Centennial Beach

Centennial dog beach is an off-leash swimming beach located on Lake Michigan. It’s the perfect place for your four-footed friend to get some exercise, go for a swim, or just have some fun. The beach is open from dawn to dusk throughout the year, weather permitting. All patrons must have a valid pass to enter the dog beach.

NOTICE: All dogs must be leashed until further notice

At its January 26, 2023 meeting, the Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners determined that all dogs must be leashed at the Centennial Dog Beach until a temporary fence can be installed. A temporary dog fence is to be installed to address the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control Ordinance and the requirements of the Park District Risk Management Agency’s Dog Access to Park and Recreation Areas Guide. Learn more about the installation here.

At its March 23, 2023 meeting, the Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners approved Winnetka Park District Ordinance 596: An Ordinance Restating and Amending Ordinance 504 existing Leash Requirements For Domesticated Dogs.

The ordinance allows the Park District to enforce the new leash requirements at Centennial Beach dog beach until such time the Park District staff obtains approval from the Village of Winnetka’s Design + Review Board and Board of Trustees and approval from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to install a temporary fence, and/or the Park District constructs a permanent fence and/or breakwater at Centennial Beach.

Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control wardens and Winnetka Police Department officers are now authorized to issue a citation to a dog owner who does not have her/his dog on leash at Centennial Beach.