Sunrise Park & Beach

The north end of Sunrise beach in the industrious county of Waukegan is a designated area where dogs can dig their paws in the sand and swim in the blue waters of Michigan Lake. A gate keeps your pooch safely contained from other parts of the beach.

This beach gives dog-lovers the opportunity to take their pooches for a day out by the lake and commune with nature. The beach rules state on a sign outside that all woofers are required to be on a leash no longer than six feet. Locals need a permit to take their German Shepherd, Daschund, or Beagle on the beach during the summer months and are requested to fill out a Dogs Responsibility Contract with proof of vaccinations. This can be obtained from Lake Bluff Parks. A beach tag is then attached to your dog's collar.

The beach is quite lovely with a sandy, pebble ambiance and a wide range of amenities including restrooms, two covered in areas with fireplaces, kayaks for hire plus picnic tables, benches, and barbecue grills. They even provide beach chairs if requested. In 1984, the beach and bluff saw plantings of native trees, bushes, and grasses to aid in erosion and enhance the natural lake setting.

Lifeguards are watching the lake on weekdays from 10 am to 7 pm and weekends from 9 am to 7 pm. This covers the end of May right through to early August. There is no swimming allowed unless lifeguards are on patrol. This is a carefully monitored beach where visitors can pay a daily admission fee.

Access to the beach is via stairs down the bluff or a road and parking is free. Dog owners are asked to keep this cool beach clean by picking up after their pups. Unruly woofers will not be allowed to stay, so your pet-pal has to be a good boy or girl at all times. There are trees and bushes dotted around but if you're planning to stay awhile, pack your pooch an umbrella or shade tent.

Dog-friendly beaches are like diamonds in a mine and need to be conserved for future pooches to enjoy. If we all play a part in following the simple rules, Sunrise Park Beach will continue to welcome all dogs.