As summer is winding down, the adventures continue! With the back-to-school buzz, late August is the perfect time to plan a relaxed, pet-friendly getaway to stretch those summer vibes a little longer. In Walworth County, Wisconsin (WalCo), you’ll find peaceful trails, outdoor patios, and cozy lodging where your dog is more than welcome. So grab the leash—there’s still time to soak up the Dog Days of Summer.
Leash Up & Explore
Leash up and discover scenic trails, lakefront strolls, and peaceful parks throughout Walworth County—perfect for curious pups and their adventure-loving humans to roam, sniff, and soak up the views.
DELAVAN
- Congdon Park: A quiet walking spot with a trail around the perimeter, shoreline fishing, picnic area and Rotary Gardens.
[MAP] - Community Park: Leashed dogs can explore paved paths and picnic by Delavan Lake.
[MAP]
ELKHORN
- Sunset Park: Great for everyday walks with wide open fields and paved trails.
[WEBSITE] - White River State Trail: A scenic rail-trail extending from Elkhorn to Dover, perfect for leashed dog walks through countryside.
[WEBSITE]
EAST TROY
- Village Square: Enjoy small-town charm while strolling downtown sidewalks and visiting pet-friendly patios.
[MAP]
FONTANA
- Reid Park & Geneva Lake Shore Path: Lakeside walking with Geneva Lake views and a clean, quiet park.
[MAP]
LAKE GENEVA
- Geneva Lake Shore Path: A must-do! Leashed dogs are welcome on this 21-mile historic path wrapping around Geneva Lake, with entry points in Lake Geneva, Fontana, and Williams Bay.
[WEBSITE] - White River Dog Park Trails: Beyond the off-leash area, enjoy shaded woods and creek crossings perfect for leashed nature walks.
[MAP]
WILLIAMS BAY
- Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy: Over 200 acres of boardwalk and wooded trails, leashed dogs welcome.
[WEBSITE]
WHITEWATER
- Cravath Lakefront Park: Lakeside paved paths near downtown.
[WEBSITE] - Kettle Moraine State Forest: Trails and scenic overlooks near Whitewater Lake offer epic hiking with your pup on a leash.
[JOHN MUIR TRAIL] or [NORDIC TRAIL] or [ICE AGE TRAIL]
WALWORTH & SHARON
- Village Streets & Quiet Roads: Peaceful, scenic walks through small-town neighborhoods and open space.
[WALWORTH] or [SHARON]
Off-Leash Dog Parks
Let your pup run free and make new furry friends at Walworth County’s best off-leash dog parks—where tails wag, legs stretch, and every visit is a full-on zoomie session.
Price Park Bark Park (North of Elkhorn)
- Fenced off-leash area with water access, picnic tables, and natural hiking trails through wetlands and oak savannas.
[WEBSITE]
White River Dog Park (Lake Geneva)
- Fully fenced with agility elements, water stations, and benches under shade trees.
[MAP]
East Troy Dog Park
- Double-gated sections for large and small dogs with grassy play areas.
[WEBSITE]
Whitewater Bark Park
- Enclosed open area divided into two spaces; one for small dogs and one for large dogs
[WEBSITE]
Rex Dog Park (Williams Bay)
- Part of Lions Field—green space and community-friendly atmosphere for local dog fun.
[MAP]
Dog-Friendly Lodging
From cozy hotels to luxurious resorts, Walworth County offers welcoming stays for every traveler—especially those with wagging tails. These pet-friendly spots make family overnights easy, comfortable, and canine-approved.
DELAVAN
- Comfort Suites Delavan: Spacious rooms, grassy relief zones, and breakfast included.
[WEBSITE] - Main Street Manor of Delavan Bed and Breakfast: Quiet relaxation and escape with an elegant feel.
[WEBSITE] - Snug Harbor Campground: Lakeside camping with leash-friendly trails.
[WEBSITE]
ELKHORN
- Hampton Inn Elkhorn: Comfortable hotel with dog-friendly rooms and easy trail access.
[WEBSITE]
EAST TROY
- Quality Inn & Suites East Troy: Convenient access to multiple attractions makes it a smart pick for families traveling with their furry family members.
[WEBSITE]
LAKE GENEVA
- Grand Geneva Resort & Spa: Pet-friendly rooms, dog bedding, dog bowls, and walking areas.
[WEBSITE] - Comfort Suites Lake Geneva East: Pet rooms with easy access to downtown.
[WEBSITE] - Lodge at Geneva National: Upscale, dog-welcoming accommodations with scenic walking space.
[WEBSITE]
WHITEWATER
- Super 8 by Wyndham Whitewater: Comfort for a super stay just two miles from UW-Whitewater and close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
[WEBSITE]
Pet-Friendly Patios & Places to Dine
Whether you’re grabbing a craft brew or a sweet treat, these pet-friendly patios across Walworth County welcome your pup to dine, lounge, and people-watch right by your side.
DELAVAN
- The Inn Between: Outdoor tables welcome furry diners.
[MAP] - Rigatony’s Deli: Grab Italian sandwiches and sit outdoors with your dog.
