This is the best of the best. I have two large dogs an Airedale and a bernedoodle. I moved into Del Webb so finding a fenced in area for them to run was a must Once their barking stops to alert others of their arrival their adventure begins. Park has everything. Open space and wooded trails. Love it read more

I bring my dogs here at least 1X a month. There's two fenced in areas. I think most people who come here use the smaller side for the smaller dogs, so I follow the etiquette and take my chihuahuas on the smaller fenced in area. There's a pump for water. Bags are there, you can bring some to donate also and there's waste baskets to dispose. 2 unisex bathrooms. They were clean and stocked as of yesterday (5.23.22) it closes at dusk. Lots of friendly people I've met here so far and it's great for all ages. You can walk the dogs around the park too. This is free so no one mandates the vaccines or pets but it works out fine for me. It's worth visiting and letting the pups play! read more

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Schweitzer Woods Forest Preserve and Dog park has been a savior these past 9 months! I've taken my dog to this park many times over this past year and he truly enjoys to socialize with all of the dogs and owners. Perks are large enclosed wooded area, free entry, sunrise to sunset access. Most of the owners are responsible and friendly, but we have run into some owners who should take more responsibility over their wild pets. There are two enclosures: a larger area (where most of the bigger and socialized dogs play) and a smaller area for tiny or dogs that aren't ready for large group play). We haven't had any issues with ticks or fleas yet and my dog is treated. It's important to check your pets frequently after woods play. I do believe that the park cleans it but I'm not sure of the schedule of how frequently it happens. On numerous occasions I have spotted the same poop and throw up in the woods. I can't believe owners just leave their poop without cleaning up after their pets. Y'all have to do better. Overall, it's a great place to bring your pets for exercise and socialization. See ya there. read more

Schweitzer Woods Dog Park - Buddy (One of the Regulars) - Dog Parks Near Me - West Dundee, Illinois

If your goal is to tire your dog out, practice his or her social skills and get some exercise, this is a great place that is easy to get to and manageable in size for an off-leash outing. We've come during several seasons and Winter is by far my favorite time to bring our dogs. I've noticed each time we've come here, there were a considerable amount of bigger dogs, so as others have mentioned, be aware if you have a smaller dog or dog that isn't sociable, as this might not be the place for you unless you use the smaller gated, training area. The back wooded trail area is nice to take walks with your dogs but it can be slippery when there is ice and muddy when it has rained. It can also get buggy back there in the Summer time, but offers nice shade. For the most part, dog owners visiting here seem pretty friendly and keep watch over their dogs. But we have seen a couple owners who didn't follow their dogs into the back woods and their dogs were aggressive towards ours and others. It is my opinion, and hopefully others too, that responsible dog owners should keep watch over their dogs to avoid any issues, but it doesn't always seem to happen here because of the wooded area. If you are using a ball, toy or stick to practice retrieving, just know that toys are fair game and shareable at anytime. Don't bring your dog's favorite toy or it will likely get taken. There are pit toilet style bathrooms on site and parking is very close. We will definitely be back though and enjoyed our last visits with our dogs and our daughter's dog. read more

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This is a great place for the doggos. It's amazing someone donated all that land so everyone can enjoy it. I was here a few weeks ago and a lady yelled at me because I had my dogs off leash and she said her dog is "reactive". I didn't get a chance to ask her what that meant but there is a sign in the parking lot saying dogs must be leashed April 1 to August 31. So I interpret that to mean it's off leash from Sept 1 to March 31. Am I wrong here? This is an off leash park during the winter months, right? read more

Love the huge fenced in area with a woods section that makes it much more interesting for dogs. Also has a bunch of prairie path trails for dogs/owners to walk along. read more

This dog park is INCREDIBLE!! Don't get discouraged when you first park. The fenced in area looks small (well, normal sized) at first but it actually includes a huge wooded area with trails! I had really positive experiences with everyone there too. There were probably 20-30 other dogs/owners there. The dogs were all very well behaved and the owners were relaxed with the dog interactions yet still attentive to their pups. I have a Great Dane puppy so I often have negative interactions with other owners given the size but everyone here was so welcoming and understanding. The walking trails were also incredible. So much room and it was very well cared for. There is also a smaller fenced in area for small dogs or dogs that should be separated. The only downside is it's a bit far if you live in the city, like me. But i will definitely be making more trips out here because it was such a great experience and an awesome space!! read more

