Follow East Branch Forest Preserve Off Leash Dog Area
About
East Branch Forest Preserve Off-Leash Dog Area – Glendale Heights, Illinois
Discover a natural escape for your furry friend at the East Branch Forest Preserve’s dedicated off-leash dog area in Glendale Heights, Illinois.
This 2-mile loop provides a fantastic opportunity for dogs to run, play, and explore in a beautiful, natural setting.
Open from sunrise to sunset, it's a popular spot for dog owners seeking a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
**Location & Access:**
The dog area is conveniently located near Glen Ellyn Road and Swift Road, part of a larger wetland preserve with lakes, marshes, and diverse wildlife habitats.
It’s easily accessible and a key feature of the expansive East Branch Forest Preserve.
**Features & Activities:**
* **Off-Leash Area:** Enjoy a 2-mile loop specifically designed for off-leash fun.
* **Wildlife Viewing:** The preserve is a haven for a remarkable variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, great blue herons, coyotes, and skunks.
Birdwatchers will delight in observing over 100 migratory bird species annually, particularly warblers and chipmunks.
Turtles can often be seen basking in Strack Pond on warm days.
* **Natural Habitat:** The area is largely a natural wetland along the East Branch DuPage River, offering a rich ecosystem with lakes, marshes, and a wide variety of native plants, including joe pye weed, dogbane, and milkweed.
* **Scenic Hiking & Birdwatching:** Beyond the dog area, you can enjoy hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities throughout the preserve.
**Wildlife Highlights:**
The preserve boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including:
* **Birds:** Over 100 migratory bird species, including warblers, chipmunks, and waterfowl.
* **Mammals:** White-tailed deer, coyotes, skunks, squirrels, and chipmunks.
* **Reptiles & Amphibians:** Turtles and toads.
* **Other Notable Animals:** Great blue herons, bald eagles, and various other species of hawks.
**Preserve Details:**
* **Hours:** Open from sunrise to sunset. (Mondays are maintenance-only)
* **Size:** Approximately 411 acres (166 ha) with a 165-acre (67 ha) forested section.
* **Trail Length:** 2-mile loop.
* **Elevation:** Approximately 180 feet (55 m) above sea level.
**Nearby Attractions:**
* [Winfield Mounds County Forest Preserve](https://openlands.org/places/winfield-mounds-county-forest-preserve/)
* [Mayslake Forest Preserve and Dog Park](https://openlands.org/places/mayslake-forest-preserve-and-dog-park-2/)
**Important Notes:**
* Please ensure you bring waste bags to clean up after your dog.
* Supervise your dog at all times.
* Respect the natural environment and other visitors.
We hope you and your dog enjoy exploring the East Branch Forest Preserve's off-leash dog area!
History
## East Branch Forest Preserve Off Leash Dog Area – Glendale Heights, Illinois
Enjoy a fantastic off-leash experience in a beautiful natural setting! The East Branch Forest Preserve off-leash dog area in Glendale Heights offers a 2-mile loop where your dog can run and play freely.
This area is part of a larger wetland preserve with lakes, marshes, and diverse wildlife.
**History & Features:**
The East Branch Forest Preserve has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.
The Union Land and Improvement Company originally donated an 80-foot-wide strip of land to the Parks Department, allowing the city of Brooklyn to develop the area.
Initially designed as a recreational space, the preserve has evolved into a valuable natural resource.
The area's development included the removal of existing residential buildings and the construction of infrastructure to support the growing community.
Today, the preserve plays a vital role in stormwater control and wildlife habitat.
It’s a popular spot for observing a wide variety of bird species, including warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl, and even migrating songbirds.
You might also spot other wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, great blue herons, coyotes, and skunks.
The 2-mile loop provides a scenic hiking experience, and the off-leash area is perfect for dogs of all sizes (under 10 feet long).
The preserve's diverse ecosystem includes many native trees like the Northern red oak, Scarlet oak, and Tulip tree, creating a stunning canopy and under-layer.
Keep an eye out for wildflowers like white wood aster and the vibrant colors of fall foliage as the trees prepare to drop their leaves.
**Important Information:**
* **Hours:** Open from sunrise to sunset.
Mondays are maintenance-only.
* **Size Limit:** Dogs under 10 feet long are welcome.
* **Location:** Near Glen Ellyn Road and Swift Road, Glendale Heights, Illinois.
