While we were in the Milwaukee area for Thanksgiving, we made our way to Havenwoods State Forest and brought the whole family along. This state forest is tucked away on the north side of Milwaukee; my parents had no idea it was there, despite being very familiar with the surrounding neighborhoods.
Date of Visit: November 26
Trails Hiked: This pet-friendly route.
Best for Breeds: XS, S, M, L, XL
Dog Fitness Level: couch potato
Human Fitness Level: couch potato
Water Availability: No water fountains. Water may have been available in Nature Center.
Bathrooms for Humans: No restrooms outside of the Nature Center.
Trashcans for Dog Waste: None available at this time of year.
What We Liked: The paths are either crushed limestone or grass, with very little elevation change, which means it is the perfect state forest to hike with the whole family. My brother-in-law had very little difficultly navigating my nephew in a jogging stroller, and Little Man, my chihuahua, was even able to keep up. Plus, there is no entrance fee! Love that there are no barriers to accessing these urban oasis state parks and forests.
What We Didn't Like: Pets are only allowed on certain paths, so it's important to pay attention to where you are going. There were no maps in the container at the Nature Center, and the trails weren't especially well marked, so I had to take a photo of the map at the trail head and continue to reference it as we went along. It's not a huge park, so it's unlikely that you'll get lost. But, you might wander into an area where pets aren't allowed. If they are serious about keeping pets on specific trails, additional markers would be really helpful.
Want more information about hiking with your dog in Wisconsin's state parks? Order your copy of A Dog Lover's Guide to Hiking Wisconsin's State Parks now!
Through the University of Wisconsin Press site.
Through Bookshop.org.
And if you must, through Amazon.