Dog Walkers in Gladstone Park

Gladstone Park is a triangular neighborhood located in the northern area of the Jefferson Park Community and bordered by the Kennedy Expressway on one side. A few blocks north of this community is a huge natural area that will provide almost limitless wonderful exploration for you and your dog. This area encompasses miles of natural forest surrounding the winding Chicago River.

Many homes of this neighborhood are built in the Dutch colonial style, leading to a unique-looking and very attractive neighborhood with a Dutch cultural flavor, although the population of this neighborhood is not especially Dutch, but is instead ethnically diverse.

Cafes and restaurants clustered along Milwaukee Avenue provide a place for you to pick up some food on the go, and some even have a little outdoor seating so you can share a meal with your four-legged friend. Several blocks south across Highway 90, the Pink Poodle Dog Boutique provides both grooming and accessories for your dog.

Gladstone Park is a flat neighborhood with long, straight blocks. Walking and biking are pleasant on the neighborhood streets. Front yards tend to be non-existent or small, but grassy dividers between sidewalk and road and plenty of mature trees coupled with streets that are not too heavily trafficked make this a pleasant neighborhood.

You can bike from the corner of Gladstone Park up North Central Avenue all the way through Jefferson Park and almost to the forest on a dedicated bike path, but if this is too long of a bike route for you, it is well worth the drive to the forested area north of Jefferson Park.

This expansive park provides miles of natural woodland surrounding the winding north branch of the Chicago River that runs through this area. Your dog will be mentally and physically exercised and challenged exploring this natural forest and a bike path exists throughout it so that you can keep up with your energetic dog.

Gladstone Park is located in relatively close proximity to a huge forested area that encompasses the Forest Glen Woods, the Thaddeus S. “Ted” Lechowicz Woods, and the Sydney Yates Flatwood, among many others. 

Golf courses are interspersed throughout the forest but do not take up too much room. The Chicago River runs through this park, so if you want a challenging hike with your dog, you can try to follow its banks along the water. The river here is too narrow and winding to be great for canoes or kayaks, but you could have fun trying to canoe here when the water is high or enjoy wading with your dog when the water is lower.

If you want to experience nature but aren't looking for a heavy-duty hike, you can stick to the well-maintained trails that run throughout this forested area, allowing you to comfortably walk on concrete while your dog explores.