Thank you Kane County Forest Preserve for providing a lovely fenced in park for dogs and dog owners. I had been to Schweitzer Woods when there was no sign to announce the entry and the driveway (If u could call it that) needed an off road vehicle. Everything is top notch. The shelter is enormous and is wonderful for when the weather changes as it often does in Illinois. I have now been on the trail and often prefer to the crazy fish bowl that the park becomes at times in the evening and weekends. You cannot make people do right. Irs a shame that you have to tell someone to pick up u know what. Or watch them as they walk into the park and dont pick up after their dog on the way in. A little about Emily Schweitzer: Emily Schweitzer gave a most beautiful gift to her fellow citizens of Kane County. A deed for her 160 acre property arrived at the Forest Preserve in December 1989. It was Emily Schweitzer's wish that the rolling kame and kettle country be preserved as open space. The property has oak forests, crop land, hay meadows and marshes. A beautiful Edwardian house and matching dog kennel are situated in the southeast corner of the property. Miss Schweitzer's only request was to maintain the property as passive open space. She passed away in 2001 at the age of 89. Check out this video about Emily and the property. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0qs1v_eSy0 This park is a priviledge and at times, it is taken advantage of. Please consider investing in mulch for the dirt areas. Dogs roll in it and get very dirty. Grass is also non existent and needs some help next season.. Bring water, bowls, poop bags, etc. You will need it. read more

Schweitzer Woods Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - West Dundee, Illinois

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I love this dog park! It's a great place for dogs (and humans) to get exercise and socialization without feeling confined in a dog park. There's a field and if you go further back, the forest has paths that allow for dogs to wonder in it. The forest is fenced in but honestly it doesn't feel like it is. It is a must go to place! The people are okay for the most part. Some are questionable. Some don't pick up after their dog which happens in every dog park at some point. Definitely coming back! read more

Huge, love the wooded area with paths. Friendly owners. Like any park you gotta be vigilant with watching your dog and others. Not every dog gets along. You're gonna get muddy/dirty. I like the second smaller fenced area for smaller or unsure type dogs. Buckets of water aren't always fresh so bring your own. read more

We have been a few times and as always use your best judgment with dogs that come! We have had a great time and most importantly our girl has! it has a nice open area and my favorite is the trail behind all enclosed! read more

Just ok... very tiny in comparison to places like Libertyville and Lake Forest dog parks... I was disappointed. Small parking lot for only about 20 cars .... small outside dog area and that opens to patch of woods in the forest preserve where you walk your dog in the same circle you complete in about 15 min. It reminds me more of a city dog park, in Chicago, that has a small strip of forest preserve attached. My dogs were bored and looking for more room to run. Your best bet here is to put your dog on a leash, and walk one of the awesome attached walking paths outside the dog area. Saw lots of people doing just that.... Your dog and your Heath would enjoy that walk so much more. read more

If it wasn't for irresponsible owners, I would still be going here. My dog got attacked, her ear bleeding and had to take her to the vet. And this was a much smaller dog compared to mine. Antibiotics and vet fees. The man ran off after his dog bit mine. Watch out for them. I can't risk going here anymore. Find a better dog park, it's worth paying the few dollars a year. read more

Best dog park we've ever been to and we have been to A LOT! Our beagles are in beagle heaven here. It's a great place to teach your dog off leash recall. They have the freedom of running in the woods as you trail walk. When you enter it looks like a regular open field dog park but there's woods and trails towards the back. All fenced in with atleast a 6 foot fence. The only issue is the fence has some weak points in the back where a small, escape artist like our Monkey can sneak through. If there is a weak link in a fence one of our dogs will find it. However, you can see people have tried to cover up these small holes with rocks and branches and it actually has worked well. We spent over two hours here and our dogs were having the time of their lives following scents and chasing squirrels and no one escaped through the fence. I love when our dogs can have the freedom of off-leash dogs, in a natural habitat (not just an open field) and I can practice re-call with them, yet they are still fenced in and safe. The other dog owners were pleasant and responsible. There are some poop bombs but it's probably hard to find your dog's poops since it's a bit of a wild area... so I just pick up when I see one and hopefully others do the same. There is a water hydrant right outside the dogpark so bring a bowl. There's also a dog house with baggies. And there's a small dog fenced area that has no access to the woods in case you don't want your dog in the woods. Plenty of parking and bathrooms are available. Love this dogpark!!! read more

