Howard Dog Park

For dog owners in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the charming Village of Howard, finding a sizable and welcoming outdoor space for their furry companions to run freely is a genuine treat. The Howard Dog Park stands out as a highly appreciated local amenity, offering a blend of open fields and natural, semi-fenced wooded areas within the larger Gordon Nauman Conservation Area. This park provides a dynamic environment for dogs to play, explore, and socialize off-leash.

Known for its generous size and the friendly demeanor of both its canine and human visitors, Howard Dog Park has become a popular destination, especially during peak hours. While it does have its quirks, like common dog parks, its overall positive atmosphere and the responsible behavior of most owners make it a valued resource for the community. This comprehensive guide will delve into what makes Howard Dog Park a fantastic choice for locals, from its diverse landscape to essential visitor information.

Howard Dog Park, located within the expansive Gordon Nauman Conservation Area, is a significant off-leash dog exercise facility serving the Green Bay and Howard communities. It offers a considerable amount of space for dogs, comprising a fully enclosed fenced area and a unique semi-fenced section that extends into the woods, complete with walking trails. This diverse landscape provides ample room for various forms of play, whether it's a spirited game of fetch in the open field or an adventurous sniff-and-explore mission among the trees.

One of the most frequently praised aspects of Howard Dog Park is the positive social environment it fosters. Visitors consistently report friendly interactions with other dog owners and note the generally well-behaved nature of the dogs present. This commitment to cleanliness is also a highlight, with many users appreciating that "everyone cleans up after their dogs," which, as any dog park enthusiast knows, is not always a given. The park gets "pretty busy around 5 pm," indicating its popularity and the opportunities for dogs to find playmates.

Howard Dog Park is situated at 1653 Wietor Dr, Green Bay, WI 54303, USA. This address places it squarely within the Gordon Nauman Conservation Area, making it a well-integrated part of a larger natural recreational space in the Village of Howard. While some visitors find it "a little bit hard to find" initially, its location within a designated conservation area means it offers a peaceful, natural setting away from direct urban traffic.

The park is typically open during daylight hours, specifically from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, according to information for the Gordon Nauman Conservation Area. This provides ample opportunity for visits throughout the day. Parking is available within the conservation area, though specific parking for the dog park itself may require a short walk to the entrance. It's crucial for all dog owners to keep their pets on a leash while in the general park area and only unleash them once safely inside the designated off-leash enclosures.

Howard Dog Park offers a range of services and amenities designed to create a functional and enjoyable off-leash environment for dogs and their owners:

• Spacious Off-Leash Areas: The park provides a large, fully enclosed fenced area, allowing dogs ample room to run and play securely.
• Semi-Fenced Wooded Area with Trails: A unique feature is a partially fenced section extending into the woods, offering natural trails for dogs to explore and sniff, adding variety to their exercise routine.
• Pet Waste Stations: Waste stations are generally available with bags and disposal bins to encourage and facilitate proper clean-up. This contributes significantly to the park's noted cleanliness.
• Seating Areas: Amenities within the larger Gordon Nauman Conservation Area, such as chairs and tables, may be available near the dog park for owners to rest.
• Open Field for Play: Large open grassy areas are perfect for games of fetch and general running.
• Access to Water (Bring Your Own): While the park provides dog drinking water in some form (e.g., communal bowls), reviews specifically mention the "only a few flaws as I wish they would have an area where water bowls can be filled up for the dogs besides bringing my own from home." This indicates a need to bring your own water and bowl to ensure your dog stays hydrated.

Howard Dog Park is popular among Green Bay area dog owners for several key features:

• Generous Size: Described as "pretty big," the park offers a substantial amount of space for dogs to run freely and expend energy. Its reported size within the Gordon Nauman Conservation Area (29.77 acres, with a fully enclosed and semi-fenced area) supports this.
• Diverse Play Environments: The combination of open fields and semi-fenced wooded trails provides varied terrain and stimulating environments, catering to different dog personalities and play styles.
• Friendly Community: A consistent highlight from reviews is the "super friendly" people and "well-behaved" dogs, fostering a positive and welcoming social atmosphere.
• High Cleanliness Standards: The observation that "everyone cleans up after their dogs" speaks volumes about the responsible user base and contributes greatly to a pleasant park experience.
• Popularity During Peak Hours: The fact that it "got pretty busy around 5 pm" demonstrates its appeal and provides ample opportunities for dogs to find playmates.
• Natural Setting: Its location within a conservation area means a more natural backdrop for play, away from the immediate bustle of city life.

Howard Dog Park operates as a public amenity managed by the Village of Howard, meaning it typically does not offer commercial "promotions" or require paid permits for entry. It is a free-to-use resource for all responsible dog owners in Wisconsin, a significant benefit for local residents.

While there is no direct entry fee for the dog park itself, owners of dogs over five months of age residing in the Village of Howard are required to have an annual municipal dog license, obtained through the Village Clerk's office. This ensures compliance with local ordinances, including rabies vaccination requirements, and contributes to the overall health and safety of the canine community. Visitors from outside Howard are generally expected to comply with their home municipality's licensing and vaccination laws.

The "special offer" of Howard Dog Park is its inherent value as a well-maintained, large, and accessible off-leash area provided to the community without a direct cost. Any community efforts or potential future enhancements would likely rely on public support or local government funding.

For more specific information regarding Howard Dog Park, its maintenance, or other park facilities within the Village of Howard, you can generally contact the Village of Howard's Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department:

• Address: 1653 Wietor Dr, Green Bay, WI 54303, USA (located within the Gordon Nauman Conservation Area)
• Phone: (920) 434-4640
• Mobile Phone: +1 920-434-4640

For the most current details, including precise hours, specific rules, or any updates on park conditions, checking the official Village of Howard website (villageofhoward.com) is recommended.

For dog owners living in Wisconsin, especially within the Village of Howard and the wider Green Bay area, Howard Dog Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly valued resource. Its impressive size, encompassing a mix of open fields and semi-fenced wooded trails, provides a stimulating and diverse environment for dogs to engage in ample off-leash exercise and exploration. This variety caters to different canine preferences, from high-energy sprints to inquisitive sniff-walks.

The consistent feedback regarding friendly people and well-behaved dogs creates a welcoming and positive social atmosphere, making it a pleasant experience for both pets and their human companions. The strong emphasis on owners cleaning up after their dogs also contributes significantly to the park's overall appeal and usability. While occasional muddy spots after rain and the need to bring your own water are minor considerations, they are easily managed and do not detract from the park's overall quality.

Despite being "a little bit hard to find" for some, its integration within the Gordon Nauman Conservation Area provides a beautiful natural backdrop for recreation. The fact that it operates as a free, accessible amenity further solidifies its value to the local community. For any Wisconsin dog owner seeking a spacious, diverse, and community-minded off-leash environment for their beloved pet, Howard Dog Park is an excellent choice, providing a fantastic place for canine fun and socialization right in their backyard.