effects and lead to either an expensive vet bill, miserable dog or rarely, death. Let the dog owners beware and use with caution! read more

Um, yeah, this place rocks. I live in the city, but will be out here nearly every weekend because it is soo nice to let my high energy dog run till he can run no more. Everything is fenced-in, there is a large pond for swimming (dogs), there is a hose to wash your dog off if need be and since this is 40 acres, there is all sorts of terrain for the mutts to run around in/on. Price is $5 if you are a resident or $10 if you are not a resident. You can't go wrong with that. You will not find a better dog park in IL. read more

I've brought a number of people (and their dogs) to Prairie Wolf and they're always blown away when we first get there. Words cannot describe how much fun this park is. Go at least once per season (even winter) to explore the natural beauty and peaceful serenity. My typical visit is about 90-120 minutes - it takes an hour just to do one leisurely circuit. Heck, I would go there even without my dog just to commune. Everyone with a dog needs to spend some time here. $5 for Lake County residents, $10 for others. read more

This is by far the best of all the dog parks I have ever seen. Huge space, great trails, friendly people. No need for licenses. My Shepard loves it read more

This dog park is just amazing! Very big and you can walk around! Two access points to the lake with extra fence; they have a shower station to clean your dog after. For Lake Forrest residents it's 10$ entrance parking fee, for everybody else - $20. Police officer frequently visits to check payments. We absolutely love this park and drive 1h from the city every other weekend. read more

The very best dog park I have ever been to. Its huge, has trails, mixed savanna/forest, a fenced lake, and a huge parking lot. read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Dirty and tired already! - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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I took my little retriever here for the first time a few weeks ago. I was pleasantly surprised by how unpopulated it was and, for the most part, the few people and dogs we met were savvy and minded their own business. The trails were clear and there was plenty of space for she and me to do our own thing without having to interact with too many other people or pets. I love that they have two double-gated entrances, so that you have a moment to step into them and collect yourself and your pet before entering the park or entering the parking lot. My only complaint is not related to the park itself, but to the patrons. Another vehicle arrived directly behind me with a man and his daughter along with their small mixed breed dog. They entered one of the gates, so I walked to the other to enter the park. In the few seconds it took me to close the first gate behind my dog and me, this pair's dog was already in the park and harassing us at the second gate to our entrance. Seeing that the dog still had it's leash attached, I thought perhaps he had pulled it out of the hands of the little girl who had walked him in. They made zero effort to call the dog back to them, and I had to wait until it was distracted by another dog enough to run the opposite direction before I was able to enter the park without my dog being immediately jumped upon. 45 minutes later when returning to the main area of the park to leave, there was this little dog - leash still on and attached to its CHAIN collar - chasing and snapping at any dog that came near it with no owner in sight. It's owners had returned to the comfort of their vehicle, leaving him entirely unsupervised in the park! This is neither safe, nor fun for the dog nor any other visitors! These owners only made an effort to return to the dog after they saw me stop to take a picture of it standing by itself in the middle of the park with it's leash still attached. People like this ruin dog parks for EVERYONE! SHAME ON YOU, WHOEVER YOU ARE! read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Dog left unattended with it's leash still attached to its chain collar while owners sat in their car - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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My dog gives this park 5 paws (if he had 5 paws)! Living in the city and feeling guilty, my husband and I ventured up to Prairie Wolf on a Saturday with our pup. The drive (from downtown) was about a half hour, and it was easy to find. Once there, our dog was in heaven. It was so nice to have such a fenced-in big space with trails and ponds and hills and open prairies for him to run around. I truly think that it was one of the best experiences of his life. He LOVED it. We'll be back as soon as the weather warms up a bit! read more

We have been here once with my 12 lb. puppy, as we are residents of Cook County and have a permit for the enclosures within Cook, but this place was well worth the $10. There is a clear road, so you avoid getting too dirty, and 2 different areas that connect to the lake. If one was a bit crowded, we noticed the other was usually not. Our usual dog park has big dogs primarily, but we noticed that this one has a lot more small dogs, which our pup appreciated. It is clean and it truly is doggy heaven! In addition, the option of doing a day pass is convenient. We will definitely be back. read more

It was a freezing, sunny January day when we first came here. My sister has been before with her year old Great Dane. Bellatrix my pug wore a sweater and a bright pink vest. They ran in the ample fields, met other friendly dogs and we met their owners. We just moved from johannesburg, South Africa where green spaces are very accessible so it was lovely to have the space again. We will be back often. read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Awesome winter fun - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Fantastic place for dogs! Best place around the suburbs and chicago! Friendly people, friendly dogs, fantastic open environment for dogs read more

Prairie Wolf is phenomenal. Buster had a blast! It's the best dog park I've ever been to - period. It is a huge, 44 acre wooded area with lots of trails and open grassy areas. It also has a lake. The trails are very well maintained, and the people are friendly. A regular told me today that it is also very nice in the winter, so Buster and I will be going every chance we get. read more

Prairie Wolf Off-Leash Dog Area - Dog Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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Now that I have a dog who gets along with people and other dogs, I finally have an excuse to come to this dog park, yay! There really isn't much to say that G.R. and Christa F. haven't already covered. It's huge, it always has lots of friendly people and their pets and we always have a great time here. It is absolutely worth the drive from the city, there is so much land and space for the dogs to run around and play. I really don't like the dog parks in the city, I much prefer to drive out here and sprawl out a bit more. I'm excited to check out the other Lake County dog friendly exercise areas, too. read more