Jackson Bark, Chicago, IL

If you and your pup are looking for an off-leash dog park right on Chicago's Lake Michigan near pooch-friendly beaches like Montrose Dog Beach, look no further. Jackson Bark, lying inside the city's 543-acre Jackson Park, is for you! 

Get ready for fun and frolic in this delightful dog park with a separate small or shy dog section. Built solely by a resident of the Woodlawn neighborhood atop four unused tennis courts, Jackson Bark was the first “unofficial” dog park on Chicago’s South Side, and it hasn’t lost its pupularity! Built in 2014, it’s still one of the most visited puppy playgrounds in the city, maintained and operated by volunteers. 

This dog park’s quirky features include a fire hydrant that supplies water to doggy pools, a mini police car that’s just the right size for a fur baby, a mirror at dog height, and re-purposed "findings" like lumber, street signs, and tires. 

Arguably the best and most unique feature of Jackson Bark is its agility course! The course offers a variety of challenging stations, including a see-saw, a wall of tires, tunnels, hoops, an A-frame, and more! Even if your pup isn’t in training,  these pawsome obstacles are just plain fun! 

Large bottles of water sit next to multiple water bowls in the two Pup & Pub areas, but pet parents should remember to bring some water for their own hydration needs. Sun shades provide respite from the hot summer sun, while benches and chairs dot the park, creating oases of relaxation for  pup parents watching the play-by-play play. 

A first-aid kit stands ready for any mishaps, and dog waste bags are a gentle reminder to all pet parents to be thoughtful and pick up after their pooches.

With its convenient parking, a visit to Jackson Bark should be in Fido’s fur-ture. Your pooch is sure to snooze all the way home!

Does your furry pal need to brush up on their recall or manners? Book an in-home dog training session with Wag! today!