Centennial Beach
Winnetka, IL
Centennial Beach is Winnetka's dog beach, at the south end of the village next to Elder Lane Beach. Dogs and their owners need a valid Park District pass, and the dog beach season runs from April through the following March. The Park District has approved plans to improve the area.
A year-round spot for dogs on the lake, though it requires a pass and dogs must stay leashed.
How we score beachesBuy the annual dog beach pass; it covers the whole year from April to March.
Parking at Centennial Park; check posted pass rules.
A path leads down to the beach.
Dogs are allowed with a valid Winnetka Park District dog beach pass; it operates as an on-leash dog beach.
The dog beach is open year round. Winter visits mean cold, windy walks with happy dogs.
More Great Lakes beaches
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Freshwater Lake Michigan surf below towering sand dunes, some over 400 feet tall, with water clear enough to rival a coastline and a hike back up the dune to burn it off.
New Buffalo City Beach
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Warren Dunes State Park
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