This is the first fence dog park I have been to and I have to say it's a great place. I read some bad reviews and decided to still give it a try and I am glad I did, from what I've read people expect more but come on. You have a fenced park with a nice wide area for dogs to play in and it's free. With all that being said just enjoy the park for what it is and not for what it doesn't have. read more

Schweitzer Woods Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - West Dundee, Illinois

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What a great spot! The actual dog park is just perfect and the trails around it offer both human and dog great nature walk! I love this place! read more

NOT GOOD FOR SMALL DOGS (but it's free, which is nice). I brought my two 10 pound Shih Tzus and immediately noticed that there were a ton of large dogs here. As often happens, all the dogs come to investigate new dogs as they enter, sniff for a few seconds, and usually leave us alone. But within a minute, a much larger dog than mine, came running over and before I knew what was going on, attacked one of my dogs. Maybe it thought my small dog was prey? My dog was yipping on her back, while the big dog growled and batted at my dog. I ran over and kicked and pushed the big dog off and was able to get it off. I scooped my dog up as the big dog tried to resume the aggressive move, with me screaming at it to "Get off!" Luckily, my dog doesn't appear to be injured. The owner, Jacqueline, said her dog was "just playing," and had never done that before, but other dog owners came up to me and said I should get this woman's number because her dogs were "a**holes." The encounter has made me decide not to come back (maybe to any dog parks, IDK) because I can't risk having my dogs injured by the many large dogs that tend to assert dominance over smaller dogs. Maybe that's how it always will be for smaller dogs at a dog park.... ***UPDATED (5/7/18) **** after reading a personal note to me from another reviewer. I did not have my dogs on leashes, and I only scooped my dog up to protect it from further punishment. As far as getting the attacking dog owner's phone number, it wasn't so we could be friends; it was to pay for possible vet bills if I determined that my dog needed to go. I did not say her last name or her dogs' breeds, so it's not cyber-bullying IMO. Perhaps there should be some policing of these types of places, along with a fee. If a person's dog attacks others, maybe that dog shouldn't be allowed back in. The purpose of a review is to alert people about the experience you personally had. Others who read my review can compare others' experiences and decide for themselves if they want to come. read more

Took my 12lb. puppy and was kind of scared when all the large dogs stood at the gate waiting for us to come in. I walked in and my puppy was surrounded, usually my dog is the aggressor but he just rolled over and let them check him out. He must have passed the test because they were satisfied and walked away. We walked through the woods and he didn't leave my side, when we came out some bigger dogs ran up to him and wanted to play, they ran off through the grass. The next day I came back and there must have been over 20 dogs there, Again they met us at the gate to check him out and the rest of the visit was him running with the dogs, visiting with the "parents" and just have a fun free time. The other adults were so nice and watched their dogs carefully. We are heading there again today, I love that he doesn't have to be on a leash and interacts with the other dogs. read more

The way some people describe this park, I was expecting long pathways and rolling hills. And, while that's technically the case, the whole pathway took about 5 minutes to walk. Though my dog is used to hiking, so he loved it. Plus it's free, which seems to be a miracle compared to the area. We went at peak time on a Saturday and, while there were lots of dogs, they were all very nice. Two watch outs... 1) Bring your own water/dog bowl and bags. They weren't readily available when we were there. 2) Lots of regulars, which tends to mean the dogs are nice, but the owners aren't super attentive. May want to error on the side of being a bit overprotective while the dogs get used to one another. read more

