Prairie Moraine Dog Park

For dog owners across Dane County and particularly in Verona, Wisconsin, Prairie Moraine Dog Park is more than just a place to let dogs run free; it's a celebrated natural landscape where canine companions can truly thrive. Renowned as one of Dane County's largest and most beloved off-leash dog exercise areas, this park offers an unparalleled experience that combines vast open spaces with varied natural terrain, making every visit an adventure for both pets and their humans.

What sets Prairie Moraine Dog Park apart is its sheer scale and diverse environment. Spanning an impressive 79 acres within the larger 160-acre Prairie Moraine County Park, it provides an extensive network of trails that wind through grasslands, small forests, and rolling hills. This allows dogs to explore different scents, navigate varied surfaces, and engage in vigorous exercise, mimicking a more natural and stimulating outdoor experience than a typical flat, fenced enclosure. It's a place where dogs can truly explore and run free, satisfying their innate need for discovery and movement.

The park's integration within Prairie Moraine County Park also means visitors can enjoy the broader natural beauty of Wisconsin's glacial history, with features like the Johnstown Moraine and a portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (though dogs on this part must be leashed). This blending of dedicated off-leash space with a stunning natural backdrop creates a truly unique destination for dog enthusiasts.

Local reviews consistently highlight the park's size and the joy dogs experience there, often calling it their "absolute favorite." This strong community endorsement underscores its value as a vital resource for active dog owners in the Verona and greater Madison area. It's a testament to a well-maintained and thoughtfully designed park that prioritizes both canine well-being and a positive outdoor experience for visitors.

Prairie Moraine Dog Park is conveniently located at 6679 Wesner Ln, Verona, WI 53593, USA. This address places it just outside of Madison, making it highly accessible for residents of Verona, Madison, and other surrounding communities in Dane County. The park is situated within the larger Prairie Moraine County Park, which contributes to its sense of expansive natural beauty while remaining easily reachable.

Access to Prairie Moraine County Park (and thus the dog park) can be found by taking US Highway 18/151 to County Highway PB, with the entrance approximately two miles south on County Highway PB. This clear routing makes navigation straightforward for those traveling by car. Ample parking is typically available at the designated lot for the dog park, ensuring visitors can easily find a spot.

As a Dane County Park, Prairie Moraine Dog Park generally operates from dawn to dusk year-round. This extensive operating window provides flexibility for dog owners with varying schedules, allowing for early morning hikes or evening strolls before sunset. The park's well-established location and clear signage contribute to its ease of accessibility for both regular visitors and those discovering it for the first time.

Its proximity to urban centers like Madison, while offering a distinctly natural and expansive environment, is a significant draw. It provides a convenient escape to nature without a lengthy drive, making it a practical choice for daily exercise and weekend adventures for many Wisconsin residents.

Prairie Moraine Dog Park, as a premier Dane County off-leash facility, offers a range of services designed to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for dogs and their owners within its natural setting.

• Expansive Off-Leash Area (79 Acres): The core service is its incredibly large 79-acre off-leash dog exercise area. This vast space allows dogs to run, play, and explore extensively, catering to high-energy breeds and offering varied terrain for long walks and runs.

• Extensive Network of Trails: Within the off-leash area, there is a comprehensive network of trails. These paths wind through different environments, including grasslands, small forests, rolling hills, gravel roads, wood-chipped trails, and grassy paths, providing diverse sensory and physical experiences for dogs and their handlers.

• Natural Exploration Opportunities: The park's natural landscape features oak savanna, restored prairie, and wooded areas. This allows dogs to engage in natural behaviors like sniffing, exploring, and trail running, which is highly stimulating for them.

• Dog Waste Disposal Stations: The park is equipped with waste disposal bags and bins, promoting responsible pet ownership and helping maintain the cleanliness of the area. This essential service ensures a pleasant environment for all users.

• Benches and Picnic Tables: For the comfort of human companions, benches and picnic tables are strategically placed throughout the park. These provide resting spots for owners to observe their dogs, socialize with others, or simply enjoy the scenic views.

• Water Access (Limited/Indirect): While not a direct water fountain specifically for dogs, the natural setting means potential access to natural water sources for adventurous pups, though owners are always advised to bring their own fresh drinking water to ensure hydration and safety.

• Volunteer Support & Restoration Efforts: The "Dog Lovers of Prairie Moraine County Park" and "Prairie Moraine Friends" actively support the park through volunteer efforts for maintenance, restoration, and invasive species management. While not a direct service to visitors, this ensures the park remains a beautiful and well-cared-for natural space.

These services collectively contribute to making Prairie Moraine Dog Park a highly functional and enjoyable destination for the local dog community, emphasizing both freedom and responsible use within a natural environment.

Prairie Moraine Dog Park is consistently recognized as a top destination for dog owners in Wisconsin, thanks to its impressive array of features and highlights that set it apart.

• Largest Off-Leash Area in Dane County: Spanning an impressive 79 acres, this is by far the largest designated off-leash dog exercise area in Dane County. This vastness provides unparalleled freedom for dogs to run, explore, and play without feeling confined, making it ideal for high-energy breeds and long walks.

