The Permit Office and Dunn Museum will be closed on Thursday, July 4 for Independence Day. Both locations are at the General Offices in Libertyville. You...
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In observance of Fourth of July, the regularly scheduled maintenance at Lakewood Off-Leash Dog Area in Wauconda will occur on Wednesday, July 3. The off-leash dog area will be closed until 11 am.
Located in Wauconda, this popular spot is one of five designated Off-Leash Dog Areas within the Lake County Forest Preserves where dogs can run and play off-leash. This Off-Leash Dog Area is part of Lakewood Forest Preserve.
The 66-acre area is entirely fenced and features large open meadows, mowed trails, parking area, toilets, a water hand pump, and a shade shelter.
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An annual or daily permit and a dog are required for entry. Permits allow access to all five Off-Leash Dog Areas. Daily permits can be purchased in advance via your mobile phone by downloading the Passport Parking app or visiting ppprk.com. Self-pay stations for daily permits are not available.
Entrance is on Fairfield Road, north of Route 176 in Wauconda.
Open daily, 6:30 am until 7 pm or sunset, whichever is later.
Lakewood Off-Leash Dog Area is CLOSED until 11 am on the first and third Thursdays of the month, April–October.
Lake Villa
Libertyville
Wauconda
Lake Forest
Waukegan
We do not spray insecticide or use other methods to control tick populations. They are part of the natural system.
In Illinois, adult ticks are most active in April through June and again in early fall.
If you are encountering numerous ticks we recommend discussing repellent options with your veterinarian and considering keeping your dog out of areas with tall vegetation during the peak times. We realize this is a challenge at the Off-Leash Dog Areas. On-leash excursions at nearby preserves with crushed limestone trails are an alternative option to reduce tick exposure and during muddy seasons.