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| lake county forest preserves |
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Located just to the north of Cook County, Lake County has 25,000 acres of forest preserves and a particularly enlightened attitude towards dogs and their people. The three areas listed below are designated specifically for off-leash play.
Libertyville (Independence Grove Dog Exercise Area)
location : Milwaukee Ave. (Rt. 21), 1/2 mile north of Buckley Rd.
comments : This partially-fenced, 30-acre area with open fields, wooded areas, and a large pond is named the "paws down favorite" in The Dog Lover's Guide To Chicago and "Best Dog Park" by North Shore Magazine.
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Lindenhurst (Duck Farm Dog Exercise Area)
location : Grand Ave. (Rt. 132), west of Rt. 45 and east of Rt. 83
comments : Entirely fenced, 48-acre area with open fields, trails and a dog drinking fountain.
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Wauconda (Lakewood Dog Exercise Area)
location : Off of Fairfield Rd., just south of Rt. 176
comments : A completely fenced-in 68-acre area with meadows, trails, a dog playground, and sections designed for obedience training.
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Assuming that there are no traffic problems, depending on where you live and which forest preserve you plan to visit, travel time ranges from a half hour to an hour and a half.
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The website of each preserve includes driving directions.
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Large open spaces to run off leash, ponds for swimming, and wooded areas to explore.
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Relatively nearby and really beautiful spots to play outside with your dog. Bathrooms and drinking water are provided in some cases.
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There's a special area for dog sledding and skijoring.
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Collar and leash, poop bags, a towel and drinking water.
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You'll need a daily or annual permit. For county residents, daily permits cost $5 per dog, and an annual permit costs $44 for the first dog and $18 for each additional dog. For non-residents a daily permit is $10, and an annual is $120 for the first dog and $56 for each additional dog. Annual permits are valid from the day you buy them until December 31 of that year. Dogs must be over four months old, properly vaccinated, and well-behaved. They must stay on the leash while in parking lots and on walkways and be in voice control at all times. Always pick up after your dog.
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Phone: 847-367-6640
Website: www.lcfpd.org/preserves/index.cfm
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