The open area is not as large as I expected and is very muddy. But the property is nice and there are lots of trails through wooded areas both within and outside of the fence. There are no baggies and the only receptacle for waste is outside of the fence, which is probably why a lot of people don't seem to pick up after their dogs. Considering most dog parks require a permit with fees, this is a nice option for letting your dog enjoy some time off leash. It's wonderful that a fellow dog lover, Emily Schweitzer, donated her property for public use and hopefully it will continue to be used as she intended. read more

I really love the history of this place. It was owned by Emily Schweitzer, a relative of Albert Schweitzer. It was an estate, and the house still stands. She raised champion Irish Setters on the property, and the kennel is still there, too. It has a fenced in area where you can take your dog off leash, although you should bring water for your dog, because once you're in the fenced in area, you can't get to any water. There are bathrooms (not outhouses) and it's a very nice area to go with your dog and meet other dog owners that like to let their dogs run and goof around off leash. read more

Awesome dog park. I'm so happy we found this park. My dog loves going here gets so excited just pulling up to this place. For sure give it a try!! read more

It's a little smaller than other dog parks I've been to but it is a nice space for your dogs to play. There is even a fenced trail through the woods where you can take a walk with your dogs. The only downsides are it's usually very muddy after it rains, there are a lot of dirt patches, it's common for people to not pick up after their dogs, and my dogs always get burs and sticker plants stuck to their fur from the woods. read more

Kym B, if you resolved an issue with someone you shouldn't be cyber bullying. Unfortunate incidents happen but you're the exact reason I don't exchange phone numbers or contact information with people. People feel bad enough but to call someone out by name dropping them or their dogs names creates even more havoc. Posts like these infuriate me because they will start policing this area and start charging people. Dogs show dominance by nature and aren't trained to bite. If your don't didn't get bit don't ruin a free park on Yelp. People should never leave dogs on leashes when they go there because dog's establish more dominance. I'm a dog trainer and you should leave dogs off leash in a fenced in area. Just like you shouldn't pick a dog up, dogs think dogs being held are prey. Same as on leashes. read more

Very nice dog park but overly crowded on weekends and pack mentality becomes a HUGE issue here from what I've seen. Like many dog parks, dogs will have issues with others but since this one is quite small it makes it a bit harder to walk away and leave the other dogs. The wood area is great though! Not many parks have that! But also would like to say that this dog park is notorious for people to sit on on their phones and socialize with ppl and not watch their dogs. Which is okay with some but again, you don't know how your dog or someone else's will react to each other. Many dogs here come in not being neutered or spayed so I've seen that cause again issues, maybe turn aggressive, on multiple occasions. But again, people don't watch their dogs or read body language which is bad here (and probably at any dog park) but I've seen the most issues of that here IMO. People also leave toys and bring toys which causes drama between dogs so that's another issue I've seen. Use to come here almost everyday but with so many untrained and quite aggressive dogs that stir drama and aren't trained or listen to their owners, I stick to the nice fields on the outside of the park. It has paths and far from any roads and near woods. It's very pretty! The dog park though is a very fun place to go to, just depends what kind of dogs and owners are going to be there. I've seen some EXTREMELY rude and harsh people here too which makes me turn away. I think before bringing your dog to any dog park, you have to understand body language and what play is. Play can be different from dog to dog and they can sort out how they want to play. I've seen owners get in other peoples faces for their dog playing with theirs, while theirs keeps coming back with tails wagging. Very negative crowd half the time. Other half of the time, the people are great and very friendly! Like I said, just depends on the crowd and what kind of people are going to be there. Most experiences though are positive! Just stating what I've noticed! Overall great dog park with some flaws like any dog park! I do think their should be a sign outside of it with some common dog park rules to help ease the drama issues between the dogs possibly! Another great aspect is they have a separate area that I've seen unsocialized dogs go into and stuff be able to be with the free dogs in the park. They're just separated my a fence. But I like this so if their is a dog that needs a break or if it's scared then that's a great place to start them out at or go to! read more

Beautiful spot and would great for my dog if it weren't for the dog park bullies. I was told because I wasn't ready to let my dog off leash in the bigger area that he would "get attacked". I will not take a chance with dogs I don't know. I doubt we will be back. read more

