Yahara Heights / Cherokee Marsh

This 20-​acre off-​leash dog park is just north west of Madison city limits, technically in the town of Waunakee. The main draw for many people seem to be the two docks (with ramps into the water) for the dogs. It’s cute watching people toss balls/​sticks into the water & having dogs launch themselves into the lake. Fortunately, my dear little cannonball (Leo-​the-​bulldog) knows he simply sinks and didn’t bother jumping in. Note: That does NOT mean that he didn’t get himself covered in mud and jump on strangers. (Guilty!!). Beyond the two points of water access, there is a looping trail throughout the rest of the park. It’s a combo of woodchip trail and grass trail, mostly through prairie. It’s a nice park, but definitely one to go to in the morning or later in the day — there are some long stretches through the prairie without shade. The entry area has some more trees and offers more shade. Also exciting, we did also see a few water snakes in the lake. Two cons of this park — no tap water (which seems to be common, unfortunately) and no double-​gate entrance. Be careful coming in/​out! All in all, certainly an enjoyable park but I probably prefer the nearby Warner dog park if I’m on this side of town.