Prairie Wolf Dog Park Review
Lake Forest, IL
Best Dog Parks of Lake County Series
They keep getting better and better!
Benji and I visited our 4th of 5 dog parks in Lake County - Prairie Wolf, and absolutely LOVED it. This park met all of our requirements, and is now one of our favorite places to visit. However, we still have one more park on our list, so we’re not quite ready to make our final decision on the official best dog park in Lake County… As a reminder, all of the dog parks in Lake County require a permit, so make sure you read our blog post - FAQ About the Dog Parks Of Lake County for more details on that.
Environment:
The set up of Prairie Wolf Dog Park is a dog (and Dog Mom’s) dream! It literally has everything you could ever want. It’s huge (44 acres to be exact…). There are open fields to play fetch in, a pond to swim in, and trails to explore. There’s even a fenced off training area to use! As a side note, there is not a designated small dog park, which obviously does not apply to Benji and me, but may be relevant to our small dog friends! The front of the park seems to be where dogs gather and play, while the back of the park is where the pond is located. In the summer, it’s great for swimming, and freezes over in the winter! There are a few open fields located throughout the middle of the park, as well.
Cleanliness:
Like most of the dog parks in Lake County, this park was very clean. Between the complimentary doggy bags, and regularly placed garbage cans, it is extremely clean for a heavily trafficked park. Furthermore, the water is safe for dogs to swim and play in. (At least in terms of cleanliness - ALWAYS supervise your dog in or near the water).
Amenities:
There is a parking lot out front, but this park is extremely popular. If you go during “down times” you will have no trouble finding a spot. However, mornings on weekends are generally pretty packed. There are human bathrooms and water fountain on site. As I mentioned above, there are complimentary doggy bags located at the front of the park, and plenty of trash cans throughout. There aren’t as many benches as other parks in the county, but still a few here and there if you need a break from all the fun!
Traffic:
This seems to be one of the most (if not the most) popular park we’ve been to in Lake County. However, with the large size, it’s easy enough to keep your distance from other dogs (or humans!) Its certainly a great option if you’re looking to socialize your dog (or looking for new dog mom friends!) However, if you’re dog gets overwhelmed by lots of dogs or people, this might not be the spot for you.
PROS:
Large space with a few different routes to explore
Water to play in!
Lots of doggo friends
Training area to utilize
Great amenities - free doggy bags, bathrooms, etc.
CONS:
No small dog area
Permit required
Difficulty parking at busy times
Overall Rating: 5/5 Wags (our highest rating yet!)
For more Lake County Dog Park Reviews, check out our posts on…
