Can my dog be off-leash at Puptown at Margate Park (DFA)?

Yes — Puptown at Margate Park (DFA) is off-leash year-round, whenever it's open.

Is Puptown at Margate Park (DFA) fenced?

Yes — Puptown at Margate Park (DFA) is fully enclosed.

Is Puptown at Margate Park (DFA) free?

Yes — Puptown at Margate Park (DFA) is free to access. Street parking near Marine Dr; Red line to Lawrence.

Where can my dog be off-leash right now?

Open the live DogMap map — each spot shows whether off-leash is allowed at the current date and time, including seasonal and time-of-day limits.

Fenced dog park · Uptown (lakefront) · 4900 N Marine Dr, Chicago, IL 60640

Puptown at Margate Park (DFA)

Known as 'Puptown,' this popular fully fenced DFA in Margate Park near Lawrence and Sheridan has separate large- and small-dog areas, double-gated entry, and a doggie drinking fountain.

Off-leash · always

Off-leash right now?

Off-leash anytime

Leash-free whenever the spot is open.

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The facts

Off-leash
Off-leash · always
Fenced
Yes — enclosed
Water
Fountain on site
Size
0.38 acres
Hours
Off-leash all day · 6 AM–11 PM
Surface
Grass / dirt

Parking & access

Street parking near Marine Dr; Red line to Lawrence.

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.
Fully fenced with double-gated entry and separate large- and small-dog sections; water fountains run spring through summer.
A well-loved lakefront-area run; no food inside, no puppies under 4 months, no female dogs in heat.

About Puptown at Margate Park (DFA)

Puptown at Margate Park (DFA) is a free fenced dog park in Chicago, Illinois where dogs are off-leash year-round. It's fully fenced, with a drinking fountain on site. Size: 0.38 acres.

Rules verified · source: Chicago Park District