Montrose Dog Beach is one of several areas of Chicago’s Lincoln Park. The Lincoln Park area boasts several dog-friendly spots, and Montrose is the largest of these.
Montrose Dog Beach spans almost four acres and is an easy walk from your vehicle. Whether you’re just in town for the day or call Chicago home, this is a point of interest you and your dog will want to explore.
We’ve put together this guide to help you plan your trip to Montrose Dog Beach, and to the Chicagoland area as a whole. Of course, we’ve got your pup in mind, too!
Ready to plan your day? Let’s get started!
Before you scroll down to this guide, check out these other topics: Belmont Harbor Dog Beach – Everything You Need To Know! (2023) and 6 Best Dog Groomers in Chicago! (2023).
Montrose Dog Beach: The Basics
Before you visit Montrose Dog Beach, you’ll need a DFA permit and tag from a vet. This permit proves your dog has all appropriate vaccinations and veterinary care, and you can obtain one from participating vets in Chicago. The cost is minimal and will last the entire season.
Montrose Dog Beach is accessible via a small parking lot which caters primarily to vehicles with handicap placards. Alternatively, you can find metered parking on the street, or simply walk your dog through the many dog-friendly areas of Lincoln Park. Pay special attention to signage, and ensure your dog stays on the designated paths.
The park itself has fences on three sides, with the harbor left open for dogs to explore. That said, it’s important to keep your eye on your pup! The fence isn’t impenetrable. Zoomie dogs tend to get loose from time to time.
There are doggy bags and other cleanup areas, largely supplied by the Montrose Dog Beach Advisory Council. This non-profit organization aims to keep the beach clean for Chicago residents and visitors. So, if you’re a frequent guest of the park, consider supporting them!
There are just a few things to remember as you’re playing. Generally speaking, picnic lunches and food are frowned upon within dog-friendly areas. It’s considered good etiquette to feed your dog elsewhere. Pick up your dog’s poop now, not later. And be sure to close the gate to the dog park.
There’s plenty of room for your dog to run and explore off-leash. Be courteous of other doggies and their humans, and you can expect a full day of play.
Montrose Dog Beach Details:
- Location: 4697 Lawrence, W Wilson Dr, Chicago, Illinois
- Phone Number: 312-747-2001
- Hours: 6 am to 11 pm
- Vaccinations required: Yes
- Leashes required: No
- Breed restrictions: None listed
- Parking: Small lot, free and metered street parking
Montrose Dog Beach Reviews
In researching reviews of Montrose Dog Beach, we learned that most visitors had a great time. Owners were impressed by the cleanliness and accessibility of the beach, and dogs enjoyed the space they had to roam, play, and meet new friends.
There are bathing stations for your dog, so the sand from the beach stays on Lake Michigan where it belongs. Rinse your dog and your own feet for a sparkling clean car. Visitors also love the fact that doggy bags are available thanks to the Montrose Dog Beach Advisory Council. The park is well-kept and clean in comparison to other dog beaches along the lake.
There is ample space to explore and play on your own, but visitors often strike up friendships with other people and with dogs. Don’t be surprised if other pup owners pick up a tennis ball and start playing with your dog, too! At times, Montrose Dog Beach feels more like a beach for people that dogs are permitted on, but other times, it becomes too crowded.
Visitors appreciate that there’s a concession stand on the beach. You can buy food and drinks there but, again, be courteous with your food; don’t leave it accessible to other dogs while you play on the beach.
Overall, the reviews for Montrose Dog Beach are phenomenal!
This park offers a great break from city life, a place to bring your furry friends where they can roam and explore nature. The beach is well-maintained, and amenities are present as well. Best of all, in the evenings you can catch distant fireworks from Navy Pier — the sound is muted enough that it won’t disturb most dogs.
While You’re In Chicago
If you’re vacationing in the Windy City, you’ll want to find a pet-friendly hotel at which to stay. Thankfully, the city hosts a few, such as the Aloft brand, Virgin hotels, Hotel Lincoln, and many more! Call ahead for information about pet-accessible rooms and any breed restrictions that may be enforced.
If you’re hungry, check out some of the dog-welcomed bars, pubs, and restaurants in the area. The Perch Kitchen and Tap, for instance, even features a dog menu! Order yourself a cocktail and grab a Hefe-woof-zen and a Puppy Power Bowl for your friend. Or, you could drive over to PB&J and let your dog enjoy a Pup and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Mercury Canine Cruise offers guided scenic tours, and leashed pups are welcome. If you’d rather let your pooch swim around, check out Doggy Paddle, an indoor pool at Wicker Park. Of course, you can always check out the other dog-friendly parks in Chicago provided you have your DFA tag.
As you can see, there are plenty of activities you and your dog can enjoy. Whether you’re strolling Navy Pier with your leashed friend or shopping for luxury pet supplies at a doggy boutique, your dog will be spoiled and pampered in Chicago!
Frequently Asked Questions
While the entrance is free, you will need a $5 DFA tag for your dog.
While parking used to be free, there are now parking meters along Montrose Harbor Drive.
The fence has three sides, but the barrier doesn’t always fully extend into the lake depending on the water level.
Conclusion for “Montrose Dog Beach”
Montrose Dog Beach is a unique Chicago dog park because it’s overseen by a board that serves as its caretaker. It’s notoriously clean, stocked with plenty of doggy bags, and the wash stations, though not free, are a great addition to this fenced park.
Pack your pup’s supplies and some extra water, grab a DFA from a local vet, then set out to explore Montrose Dog Beach, the city’s largest dog-friendly play space.
When you’re both exhausted, grab dinner at a pet-friendly restaurant until it’s time to get a good night’s sleep in a hotel that has a place just for you and your pup.
If you find this guide helpful, check out these other dog-related questions:
- Can Pomeranians Swim? (2023)
- Can Dogs Drink Distilled Water? (2023)
- Do Goldendoodles Like Water? (2023)
You can see dogs enjoying the water by watching “Montrose Dog Beach – Chicago Dog Friendly Area” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.