Dog walking in Waunakee

Centennial Heights

Located in southeast Waunakee, Centennial Heights is pawsitively the best place to begin your adventure. Trot on over to Ripp Park, another incredibly spacious park with plenty of room for you and your pup to run and play the day away. Ripp Park encompasses nearly 90 acres of land, and offers a unique boardwalk experience through the marsh in the center of the park. Plus, the park offers several additional amenities such as soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and picnic shelters, so it's suitable for a whole day of family fun. Though this park is dog-friendly, there is no separate fenced-in area, so be sure to bring doggie waste bags and water, and keep your pup on their leash at all times!

West Street

Located in central Waunakee, the West Street neighborhood is the purrfect place to take a mid-day break with your furry friend. After playing at one of the area's numerous parks, head over to local dog-friendly coffeehouse, M-N-M's, for delicious food and drinks. Your pup is welcome at any of the four outdoor tables. Choose from an incredible selection of coffee-based drinks, teas, and fresh-fruit smoothies, plus an extensive food menu including sandwiches, wraps, soups and chilis. For dessert, check out one of their homemade pastries, cookies or even ice cream sundaes, floats and traditional cones. It's pawsitively certain -- the West Street neighborhood cannot be missed.

Marquette

Head just 20 minutes southwest of Waunakee and you'll find yourself in the charming neighborhood of Marquette. This neighborhood is home to three beautiful city parks; plus, it borders the incredibly scenic Yahara River. Take advantage of one of the area parks, such as Central Park or Orton Park, which features a nice trail cutting diagonally through the park. Just keep in mind to keep your pup leashed at all times, as these parks are not fenced in. You can also head over to another favorite local pet boutique: Bad Dog Frida. Bad Dog Frida has pawsitively everything your pup could ever need, including food, toys, supplies and even custom birthday cakes! The Marquette neighborhood certainly will not disappoint.

Brentwood Village

The charming neighborhood of Brentwood Village is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Waunakee and is home to one of the best dog parks in the surrounding area: Warner Park. While Warner Park does have a "people-friendly" area as well, the back half of the park is dedicated entirely to dogs. There is even a separately fenced-in area solely for small and senior dogs. Both fenced-in portions are complete with watering stations and doggie waste bags. Plus, the larger fenced-in area offers waterfront access to Lake Mendota, one of Dane County's finest lakes. If you prefer, you can also walk the trail encompassing the border of the park with your pup as well. The Brentwood Village neighborhood will absolutely be a fan favorite for you and your pup for years to come!

Castle Creek

Moving to the southwest region of Waunakee, head to the wonderful neighborhood of Castle Creek, which borders one of the area's most uniquely remote nature conservancies: Castle Creek Conservancy. Your pup is welcome on here, provided they are on a leash no longer than six feet, but be sure to bring waste bags and water. Encompassing nearly 50 acres of space, 36 of which are wetlands, Castle Creek Conservancy allows you and your furry friend a unique opportunity to explore some of  Wisconsin's most raw, natural beauty. Plus, you'll have the chance to see some of Wisconsin's most iconic wildlife, including muskrats, numerous songbirds, and even butterflies, depending on the season.