Where to Find Dog-Friendly Parks in Shorewood

Dogs frolic and play at Estabrook Dog Exercise Area

Shorewood is a dog-loving village that, while small in area, gives residents convenient access to one of Milwaukee County’s best off-leash parks and several scenic on-leash walking areas. Below are the dog-friendly spots in Shorewood:

Estabrook Park Dog Exercise Area (Off-Leash)

Shorewood’s pride for dog owners is the Estabrook Park Dog Exercise Area, an off-leash dog park located in Estabrook Park on the eastern edge of the village. This fenced dog park spans about 3 acres on the border of Shorewood and Whitefish Bay​. It is fully enclosed with a double-gated entry, and it even features a separate small-dog area so that petite pups can play safely apart from the big dogs​. The terrain is a mix of grass and wood chips, and there are numerous waste stations with bags and trash cans to help owners clean up after their pets. A few benches and shade trees are available for owners to relax while dogs romp.

Amenities: Large fully-fenced area (3 acres) for all dogs, plus a dedicated small-dog enclosure​; double-gated entrances; waste bag dispensers and trash cans (please carry in water for your dog, especially in summer, as water faucets may not be available on-site). Some adventurous dogs even enjoy access to the Milwaukee River adjacent to the park for a quick splash on hot days (the river runs along the dog park’s edge).

Rules & Regulations: Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated, and a Milwaukee County Dog Park Permit is required for use (available as an annual pass or daily pass)​. Owners must supervise their dogs at all times and pick up waste. Only well-socialized dogs should be off leash here – no leashes are allowed inside the fenced area (to prevent tangles and scuffles). Outside the fenced dog park, dogs must be leashed (Estabrook Park’s other areas are general public park land).

Hours: Daily, 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (standard hours for Milwaukee County dog parks)​.

The park is open year-round, though in winter the gates might be snowed in and in spring parts can get muddy. Peak times are after work and weekend mornings, when you’ll find a friendly crowd of regulars. User feedback: Local dog owners love Estabrook’s community vibe and convenient location, though they advise bringing towels for muddy paws and your own water supply during warmer months.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Spot: Right next door is the Estabrook Beer Garden, a popular outdoor beer garden where leashed dogs are welcome at the picnic tables​.

Many Shorewood owners take their pups for some playtime at the dog park, then cool off with a beer or pretzel at the garden’s patio. (The beer garden is open seasonally, roughly late spring through early fall.)

Atwater Park (On-Leash)

Atwater Park is the lovely bluff-top park in Shorewood overlooking Lake Michigan. Dogs are allowed on-leash on the upper paved paths of Atwater Park, but not down on the beach or past the gate/staircase leading to the beach​. This means you can stroll with your dog along the sidewalk that runs through the park and enjoy the lake views, but you’ll have to leave Fido at home if you plan to spend time on Atwater’s sand beach or playground area (village ordinances forbid dogs on the beach).

Amenities: Paved walking paths with lakefront views, benches, and open green space (note: no dog-specific amenities like waste bags here, so bring your own baggies). There are trash bins at the park entrances where you can dispose of waste. Street parking is available nearby.

Rules: Dogs must remain leashed (max 6’ leash) on the paved walkway and are not permitted off the path onto the grass, beach, or playground​. Please be courteous and yield to other pedestrians, as Atwater is a popular spot for families. Always clean up after your pet.

Hours: Park open daily from dawn until 10 p.m. (standard Shorewood park hours). The park is open year-round, but the lake bluff can be chilly in winter. During summer events (like concerts), it’s best to avoid bringing dogs due to crowds.

Hubbard Park (On-Leash)

Hubbard Park is a serene linear park along the Milwaukee River in Shorewood, featuring a paved walking path under a canopy of trees. Dogs are welcome on-leash on the paved path through Hubbard Park​. This path runs alongside the river and connects to the Oak Leaf Trail, making it a great route for a leisurely walk with your pup. Hubbard Park also has a riverside beer garden (Hubbard Park Beer Garden) in summer and early fall, where leashed dogs can accompany you at outdoor tables (similar to Estabrook’s beer garden).

Amenities: A paved riverside trail about half a mile long, beautiful nature views, and convenient access to trash bins. There are a couple of dog waste bag stations at trailheads. The adjacent beer garden (seasonal) often provides water bowls for dogs and has a relaxed atmosphere. The park has parking near the lodge, and you can also access it via a pedestrian tunnel from Capitol Drive.

Rules: Keep dogs leashed and under control on the trail. No off-leash play is allowed in the open lawn or river (outside of the designated dog park upstream). The river current here is swift, so do not allow dogs to jump in. As always, pick up any waste (Hubbard’s proximity to the river makes it extra important to keep it clean). Dogs are not allowed on the children’s playground in Hubbard Park.

Hours: Open dawn to dusk. The beer garden (where dogs are allowed) has specific hours (typically afternoons/evenings Wed–Sun in summer). Hubbard Park’s trail is particularly pretty (and quiet) in early mornings.

Want more dog-friendly adventures? See our Ultimate Dog Friendly Guide to Milwaukee’s North Shore.