Can my dog be off-leash at Montrose Dog Beach?

Off-leash is allowed only during posted hours: 6 AM–11 PM.

Is Montrose Dog Beach fenced?

Montrose Dog Beach is partly fenced — there's an enclosed area plus open ground, so reliable recall still helps.

Can my dog swim at Montrose Dog Beach?

Yes — Montrose Dog Beach has lake water for dogs to swim in.

Is Montrose Dog Beach free?

Yes — Montrose Dog Beach is free to access. Large Montrose Beach lots off Montrose Ave (fill fast on warm weekends).

Off-leash beach · Uptown (lakefront) · 601 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Montrose Dog Beach

Chicago's famous off-leash dog beach at the north end of Montrose Beach — an official Dog Friendly Area where dogs swim and run leash-free on the sand and in Lake Michigan. The city's premier warm-weather dog destination.

Off-leash · set hours

Off-leash right now?

Off-leash during set hours

6 AM–11 PM.

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The facts

Off-leash
Off-leash · set hours
Fenced
Partly fenced
Water
Lake
Size
3.83 acres
Hours
6 AM–11 PM
Surface
Sand / grass

Parking & access

Large Montrose Beach lots off Montrose Ave (fill fast on warm weekends).

Good to know

Requires a Chicago Park District DFA permit + tag ($10/dog per year from a participating vet, with current vaccinations) — using a DFA without one risks a $500 fine.
Unlike the fenced inland DFAs this is an open beach on the lake — dogs must be leashed before and after the DFA; mind the water, which gets deep quickly.
No puppies under 4 months, no female dogs in heat, max 3 dogs per person; rinse the lake water and sand off before heading home.

Verified off-leash rules

Rules verified · source: Chicago Park District