[WEBSITE] - Turtle Lake Tap & Grill: Dogs allowed at beach-level patio (not on main deck).
[WEBSITE] - Staller Estate Vineyard & Winery: Pup Cups and all-natural treats available.
[WEBSITE]
ELKHORN
- Friends on the Square: Outdoor seating available with leached pets.
[WEBSITE]
EAST TROY
- East Troy Brewery: Relaxed brewery with dog-friendly outdoor patio and water stations.
[WEBSITE] - Gus’s Drive-In: Classic 50s style drive in welcomes pets in its outdoor seating areas.
[WEBSITE] - The Hive Taproom: Brewery and restaurant allow dogs both indoors and out.
[WEBSITE]
GENOA CITY
- Herner’s Hideaway: Ample dog-friendly outdoor seating.
[WEBSITE]
LAKE GENEVA
- Flat Iron Tap: Craft beer and gourmet burgers with dog-friendly outdoor seating.
[WEBSITE] - Barrique Wine & Brew Bar: Lake views and small plates with your pup by your side.
[WEBSITE] - The Bottle Shop: Water bowls and dog treats for furry companions inside and out.
[WEBSITE] - Champs Sports Bar & Grill: Your pup could become the Facebook “Beer Garden Dog of the Week”
[WEBSITE]
WHITEWATER
- Second Salem Brewing Company: Lakeside patio with craft brews and relaxed vibe for pups.
[WEBSITE] - Center Street Café: Pups are allowed inside. Close to Cravath Lake for a lakeside walk.
[WEBSITE] - The Sweet Spot Café: Treat your dog to a pupcake as you chill in outdoor seating areas.
[WEBSITE]
Dog-Friendly Events & Music Spots
From outdoor music to fall festivals, Walworth County offers plenty of events where dogs are welcome to tag along—leashed, loved, and ready to soak up the sounds and smells.
- Maxwell Street Days (August 22-24 | Lake Geneva Downtown)
A vibrant block-party-style event with shopping and street performers—dog-friendly and festive!
[WEBSITE] - 176th Walworth County Fair (August 27 – September 1 | Elkhorn)A beloved county tradition with rides, live music, and carnival fun—leashed dogs welcome on the grounds.
[WEBSITE] - Phoenix Park Bandshell Concerts (through September 13 | Delavan)Evening performances under the stars—bring a blanket (and your pup) to relax on the lawn.
[WEBSITE] - Scarecrow Fest (September 13 | Delavan)
A seasonal street fair with crafts, music, and fall charm—pups on leash are welcome!
[WEBSITE]
When You Need a Quick Pup Break — Short-Term Dog Care
These trusted facilities provide peace of mind when you need to leave your pup for a bit—whether it’s a museum visit, wine tasting, or a spa break.
- Lollipups Pet Resort – Delavan: Lollipups offers day stays and overnight boarding in suites, with indoor/outdoor rooms, exercise yards, and optional grooming services.
[WEBSITE] - The Barking‑Lot – Lake Geneva: This family-run facility provides boarding, daycare, grooming, and training. Dogs are treated like family, whether they’re staying for the day or a week.
[WEBSITE] - Cedar Dale Pet Resort – Genoa City: A full-service pet spa offering social playgroup daycare, overnight boarding, training, grooming, and even a private puppy playground available by the hour.
[WEBSITE]
Just in Case: Local Veterinarians
While we hope you won’t need it, it’s always good to know where to turn if your dog needs care while you’re visiting.
Emergency Note:
The nearest 24-hour emergency clinics are in Janesville, Waukesha, Kenosha, or Crystal Lake, IL—about 45 minutes from central Walworth County.
Local Vets (Available Mon-Fri & Sat morning unless noted otherwise)
- Geneva Lakes Animal Hospital (Walworth)
Compassionate general care, diagnostics, and wellness services.
[WEBSITE] - Elkhorn Veterinary Clinic (Elkhorn)
Comprehensive small- and large-animal care
[WEBSITE] - Animal Clinic of Elkhorn (Elkhorn)
Full-service clinic in a friendly and convenient location
[WEBSITE] - Delavan Lakes Veterinary Clinic (Delavan)
Friendly, compassionate pet care.
[WEBSITE] - Lake Geneva Animal Hospital (Lake Geneva)
Full-service clinic focused on preventative and acute care.
[WEBSITE] - Lake Geneva Veterinary Clinic (Lake Geneva)
Longstanding local vet known for friendly, high-quality care.
[WEBSITE] - O’Neill Family Veterinary Clinic (East Troy) Compassionate expertise, innovative solutions for the best possible care
[WEBSITE] - Whitewater Veterinary Hospital (Whitewater)
Full service hospital with sound caring advice and quality veterinary care. Open Mon-Fri only.
[WEBSITE]
Whether you’re hiking in the woods, relaxing by the lake, or sipping a beer with your best friend by your side, Walworth County has a pet-friendly vibe that’s perfect for exploring together. Pack your leash, some treats, pick-up bags and get ready to paws and play your way across WalCo, Wisconsin!