Great dog park with a large fenced-in wooded area (feels very natural and dogs can run to really stretch their legs). Also has a smaller area for small dogs (we have greyhounds who can be timid, so we always ask people in the small area if it's ok for us to come in). The big dogs aren't always supervised by their owners so I would recommend being vigilant in that side. Some of the dogs can be a bit rough, but I've never seen a dog fight there. Beautiful space! read more

A great free fully fenced park with an open area and a wooded area. No frills because it's free but there are a few picnic benches around. Realize that the smaller separate dog area isn't just for small dogs but also aggressive dogs. Don't assume and just open the door. Most dogs are friendly with very few scuffles. People are mostly alert and responsible. read more

Nice place to be with your dog if it wasn't for the uneducated people bringing in dogs who are aggressive.... I don't care if you have them on leashes it's not safe! I've heard of and seen so many dog fights here... It can happen anywhere but still this place seems to be having some issues. Beautiful place however! read more

I love this place for my boy! The area is large enough to accommodate a ton of dogs. The dogs and owners are friendly and attentive and will step in if their dog is getting too rambunctious. We go a couple times a week. read more

This is a great place for dogs with large open space with grass. I live in the city and most of the dog parks I visit are concrete pavement. This is not the prettiest park but I'm sure the dogs here don't care. My dog as well as my mother-in-law's dog loved it because of the large open space. There is a back area that has a lot of trees and it may look like it is not completely fenced in but it is. I kind of wish people would pick up after their dogs though. You may find a lot of poop along the fences. I will continue bringing my dog here when I come up here to visit the in-laws. read more

My dogs had a blast at this dog park. There is a good size fenced in "off leash" area. They were both thrilled that they were able to run around in the woods off of their leashes. We will definitely be back. read more

I was not overly impressed with the setup. However I will keep it a 4 star because I have to go back when there are more dogs and better weather. read more

My dog loves coming to this dog park! The trails behind are great for short hikes. Haven't had any bad experiences with other dogs, they do provide fenced in areas for dogs that don't play well with other dogs. Well taken care of area too, hardly any trash laying around. Great place to spend the day with your fur baby. read more

IT"S FREE!!! Can get muddy. I like that it has trails in the woods and in the fields outside the fence.

I really like this dog park, there's open spaces, fields with tall grass and in the back there are woods with trails. My dog loves running up and down, back and forth, he makes new friends and when he's ready to leave he pushes my arm that is holding his leash to say, let's go, I'm woofed!! read more

Nice park, but tick central. Each time we came back with 2-3 ticks. Even on the outside trail it's infested with them.

Excellent dog park. My boyfriend and I were visiting his family so we took our dog here everyday for a week to let her run off some energy so she wasn't so excitable around the family. There is a fenced in dog park which was nice for her to run with other dogs. As with all dog parks you have to analyze the dog situation and ask other owners if their dogs will be friendly with your dog. There was a small walking trail with some woods in the fenced in area that the dogs enjoyed running around. There is a also a huge walking trail outside of the fenced in area that you can take your dog. They don't need a leash on in the winter, which was so nice. We just walked the trail while our dog ran around and sniffed the area. I hope this place stays around so we can always take her here when we are in town! read more

I took my dog here one time. My dog was following me. I heard a yelp and I went running and someone's dog had attacked my dog. No one fessed up to owning the dog that bit my dog. I didn't have time to wait around for the owners to claim their vicious dog because I had to rush my dog to the animal hospital. Long story short months of recovery and $6500 later my dog is better but never will I take my dog to this dog park EVER again. read more

A very dear friend of my wife told us about this dog park. We have a Portuguese Water Dog who needs exercise, and she certainly gets it here! I always bring a poop bag and water for my Abby, and she revels in the roughhouse play with other bigger and smaller dogs. The human visitors are generally pleasant and friendly, but some tend to leave their dog's waste on the ground, or leave the bag with it hanging on the fence although a dumpster is right there in the parking lot for it. But for that, I'd give this facility five stars. Oh, and it's free! read more