* **Explore More:** [Winfield Mounds County Forest Preserve](https://openlands.org/places/winfield-mounds-county-forest-preserve/) and [Mayslake Forest Preserve and Dog Park](https://openlands.org/places/mayslake-forest-preserve-and-dog-park-2/)
Delivery Services:
Stocked Brands:
Inventory Categories:
Categories
Dog ParkForest Preserve
Last updated:
{'metatitle': None, 'metadesc': None, 'user_rating': 0.0, 'state': 'Illinois', 'city': 'Glendale Heights', 'name': 'East Branch Forest Preserve Off Leash Dog Area', 'address': 'Swift Rd.', 'latitude': 41.915525, 'longitude': -88.048534, 'shop_type': 'dog-park', 'last_updated': '2025-04-20T03:40:42.469231+00:00', 'final_rating': 0.0, 'holiday_hours': {}, 'operating_hours': {}, 'additional_filters': {}, 'verified': False, 'phone': None, 'email': None, 'website': 'https://openlands.org/places/winfield-mounds-county-forest-preserve/', 'article': '<p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">East Branch Forest Preserve Off-Leash Dog Area – Glendale Heights, Illinois\n\nDiscover a natural escape for your furry friend at the East Branch Forest Preserve’s dedicated off-leash dog area in Glendale Heights, Illinois.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">This 2-mile loop provides a fantastic opportunity for dogs to run, play, and explore in a beautiful, natural setting.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Open from sunrise to sunset, it\'s a popular spot for dog owners seeking a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.\n\n**Location & Access:**\n\nThe dog area is conveniently located near Glen Ellyn Road and Swift Road, part of a larger wetland preserve with lakes, marshes, and diverse wildlife habitats.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">It’s easily accessible and a key feature of the expansive East Branch Forest Preserve.\n\n**Features & Activities:**\n\n* **Off-Leash Area:** Enjoy a 2-mile loop specifically designed for off-leash fun.\n* **Wildlife Viewing:** The preserve is a haven for a remarkable variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, great blue herons, coyotes, and skunks.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Birdwatchers will delight in observing over 100 migratory bird species annually, particularly warblers and chipmunks.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Turtles can often be seen basking in Strack Pond on warm days.\n* **Natural Habitat:** The area is largely a natural wetland along the East Branch DuPage River, offering a rich ecosystem with lakes, marshes, and a wide variety of native plants, including joe pye weed, dogbane, and milkweed.\n* **Scenic Hiking & Birdwatching:** Beyond the dog area, you can enjoy hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities throughout the preserve.\n\n**Wildlife Highlights:**\n\nThe preserve boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including:\n\n* **Birds:** Over 100 migratory bird species, including warblers, chipmunks, and waterfowl.\n* **Mammals:** White-tailed deer, coyotes, skunks, squirrels, and chipmunks.\n* **Reptiles & Amphibians:** Turtles and toads.\n* **Other Notable Animals:** Great blue herons, bald eagles, and various other species of hawks.\n\n**Preserve Details:**\n\n* **Hours:** Open from sunrise to sunset. (Mondays are maintenance-only)\n* **Size:** Approximately 411 acres (166 ha) with a 165-acre (67 ha) forested section.\n* **Trail Length:** 2-mile loop.\n* **Elevation:** Approximately 180 feet (55 m) above sea level.\n\n**Nearby Attractions:**\n\n* [Winfield Mounds County Forest Preserve](https://openlands.org/places/winfield-mounds-county-forest-preserve/)\n* [Mayslake Forest Preserve and Dog Park](https://openlands.org/places/mayslake-forest-preserve-and-dog-park-2/)\n\n**Important Notes:**\n\n* Please ensure you bring waste bags to clean up after your dog.\n* Supervise your dog at all times.\n* Respect the natural environment and other visitors.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">We hope you and your dog enjoy exploring the East Branch Forest Preserve\'s off-leash dog area!</p>', 'faq': None, 'history': '<p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">## <strong>East Branch Forest Preserve Off Leash Dog Area</strong> – Glendale Heights, Illinois\n\nEnjoy a fantastic off-leash experience in a beautiful natural setting! The East Branch Forest Preserve off-leash dog area in Glendale Heights offers a 2-mile loop where your dog can run and play freely.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">This area is part of a larger wetland preserve with lakes, marshes, and diverse wildlife. \n\n**History & Features:**\n\nThe East Branch Forest Preserve has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The Union Land and Improvement Company originally donated an 80-foot-wide strip of land to the Parks Department, allowing the city of Brooklyn to develop the area.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Initially designed as a recreational space, the preserve has evolved into a valuable natural resource.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The area\'s development included the removal of existing residential buildings and the construction of infrastructure to support the growing community.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Today, the preserve plays a vital role in stormwater control and wildlife habitat.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">It’s a popular spot for observing a wide variety of bird species, including warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl, and even migrating songbirds.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">You might also spot other wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, great blue herons, coyotes, and skunks.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The 2-mile loop provides a scenic hiking experience, and the off-leash area is perfect for dogs of all sizes (under 10 feet long).</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The preserve\'s diverse ecosystem includes many native trees like the Northern red oak, Scarlet oak, and Tulip tree, creating a stunning canopy and under-layer.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Keep an eye out for wildflowers like white wood aster and the vibrant colors of fall foliage as the trees prepare to drop their leaves. \n\n**Important Information:**\n\n* **Hours:** Open from sunrise to sunset.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Mondays are maintenance-only.\n* **Size Limit:** Dogs under 10 feet long are welcome.\n* **Location:** Near Glen Ellyn Road and Swift Road, Glendale Heights, Illinois.\n* **Explore More:** [Winfield Mounds County Forest Preserve](https://openlands.org/places/winfield-mounds-county-forest-preserve/) and [Mayslake Forest Preserve and Dog Park](https://openlands.org/places/mayslake-forest-preserve-and-dog-park-2/)</p>', 'disclaimer': None, 'categories': ['Dog Park', 'Forest Preserve'], 'admission': None, 'date_available': None, 'attendance_amount': None, 'exhibitor_amount': None, 'delivery_services': [], 'social_media': {}, 'stocked_brands': [], 'inventory_categories': {}, 'customer_reviews': [], 'metadescription': None, 'slug': 'east-branch-forest-preserve-off-leash-dog-area', 'distance': 593.4, 'main_image': {'data': 'https://www.nearestdoor.com/get-image/8046/', 'is_main': True, 'alt': 'East Branch Forest Preserve Off Leash Dog Area in Glendale Heights, Illinois', 'uploaded_at': '2025-04-23T20:07:19.949506+00:00'}, 'additional_images': [], 'shop_type_unslug': 'dog park', 'open_now': 'unknown'}
Follow East Branch Forest Preserve Off Leash Dog Area