When I first moved to the Madison area, I had no idea it offered so many pretty views. I really just thought it was going to be a “big” city (I moved here from a verrrrrry small town), and wouldn’t have much for wildlife, woods, or even farms. I quickly realized that Dane County had much more to offer.

As I grew my business into what it is today, my yearn for finding dog-friendly locations grew stronger. Here I’ve gathered 6 of my favorite spots where dogs are very much welcome in Dane County.

Be sure to get a Dane County Dog Park permit here.

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Ice Age Trail Junction Area

Location: Verona, WI

What It Offers:

Wooded + open field hiking trails

Biking trails

Parking lot

Dogs allowed on leash

Sugar River Wildlife Area Basco Unit

Location: Belleville, WI

What It Offers:

Easy access to the Sugar River

Rustic white barn

Open field + small walking trail

Apple trees

Parking lot

Dogs allowed off leash

Elver Park

Location: Madison, WI (south-west side)

What It Offers:

Spacious walking paths

Open fields

Water backdrop on the west side of the park

Parking lot

Dogs allowed on leash

Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area

Location: Madison, WI (north side)

What It Offers:

Wooded hiking trails with pretty pines and birch

Open field

Parking lot

Dogs allowed on leash

Prairie Moraine Dog Park

Location: Verona, WI

What It Offers:

160 acre fenced in dog park

Open walking trails

Wooded walking trails

Parking lot

Dogs allowed off leash

Ed Tallard Conservancy

Location: Middleton, WI

What It Offers:

Walking trails

Open field

Parking lot

Dogs allowed on leash