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Dogs in the Preserves
Permit Required for Off-Leash Areas

Dogs are welcome at most preserves as long as they’re on leashes under 10 feet long. You need to remain with your dog, though (no tying leashes to trees, buildings, or equipment), and keep it quiet at all times, especially in picnic and camping areas.

Leashes keep dogs on the trails and away from harmful plants and unseen hazards. They lessen the chance dogs will startle hikers, bikers, or horseback riders or bite other pets or people (no matter how unlikely that may seem). They also ensure dogs can’t disturb nesting or resting wildlife.  

If you're interested in off-leash fun for your pups, keep reading!

Off-Leash Areas

Purchase a permit, and enjoy off-leash fun at our seven designated areas. Each is open one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset except as noted below.

dog at Blackwell off-leash area

Blackwell

Fenced 10 acres on the south side of Mack Road 0.25 mile east of Route 59. Opens 9 a.m. Mondays

dog in water at East Branch off-leash area

East Branch

Training pond on 60 acres on the west side of Swift Road 1 mile north of North Avenue. Opens 9 a.m. Mondays

dog at Greene Valley off-leash area

Greene Valley

Fenced 14.5 acres for all dogs and 1.5 acres for small dogs on the east side of Greene Road south of Hobson Road and north of 75th Street. Opens 10 a.m. Wednesdays

dogs-off-leash-area-hawk-hollow

Hawk Hollow

Fenced 34 acres with two rotating 2.1-acre areas for large dogs and 0.7 acre for small dogs area off Bittersweet Drive just south of Stearns Road. Opens 10 a.m. Tuesdays

dog at Mayslake off-leash area

Mayslake

Fenced 3.5 acres for all dogs and 0.5 acre for small dogs on the west side of St. Paschal Drive south of 31st Street and west of Route 83. Opens 10 a.m. Thursdays

dogs at Oldfield Oaks off-leash area

Oldfield Oaks

Fenced 6 acres for all dogs and 0.6 acres for small dogs on Cheese Road east of Lemont Road south of 87th Street. Opens 10 a.m. Tuesdays

dog at Springbrook Prairie off-leash area

Springbrook Prairie

Fenced 37 acres on the north side of 83rd Street west of Book Road. Opens 10 a.m. Thursdays

Permits & Fees

 You need an annual (valid January – December only) or daily permit but can buy one online 24/7 by clicking the appropriate "Purchase" button below.

You can also get permits  Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.  through Visitor Services at 630-933-7248 or at our headquarters office at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton.

To apply by mail or fax, download an application in English (PDF) or Spanish (PDF).

People 65 or older, active U.S. military personnel, and honorably discharged U.S. veterans are eligible for one free annual permit per household per calendar year. If this is the first time you’re requesting a free permit, you need to provide proof of your age (driver's license or birth certificate) or military-service status (active status or a DD-214 Member 4 form). 

Annual Permit First Dog
DuPage Owner $60/year ($30 after Sept. 1)
Non-DuPage Owner $170/year ($85 after Sept. 1)

Annual Permit Second Dog 
DuPage Owner $15/year
Non-DuPage Owner $35/year

Annual Permit Third Dog
DuPage Owner $15/year
Non-DuPage Owner $35/year

Annual Permit Fourth Dog
DuPage Owner $15/year
Non-DuPage Owner $35/year

Daily Permit First Dog
DuPage Owner $12/day
Non-DuPage Owner $20/day

Daily Permit Second Dog
DuPage Owner $12/day
Non-DuPage Owner $20/day

Daily Permit Third Dog
DuPage Owner $12/day
Non-DuPage Owner $20/day

Rules & Regulations

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, you must follow these rules and regulations, which the Forest Preserve District may change at any time. You can bring up to three dogs to an area at one time, but the following applies to each.

  • Carry your dog’s permit with you when in an off-leash area, and present it to a Forest Preserve District agent for inspection if asked.
  • Dogs must be at least 4 months old. All dogs must be up-to-date on distemper, parvo, and rabies vaccinations and must wear their rabies tags on their collars.
  • Per Illinois and county ordinances, dogs must be registered in the county where they and their owner reside.
  • Keep your dog in view and under control at all times.
  • Children must be closely supervised by an adult at all times and cannot run or chase dogs. They also cannot pet other dogs unless permission is granted from the owner.
  • Close the gate as you enter and exit the off-leash area, and leash your dog when you’re outside the area.
  • Carry a leash in the off-leash area, and leash and remove your dog at the first sign of aggression. You are responsible for the behavior of your dog and for any injuries or damages it causes to people or other dogs.
  • Do not allow your dog to approach uniformed staff. Leash your dog if necessary.
  • Never bring your dog if it’s sick or in heat.
  • Do not allow your dog to dig holes.
  • Properly pick up and dispose of all dog waste. Failure to do so could result in fines up to $120.
  • People must keep out of ponds or other waters; they are for dogs only.
  • Do not bring a toy that’s smaller than a tennis ball. If you bring any toys or treats, do not give them to other dogs, and make sure to take them with you when you leave.
  • Never use animals — dead or alive — for any purpose, and never use ammunition or devices that use explosive forces to propel retrievable objects.

As a permit holder you agree to abide by these rules and regulations as well as all Forest Preserve District ordinances and administrative orders and state statutes. You also understand that the Forest Preserve District may fine you or revoke your permit without refunding your permit fee if you supply false information on your application or fail to comply with any rules, regulations, ordinances, orders, or statutes.

Off-leash dog areas may be closed periodically for maintenance. Follow our Facebook page or sign up for text alerts to get notices about such closures.