• Diverse Natural Terrain: The park boasts a rich variety of landscapes, including open grasslands, rolling hills, wooded sections, and restored oak savanna and dry prairie. This diverse terrain offers a constantly changing environment for dogs to explore, stimulating their senses and providing varied physical challenges.

• Extensive Trail Network: Beyond just open fields, the park features an extensive network of trails, including gravel roads, wood-chipped paths, and grassy routes. This allows for varied routes and long, engaging walks, ensuring that each visit can offer a new adventure.

• Scenic Views and Glacial History: Situated on the Johnstown Moraine, the park offers scenic overlooks with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. It also provides an excellent opportunity to experience Wisconsin's glacial history, adding an educational and visually appealing dimension to your visit.

• Separate On-Leash Trails (Ice Age Trail access): While the main dog park is off-leash, a portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through the northern half of the broader Prairie Moraine County Park. Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be kept on-leash, offering a different type of experience within the same park complex.

• Community Favorite and Award-Winning: The park is frequently cited by locals as a "community favorite" and has won local "best dog park" contests. This strong positive reputation among users highlights its quality and the enjoyable experiences it provides.

These features collectively make Prairie Moraine Dog Park a truly exceptional destination for dog owners who value space, natural beauty, and a stimulating environment for their canine companions.

As a Dane County Park, Prairie Moraine Dog Park operates under a permit system rather than offering traditional commercial promotions or discounts. However, the structure of the permit fees can be seen as a form of value proposition for regular users.

To use the off-leash area at Prairie Moraine Dog Park, all dogs are required to have a valid Dane County dog park permit. This permit is an annual pass, and a portion of the fees collected goes towards the maintenance and management of the county's dog parks.

The current fee structure for Dane County Dog Park permits (which includes Prairie Moraine Dog Park) is as follows:

• Annual Permit: $35.00 (Valid for the calendar year, January through December 31st)

• Permit for Additional Dogs: $17.00 (For each additional dog from the same household)

• Daily Admission: $5.00 per dog (Available for those who only visit occasionally)

These permits can be purchased online through the Dane County Parks website or at various vendor locations throughout the county. A significant "special offer" of the Dane County permit system is its cooperative program. This means that a single Dane County dog park permit is also valid for use at City of Madison dog parks, City of Sun Prairie dog parks, and City of Middleton dog parks. This broad accessibility effectively gives dog owners access to a wide network of off-leash areas across the region with just one permit.

It is crucial for all dogs using the park to also have a current municipal dog license from their local city or town. The Dane County dog park permit system requires the municipal license tag number for purchase. All dogs should also be up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. Park rangers may verify these requirements to ensure the safety and compliance of all park users. While not a "sale," the tiered pricing and interoperability of the permit system provide excellent value for frequent visitors to dog parks across Dane County.

For inquiries regarding Prairie Moraine Dog Park, dog park permits, or general information about Dane County Parks, you can use the following contact details:

Address:

6679 Wesner Ln, Verona, WI 53593, USA (Physical location of the dog park within Prairie Moraine County Park)

General Inquiries (Dane County Parks Department):

Phone: (608) 224-3730

Mobile Phone (Dane County Parks Department):

+1 608-224-3730

Office Hours (Dane County Parks Department):

Typically Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. It is advisable to check the official Dane County Parks website for precise and up-to-date office hours.

Park Hours:

Prairie Moraine Dog Park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk.

For the most comprehensive and current information, including details on purchasing permits, park rules, any temporary closures, or volunteer opportunities, visiting the official Dane County Parks website is highly recommended. You can also find information through the "Dog Lovers of Prairie Moraine County Park" or "Prairie Moraine Friends" volunteer organizations' websites, which often provide additional park insights and updates.

For dog owners in Verona and the wider Dane County area of Wisconsin, Prairie Moraine Dog Park is not just suitable; it is an exceptional and indispensable local asset. Its sheer size and natural diversity provide an unparalleled experience for dogs that simply cannot be replicated in smaller urban dog parks. For active pups who need ample space to truly run, explore, and burn energy, the 79 acres of varied terrain—from open grasslands to wooded trails and rolling hills—offer the perfect playground.

This park caters beautifully to the adventurous spirit of both dogs and their owners. The extensive network of trails ensures that every visit can be a new adventure, preventing boredom and providing a stimulating environment for canine exploration. This natural setting, featuring restored oak savanna and views of Wisconsin's glacial history, also makes it a truly enjoyable outdoor experience for humans, allowing them to connect with nature alongside their furry companions.

The fact that it is part of the Dane County Parks system means it benefits from organized management and volunteer support, contributing to its generally well-maintained condition. While a permit is required, the cooperative program that allows a single permit to be used across multiple dog parks in Dane County and nearby cities offers tremendous value, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent visitors.

Local reviews consistently laud its vastness and the joy it brings to dogs and owners alike, cementing its reputation as a community favorite. For Wisconsin residents seeking a dog park that combines immense space, diverse natural beauty, and a robust trail system for genuine outdoor adventure, Prairie Moraine Dog Park stands out as the ultimate destination. It's a place where dogs can truly be dogs, and owners can relish the joy of seeing their beloved companions thrive in a magnificent natural environment.