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 Independence Grove Off-Leash Dog Area in Libertyville will occur on Wednesday, July 3. The off-leash dog area will be closed until 11 am.
Located in Libertyville, this special place is one of five designated Off-Leash Dog Areas within the Lake County Forest Preserves where dogs can run and play off-leash.
Named "Best Dog Park" by North Shore magazine, this 30-acre fenced area features open fields, wooded areas, and a large pond for dogs to swim. Please pay close attention to your dog in the open swimming area to make sure it does not stray.
This Off-Leash Dog Area is fenced on two sides with access on the south side to the Casey Trail and Greenway. The Casey Trail connects to the Des Plaines River Trail. You must leash your dog when using these two trails. And, because dogs are not allowed in Independence Grove Forest Preserve, you also must stay on the Des Plaines River Trail when passing through this preserve.
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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.
Separate from the rest of Independence Grove Forest Preserve, the Off-Leash Dog Area has its own entrance on Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21), north of Buckley Road (Route 137) in Libertyville.
Open daily, 6:30 am until 7 pm or sunset, whichever is later.
Independence Grove Off-Leash Dog Area is CLOSED until 11 am on the first and third Thursdays of the month, April–October.
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Libertyville
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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.