Independence Grove

WHERE IS THIS?

©TimElliot

Hours:
Open daily, 6:30 am until 7 pm or sunset, whichever is later.

Scheduled Maintenance:
Independence Grove Off-Leash Dog Area is CLOSED until 11 am on the first and third Thursdays of the month, April-October.

Independence Grove
Off-Leash Dog Area

Independence Grove Dog Area

Located in Libertyville, this special place is one of five designated Off-Leash Dog Areas within the Lake County Forest Preserves where dogs can run and play off-leash.

Named "Best Dog Park" by North Shore magazine, this 30-acre fenced area features open fields, wooded areas, and a large pond for dogs to swim. Please pay close attention to your dog in the open swimming area to make sure it does not stray.

This Off-Leash Dog Area is fenced on two sides with access on the south side to the Casey Trail and Greenway. The Casey Trail connects to the Des Plaines River Trail. You must leash your dog when using these two trails. And, because dogs are not allowed in Independence Grove Forest Preserve, you also must stay on the Des Plaines River Trail when passing through this preserve.

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Permit Required

An annual or daily permit and a dog are required for entry. Permits allow access to all five Off-Leash Dog Areas. Daily permits can be purchased in advance via your mobile phone by downloading the Passport Parking app or visiting ppprk.com. Self-pay stations for daily permits are not available.

Location

Separate from the rest of Independence Grove Forest Preserve, the Off-Leash Dog Area has its own entrance on Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21), north of Buckley Road (Route 137) in Libertyville.

Hours

Open daily, 6:30 am until 7 pm or sunset, whichever is later.

Scheduled Maintenance

Independence Grove Off-Leash Dog Area is CLOSED until 11 am on the first and third Thursdays of the month, April–October.

Off-Leash Dog Areas

Duck Farm

Lake Villa

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Independence Grove

Libertyville

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Lakewood

Wauconda

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Prairie Wolf

Lake Forest

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Waukegan Savanna

Waukegan

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Using the Off-Leash
Dog Areas

Are there health and safety tips for visiting the Off-Leash Dog Areas?

For your dog's health and safety:

Dogs must be at least 4 months old to visit.
Determine if it's wise for your small dog or puppy to be off-leash with larger dogs.
Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination tag and number, as required by state law. If your dog's vaccination is not current, please call your vet. Consult with your vet regarding other recommended vaccinations or preventives.
The Lake County Health Department's low-cost pet vaccination clinics provide a convenient and affordable way to keep pets current with their shots and rabies tags.
Leave sick dogs home. They are not allowed in the area when ill.
Show your dog you care by asking your vet about visiting here.
Learn about potential health issues, prevention, symptoms and treatment. The Lake County Health Department and the American Veterinary Medical Association offer information and other resources on environmental health and disease prevention.
Make sure your dog is healthy and properly vaccinated against parvovirus and other diseases.
The soil throughout the eastern United States may contain spores that can cause blastomycosis. Chances are small that a dog will inhale them, but knowing symptoms gives time for treatment.

Can I get a refund if my dog does not like the Off-Leash Dog Area?

Refunds are not available but we do recommend purchasing a daily permit first to test the Off-Leash Dog Areas. They are good at all five Off-Leash Dog Areas, so start your day early and discover your favorite.

What if a dog is behaving overly aggressive toward my dog and I don't see the owner?

Call 847-549-5200 and ask to speak to a Ranger.

Is my dog required to wear a Forest Preserve dog tag?

No. Owners must display the annual permit vehicle sticker or the daily permit receipt on their vehicle while at the Off-Leash Dog Area.

Do you spray anything to reduce ticks at the Off-Leash Dog Areas?

We do not spray insecticide or use other methods to control tick populations. They are part of the natural system.

In Illinois, adult ticks are most active in April through June and again in early fall.

If you are encountering numerous ticks we recommend discussing repellent options with your veterinarian and considering keeping your dog out of areas with tall vegetation during the peak times. We realize this is a challenge at the Off-Leash Dog Areas. On-leash excursions at nearby preserves with crushed limestone trails are an alternative option to reduce tick exposure and during muddy seasons.