About the Beach
The Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago's first legal off-leash beach. Our dog beach is located on the Northwest corner of Montrose Beach (the point closest to the city). Just follow Wilson Avenue until it curves to the left at the lake. Look for the big corrugated steel walls of the old Boat Launch, and you’re there. Click here for a Google Maps
There's a nice handicap accessible ramp located in the boat launch, or the old entrance to the beach is to the right (south) of the boat launch, at the end of the path, and down the rockwall. There’s a gate in the black fence.
The Dog Beach is open during all regular Chicago Park District hours, roughly from sun-up till 9 P.M. Morning hours are the most popular with dog beach users.
The Dog Beach is free, but DFA tags are required for all dogs, and that will cost you $5.
Related Information
Etiquette Rules
In the interest of keeping Montrose Dog Beach safe and clean for everyone, we are providing a gateway for peace between owners, their dogs and the enviroment. Therefore, Mondog has assembled this guide to Dog Beach Etiquette.
View items...DFA Rules
Official Chicago Park District Rules & Regulations for all Dog Friendly Areas
DFA Tags
All dogs using Chicago Dog Parks and Beaches are required to have a DFA tag. DFA (Dog Friendly Area) Tags shows a dog is healthy and up to date on their vaccinations. When dogs are allowed to socialize it’s important that they have their vaccinations to prevent an outbreak of potentially life threatening diseases like Parvo and Distemper. Having a tag also shows an owner is a responsible person, and understands the Dog Park rules.
Mondog strongly urges all beach users to be good citizens and get their DFA tags.
View items...Fence and Ramp
Here we are in 2010 and still paying for our fence. If you are new to the Dog Beach, you're probably wondering why on earth we're trying to pay for a fence we already have. The short story is we agreed to pay half to keep the Dog Beach open. The long story is detailed here.
View items...Security and Safety
Information about security and safety at Montrose DFA Beach.
Note: Please contact the Chicago Police Department at 911 and Chicago Park District Security at (312) 747-2193 to report aggressive dogs, an owner or dog walker with more than 3 dogs, or any criminal behavior.
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