Wisconsin’s Top State Parks for Dogs and their Owners

By Maddie Wilcox | Photo courtesy Travel Wisconsin; pictured: Wyalusing State Park

Wisconsin’s state parks offer numerous opportunities to breathe fresh air and bring along your pet. Check out these six pet-friendly state parks with unique features for dogs to enjoy in Wisconsin’s natural wonders and get expert advice from a licensed veterinarian to keep your dog safe along the way.

BIG FOOT BEACH STATE PARK – LAKE GENEVA

Located along the eastern shore of Geneva Lake, your critter may not be the only furry creature at this state park! This park is the perfect place to go if you are looking for leisurely outdoor time with your pet. Catch a breeze in the designated pet picnic area before hitting one of the multiple short hiking trails rated easy to moderate.

Veterinarian Tip: Dr. Kristi Orchard, owner-veterinarian of Waterloo Veterinary Care, encourages pet owners to “only consider taking your dog on a hike if your dog is physically able to handle it.”

COPPER FALLS STATE PARK – MELLEN

Take in the beauty of northern Wisconsin at pet-friendly Copper Falls. Trails highlight the staggering red gorge walls and rushing waterfalls, with stops at the designated pet area near the main picnic zone the whole family can enjoy. Unless otherwise marked, dogs are welcome on Wisconsin state park trails to explore the park. If your dog is up to it, there are plenty of natural and man-made wonders to visit like the 80-foot-deep gorge and historic 1930s log buildings.

Veterinarian Tip: Dr. Orchard shares one of the best things you can do for your pet is “do research ahead of time to be aware of the terrain and exposures to your dog.”

DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK – BARABOO

Known for its prominent location along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Devil’s Lake State Park has miles of trails along the bluffs surrounding the 360-acre signature Devil’s Lake. This popular state park has recreation options for your desired activity level. If your pup wants to go for a swim, Devil’s Lake has multiple options with on and off-leash swim areas. You can even take your dog out on a paddling excursion. For a relaxing spot to enjoy your lunch, grab a table at the pet picnic area.

Veterinarian Tip: If you’re going for a swim with your dog, Dr. Orchard recommends you “be aware of water dangers, make sure your dog is a breed that is able to swim well, and if not, consider a life jacket.”

GOVERNOR DODGE STATE PARK – DODGEVILLE

As one of the largest state parks, Governor Dodge is a great destination in southwestern Wisconsin for you and your dog to explore. This park is part of the scenic driftless region, an area bypassed by history’s most recent continental glacier, which allows for a diverse terrain of bluffs and valleys to form. Roll up with your furry posse to the Cox Hollow pet swim area and lay out a picnic in the designated pet zone nearby.

Veterinarian Tip: Dr. Orchard urges, “keep your pet leashed and under control at all times. This is for your dog’s own safety and the safety of others. Dogs can easily disturb wildlife and can get injured themselves.”

GOVERNOR THOMPSON STATE PARK – CRIVITZ

Take advantage of everything Governor Thompson State Park has to offer with the designated Woods Lake pet picnic area, beach and boat landing. Plenty of wooded trails cutting through the nearly 3,000 acres of woods are available for wandering to take in waterfalls over unique rock formations. Your companion animal is going to love observing the water fowl along the Caldron Falls Flowage.

Veterinarian Tip: “Be prepared to provide plenty of water as needed and pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly.”

KETTLE MORAINE STATE FOREST SOUTHERN UNIT – EAGLE

Kettle Moraine has a little bit of everything: hills, prairies and lakes. This park is best known for its impressive forest. Located next to the Ottawa Lake and Rice Lake boat launches, your dog can take advantage of multiple pet swim areas. If hiking is more your speed, there are multiple loop trails calling your dog’s name. Be on the lookout for nature trails marked as not allowing leashed dogs. This state park boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with multiple family campgrounds.

Veterinarian Tip: “Only take your dog with you if you have properly socialized your dog with people and other dogs. Do not put undue stress on your dog… if your dog is fearful or stresses easily.”

LAKE KEGONSA STATE PARK – STOUGHTON

This southern Wisconsin state park offers a variety of recreation opportunities with camping, hiking, fishing and swimming. If you and your pet are looking to cool off, Lake Kegonsa offers a pet swim area and, weather-permitting, a pier to teach your pet to jump into the water. The trails cut through woodlands, wetlands, and prairies where you and your beloved pet can see the diverse landscapes Wisconsin has to offer.

Veterinarian Tip: “Be aware of garbage, rocks, shells, and wood. Paws are designed to handle multiple surfaces but often they can get wounds from objects that are on shore.”

RICHARD BONG STATE RECREATION AREA – KANSASVILLE

Teeming with diverse wildlife, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is perfect for active dog training, especially if you want to bring your pooch along on your next hunting expedition. The Wisconsin DNR highlights Richard Bong as a “designated area for teaching dogs to retrieve, point, flush and/or track game.” Take special note, if you intend to utilize live birds or ammunition, a license is required. Even if you aren’t needing the space for dog training, you can enjoy this preserved wild space that was initially dedicated for a jet fighter base, but was converted to public land after that project was not pursued.

Veterinarian Tip: When exploring wooded and grassy areas, Dr. Orchard advises “keep your dog on flea and tick preventatives prior to enjoying the outdoors.” This will prevent exposure disease for your dog and for you. 

Grab a Doggie Bag

While you’re in the area with your favorite furry companion, stop by these dog-friendly restaurant and lodging attractions.

• BLACK CAT COFFEEHOUSE – ASHLAND NEAR COPPER FALLS STATE PARK
  Don’t let the feline name turn you and your pooch off from dining at the coffee shop’s outdoor seating. Choose from breakfast burritos, smoothies and omelets to fuel your next adventure.
• DAIRY BARN – LENA NEAR GOVERNOR THOMPSON STATE PARK
  Stroll into this walk-up establishment with your pup which features the pride of our Dairyland with towering ice cream cones and gooey mac ‘n cheese bites.
• VIKING BREW PUB – STOUGHTON NEAR LAKE KEGONSA STATE PARK
  Pull up a seat and rest your dog’s weary legs at this brewery’s outdoor seating area. Steeped in rich history, their menu has plenty of handheld items to satisfy your hunger after a long day outside.
• YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE PARK CAMP-RESORTS – BARABOO NEAR DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK
  If you can’t snag a campsite at the heavily-visited Devil’s Lake State Park, you can rest your head at a campsite or rental unit with no additional pet fees.