Waukesha County

Dogs in Waukesha County Parks

Waukesha County Park System offers four fully fenced dog exercise areas, two designated dog swim areas, three open beach swimming areas, and over 60 miles of wooded and paved trails to explore. 

Handlers are not allowed to let their dog(s) interfere in any manner with other people’s enjoyment of the park. Handlers who fail to properly control a dog or whose dog creates a public nuisance or other disturbance may be asked to leave the park or may be issued citations. Leaving your dog(s) unattended for periods of time is inconsiderate to other park users and exposes you to potential problems.

  • Dogs are welcome at all Waukesha County Parks, except Retzer Nature Center (leashed service dogs permitted). Read about Retzer's No Dogs Policy.
  • No more than 3 dogs per handler in the park (In effect beginning Jan. 1, 2022)
  • Dogs must be leashed (6 ft. maximum length when not in designated off-leash exercise areas). Electronic leashes or collars are not considered a leash. 
  • Handlers shall have control of their dog(s) at all times
  • Dogs are not permitted on groomed cross country ski trails but are permitted on winter hiking and snowshoeing trails.
  • Dog bites or serious dog incident with injury call (262) 446-5070.
  • Daily Permit or Annual Park Sticker is required for park and dog exercise area entrance.

  • Dog Exercise Area Locations
    Off-Leash Dog Exercise Area Locations

    View conditions and closures of the Dog Exercise Areas on the Park System Alerts page.

    Please note: There may be seasonal rotations and closures of the designated large and small breed areas.

    Menomonee Park

    W220 N7884 Town Line Road, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

    • 3 Areas (Areas #1 and #3 can combine)
      • Large breed 
      • Small breed (20 inches tall at shoulder and less)
    • 32 acres
    • Explore open turf areas and several mowed trails through natural meadows and woodlands 
    • Special Event Area with a shelter and water

    Read the Project FAQ Document

    Minooka Park

    1927 E. Sunset Drive, Waukesha 53186
    • 2 Areas
      • Large breed 
      • Small breed (20 inches tall at shoulder and less)
    • 19 acres
    Mukwonago Park W325 S9925 Beulah Road, Mukwonago 53149
    • 3 Areas
      • Large breed 
      • Small breed (20 inches tall at shoulder and less)
      • 'Lazy Bones Zone' area
    • Dog watering stations
    • 34 acres
     
    Nashotah Park  W330 N5113 C.T.H. C, Nashotah 53058
    • 2 Areas
      • Large breed 
      • Small breed (20 inches tall at shoulder and less)
    • Dog watering stations
    • 18 acres
     
  • Dog Exercise Area Rules
    Dog Exercise Area Rules:
    • No attendant on duty
    • No more than 3 dogs per handler
    • Dogs are required to have a current dog license; handlers are required to show a current dog license upon request
    • Waukesha County will not be responsible for any injury suffered by or caused by any dog
    • Handlers are responsible for removal and disposal of their dog's waste in a sanitary manner
    • No puppies younger than 4 months of age
    • Dogs in heat are not allowed
    • Dogs must remain leashed until inside the double-gated entrance - ensure the gate is closed securely upon entry
    • Food / treats (human or pet), dog chews, and rawhides are not allowed
    • Handlers shall have voice control of their dog(s) at all times
    • Any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior must be removed immediately
    • Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult and within arms reach at all times
    • Do not run or chase dogs, and never attempt to pet other dogs unless permission is granted by that dog's handler
  • Dog Swim Area Locations
    Dog Swim Area Locations:
    Fox Brook Park 2925 N Barker Road, Brookfield 53045

    Dogs allowed in Designated Dog Swim Area only. Dogs are not allowed on the sand beach or in the designated beach swimming area.

     Menomonee Park W220 N7884 Town Line Road, Menomonee Falls 53051 Dogs allowed in Designated Dog Swim Area only. Dogs are not allowed on the sand beach or in the designated beach swimming area. 
     Minooka Park 1927 E. Sunset Drive, Waukesha 53186 Beach Swimming - Swim At Your Own Risk (SAYOR)
    Mukwonago Park S100 W31900 County Hwy LO, Mukwonago 53149 Beach Swimming - Swim At Your Own Risk (SAYOR)
    Muskego Park S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego 53150 Beach Swimming - Swim At Your Own Risk (SAYOR)
  • Dog Swim Rules
    Dog Swim Area Rules:
    • Dogs must be leashed at all times, except when in the water
    • Handlers must properly dispose of all dog waste
    • No more than 3 dogs per handler; handlers must maintain a visual and voice control at all times
    • Swimming hours and information
    Designated Dog Swim Rules:
    • Dog swimming only - no swimming or wading with dogs
    • No fishing in designated dog swim area
    • No boat launching