Lakewood Forest Preserve — Attraction in Wauconda

Specifically Dog Exercise Area(northeast corner of IL-176 and Fairfield -- annual/daily pass required). The Happiest Place on Earth for Dogs! We have been going there 3-4 times a week for 13 years.

Tons of open space, varied terrain, woods, and fields. Well maintained by the forest preserve staff.

Dog vs. dog incidents are very, very rare. The only complaint we have beyond seasonal mosquitoes is the few bad people who don't pick up after their dogs. Bags are provided with tons of trash cans so there is NO excuse.

Absolutely a must for Lake...

WORST MAINTENANCE OF ANY LCFP Park. You pay to enter here but the trails aren't maintained, whereas the free-to-enter LCFP parks have maintained hardpacked aggregate trails. The trails are pure mud for days or more after every rain, so after walking your dog for an hour you get to go home and wash your dog for an hour. I've NEVER seen a maintenance person at this park, nor is there any evidence that any maintenance occurs, but we've held a pass to this park for a decade. The Fairfield Road Facility should be renamed to the LCFP Muddy...

A little something for everyone: fishing, biking, hiking, horses, a small museum, birding, beautiful old oak trees, and a savanna in process of being restored. There are also some almost off trail opportunities for hiking and mushroom hunting. I use the hilly loop in the middle of the park for getting my legs in shape for the mountain bike season. Usually populated but not crowded, this is an excellent spot for families with young kids that aren't in to structured playgrounds, but maybe curious...