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Chicago's North Shore Insider Guide & Video Directory         
Wednesday February 08, 2012

Beaches for Dogs

Attention North Shore Dog Owners,
Tell Your Dog ... Jump In the Lake

It’s the thrill of running off leash. Splashing around in the water. Shaking so everyone around gets sprayed. Yes, these are the days for the dog beach.

Here, NorthShoreInsider’s got the goods on where and when you can take the plunge with your furry friends:

Wilmette- Gillson Park

Leash-free zone: Fenced Dog Beach between the pier and harbor mouth (south end of park)

Cost: $25-Resident, and $150-Non Resident

Hours: Mon-Fri: 6 a.m. - 11 a.m., 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sat&Sun: 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.


*Insider tip: Adorn your dog with a beach permit tag (Purchase at 1200 Wilmette Ave) and yourself with a plastic bag (or two) to pick up after your dog and a 10ft leash (or shorter) to walk you dog inside Gillson Park.

Evanston- 1631 Sheridan Rd

Leash-free zone: Dog Beach (Church St. at the lakefront)

Hours: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. (May-October)

Cost: $50 (per dog-Evanston Resident) and $100 (per dog- Non Resident)

*Insider tip: Need a beach token to be admitted-can be purchased at Dempster Street Beach Office.

 

Winnetka- Centennial Park Beach (South of Elder & Sheridan Rd)

Leash-free zone: Dog Beach (NEXT to- not including Centennial Park)

Membership: Park District Office (540 Hibbard Rd)

*Insider tip: Fill out membership form & MUST have signed by licensed vet

Cost: $30-Resident ($10 additional dog) and $160-Non Resident ($60-pass, $100 MANDATORY parking pass) ($35 additional dog)

*Insider tip: Dogs must be wearing a leash while in Centennial Park-or subject to a fine or revoked dog pass.

Don’t ruin your new pair of sandals by stepping in doggie doo, accessorize with a plastic baggie and clean up after your pup!

 

Highland Park: Moraine Park, 2501 Sheridan Rd.

Leash-free zone: Dog Beach contained in a fenced-in, leash-free exercise area

Membership: Visitors are required to have a picture permit card to use the area.

You can register at Heller Nature Center (2821 Ridge Rd.)

Cost: It's a $40 fee plus a Highland Park dog tag for residents and $120 plus a Lake County rabies vaccination certificate for non-residents

*Insider tip: Let your dog frolic! There are also picnic areas, restrooms and lots of wildlife, including white-tailed deer.

 

Lake Bluff: Sunrise Beach, 455 Sunrise Ave.

Leash-free zone: North end - dogs must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all other times

Membership: Visitors are required to complete the Dog Responsibility Contract and carry a beach pass and dog sticker.

Cost: It's $150 for non-residents, plus the cost of a beach membership.

Naturally, you’ll want to make sure you have an ample supply of old tennis balls, ripped towels for drying off your pup, and probably a good idea to keep a few extras in the car to help maintain the human conditions of your car!.

Rachel Barsky