A Dog Owner’s Guide to Waukesha County: Where to Run Play & Swim

If your dog considers a good walk, a big field or a chance to jump in the water the highlight of the day, Waukesha County has plenty to explore.

The Waukesha County Park System currently offers four fully fenced dog exercise areas, two designated dog swim areas, four additional beaches where dog swimming is allowed and more than 60 miles of wooded and paved trails.

From acres of fenced space to run in Menomonee Falls, Mukwonago, Nashotah and Waukesha to swimming spots throughout Lake Country, here are some of the best places to get outside with your dog in Waukesha County.

Waukesha County Dog Exercise Areas

All four Waukesha County dog exercise areas are fully fenced. A Waukesha County Parks Annual Membership or Daily Permit is required for each vehicle entering a county park facility, and dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet when outside designated off-leash areas.

Menomonee Park - Menomonee Falls

W220 N7884 Town Line Road, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

With 32 acres of fenced space, Menomonee Park offers plenty of room for dogs to explore. The dog exercise area includes open turf along with mowed trails winding through natural meadows and woodlands.

There are three separate sections:

• Area 1: All breeds

• Area 2: Large breeds

• Area 3: Small breeds measuring 20 inches or less at the shoulder

A dog watering station is available in Area 1.

For dogs that would rather swim than run, Menomonee Park also has a separate designated dog swim area.

Minooka Park - Waukesha

1927 E. Sunset Drive, Waukesha, WI 53186

Minooka Park is home to a 19-acre fully fenced dog exercise area with separate sections for large and small dogs. The small-dog section is reserved for dogs measuring 20 inches or less at the shoulder.

Minooka itself is the largest park in the Waukesha County Park System at 579 acres, with miles of wooded trails and plenty of additional outdoor recreation.

Dogs can also swim at Minooka's beach under the county's open-beach dog swimming rules.

One important thing to know before you go: there is currently no water available inside the dog exercise area, so bring drinking water for your dog.

Mukwonago Park - Mukwonago

Dog Exercise Area Entrance: W325 S9925 Beulah Road, Mukwonago, WI 53149

At 34 acres, Mukwonago has the largest of Waukesha County's four fenced dog exercise areas.

The park offers three separate sections:

• Large Breed Area

• Small Breed Area for dogs measuring 20 inches or less at the shoulder

• Lazy Bones Zone

The Lazy Bones Zone is a quieter section intended for senior dogs, shy dogs, dogs with disabilities or in rehabilitation, and dogs that simply prefer lower-energy interactions.

Dog watering stations are available within the exercise area.

Mukwonago Park also allows dogs to swim at its regular beach under the county's open-beach dog swimming rules.

Good to know: The dog exercise area has its own entrance on Beulah Road, separate from the main Mukwonago Park entrance on County Highway LO.

Nashotah Park - Nashotah

W330 N5113 County Highway C, Nashotah, WI 53058

Nashotah Park offers an 18-acre fully fenced dog exercise area with separate large- and small-dog sections. The small-dog section is for dogs measuring 20 inches or less at the shoulder.

The surrounding park is worth exploring, too. Nashotah Park encompasses 444 acres of rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands and grasslands, with trails that can be enjoyed with your dog on leash.

Watering stations are available seasonally. Water is currently listed as off at the Nashotah dog exercise area, so bringing your own is recommended.

Where Can Dogs Swim in Waukesha County?

Have a dog that makes a beeline for the water?

Waukesha County currently has six county parks where dog swimming is permitted, although the rules differ depending on the location.

Brookfield - Fox Brook Park

2925 N. Barker Road, Brookfield, WI 53045

Fox Brook Park has a separate designated dog swim area. Dogs are not permitted on the park's regular sand beach or within the designated swimming area for people.

Hartland - Naga-Waukee Park

651 Highway 83, Hartland, WI 53029

Dogs are permitted to swim at Naga-Waukee's regular beach under the county's open-beach dog swimming rules. The park sits along Nagawicka Lake and also offers trails and other outdoor recreation.

Menomonee Falls - Menomonee Park

In addition to its 32-acre fenced dog exercise area, Menomonee Park has a separate designated dog swim area.

Dogs are not permitted on the regular sand beach or in the designated swimming area for people.

Mukwonago - Mukwonago Park

Dogs are permitted to swim at Mukwonago Park's regular beach. That makes Mukwonago an especially appealing option for dogs that enjoy both running and swimming, since the park also has the county's largest fenced dog exercise area.

Muskego - Muskego Park

S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego, WI 53150

Dogs are permitted to swim at Muskego Park's regular beach under the county's open-beach dog swimming rules.

Waukesha - Minooka Park

Minooka offers both a 19-acre fenced dog exercise area and dog swimming at its regular beach, giving owners another option for combining off-leash exercise with time in the water.

Know the Dog Swimming Rules Before You Go

At the regular beaches at Minooka, Mukwonago, Muskego and Naga-Waukee, dogs must remain leashed except when they are actually in the water.

The designated dog swim areas at Fox Brook and Menomonee operate differently. These sections are for the dogs themselves—handlers are not permitted to swim or wade in the designated dog swim areas.

Water conditions can also change throughout the season. Waukesha County advises visitors not to allow their dogs to swim when posted signs indicate a closure because of high bacteria levels or blue-green algae.

Another Option for Dogs That Prefer Their Own Space

Delafield — HAWS Schallock Center for Animals

W330 S1205 County Road C, Delafield, WI 53018

Not every dog enjoys a busy public dog park.

The HAWS Schallock Center for Animals offers another option on its 77-acre property in Delafield, including reservable spaces designed to give dogs a more controlled environment.

One of its most unique offerings is the Dog Dock, a private swimming pond available seasonally from May through October. Reservations give dogs private use of the swimming space during their scheduled time, making it an option for swimming, exercise or helping a dog become more comfortable in the water.

Reservations and requirements vary by offering, so check current HAWS information before planning your visit.

Before You Head Out

A little preparation can make a dog park day much easier.

Waukesha County allows no more than three dogs per handler, and owners must maintain control of their dogs at all times. Dogs must be leashed outside designated off-leash exercise areas, and electronic collars are not considered leashes under county rules.

It is also a good idea to bring:

• A leash

• Drinking water and a bowl

• Waste bags

• Towels if swimming is on the agenda

• Your current Waukesha County Parks Annual Membership or Daily Permit

During the warmer months, check current water quality before heading to a swimming location. Water availability at dog exercise areas can also change seasonally.

Finding a Dog-Friendly Place to Call Home

For dog owners, choosing a home isn't just about bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage. The backyard matters. So do nearby walking trails, parks, green space and places where you can spend time outside together.

Those are the kinds of details that help turn a house and its surrounding community into a place that fits your everyday life.

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lake Country Realty, we know Waukesha County and the communities that make Lake Country such a desirable place to call home. Our local knowledge extends beyond individual properties to the parks, lakes, neighborhoods, businesses and amenities that shape life here.

Whether you're searching for a home with a fenced backyard, more room for your dog to run or easier access to the outdoor places you already love, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lake Country Realty is here to help you find the right place to call home.

🐾 Paws before you go! Park rules, hours, fees and amenities can change.