All About Viking County Dog Park, Wisconsin

Viking County is a renowned dog park in Stoughton. This dog-friendly beach in Wisconsin is a popular hotspot. The beach lays down a few rules and laws for visitors to follow. Pet policies here even allow furry friends to enjoy the water. It features two beautiful beaches for dogs. There is also a 14.9-acre off-leash fenced area for pets. 

This park beach is perfect for enjoying family outings. A trail from within directly connects with the city of Stoughton. Visitors also leave their pets with certified dog boarders. To enjoy quaint time alone or quality time with family & friends. Viking Beach has many pet-friendly eating and accommodations in close proximity. 

Viking County Park Dog Rules, WI

• Viking Dog Beach mandates that prior permits be taken for all dogs. 
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times. The leash can be a maximum of 6 feet. 
• The use of E-collars as an alternative for leash is prohibited. Violation of this law attracts a penalty fine of $169. 
• Owners are responsible for keeping their pets in check. They must clean the pet’s waste and put it in appropriate dustbins. 
• At Yahara River Trail’s boardwalk portion, pets are prohibited from entering. 
• Pets are prohibited from snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing trails. 
• During hunting season, dogs must wear orange blaze.

Discover Viking County Dog Park in Wisconsin! Learn about off-leash areas, pet-friendly amenities, and park rules for a fun and safe outing with your furry friend.

Viking County Park WI Dog Licensing

Harboring dogs in Wisconsin requires prior licensing. All dogs above 5 months of age must be mandatorily licensed. These registrations remain valid for one year. They must be renewed before January every year. A late fee of $5 is applicable if applications are made after 31st March. The registration badges must be attached to the dog’s collar.

A recent copy of the rabies vaccination is necessary to obtain a license. Registration charges for neutered/ spayed dogs are $20. For unaltered pets, it costs about $25. Dogs from outside the state are also welcome. However, they must have a proper license and vaccination. The same must be shown if asked by a park or beach ranger. 

Viking County Park WI Dog Permit

Dogs permit helps pets to enter parks and beaches without any restrictions. Wisconsin mandates obtaining prior dog permits. These permits are necessary for both off-leash and on-leash parks. However, the state also has a few exceptions (free parks) for dogs. A daily and annual permit for pets is available. 

Viking Dog Beach mandates that prior permits be taken for all dogs. Annual permits cost around $35 (approx). Charges for daily ones are $5 per dog (approx). For each additional dog, the permit charges are $17 (approx). These are sold onsite and are also available online.  

How to reach Viking County Dog Park, WI

• By Air: The nearest airports to Viking County Dog Park are Madison (MSN) (2 hours and 30 minutes approx) and Milwaukee (MKE) (approx 2 hours).
• By Bus: Visitors catch a bus from Milwaukee, WI, and reach Madison, WI. From here, taxis are available at Viking County Dog Park. This journey takes around 2 hours (approx). Bus services from Milwaukee are available 4 times a day.
• By Road: Visitors self-drive from Milwaukee, WI, and reach Viking County Park Dog Beach. This 137.5 km journey takes around 2 hours (approx). 

About Dog-Friendly Viking County Park – WI

Viking County Park is downstream from River Yahara. It’s a renowned multi-use park beach in Wisconsin. This 78 acres of wilderness is the best escape from daily hustle & bustle. The park also features multiple shore fishing destinations. Additionally, there is a beautiful picnic shelter with outdoor grilling facilities. 

The beach is popular among adventure lovers. As there are multiple trails for hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and bicycling. It’s among Dane County’s must-visit dog parks. Pups and their owners greatly love this place. They roam around in open green fields or relax under shaded trees. Viking County Dog Beach also features a separate exercise area for dogs. 

• Parking: 4th and Main Municipal Parking and Badfish Creek Parking East
• Nearby Visiting Places: Madison Children’s Museum and Stoughton Historical Museum
• Dog-Friendly Restaurants: The Viking Grill & Lounge and Viking Brew Pub
• Dog-Friendly Hotels: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Milwaukee Airport, WI, and Sleep Inn & Suites Oregon – Madison
• Dog Boarding: Leader of the Pack Doggie Daycare and Pups Unleashed
• Rental Providers: Stoughton Lumber Rental Place and Wisconsin Property Mgt
• Events: Catfish River Music Festival — Visit Stoughton and Syttende Mai — Stoughton Opera House
• Things to do: Fishing, hiking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, kayaking, canoeing, etc
• Amenities: picnic areas with outdoor grill, trails for pedestrians, restrooms with pits and vaults, non-electric shelter, etc
• Beach Hours: Seven days of the week from 05:00 am till 10:00 pm

Viking County Park, WI Fishing

Viking County Park is more than just a simple dog beach. The park also features multi-use trails and hiking spots. It’s a paradise for fishers from all over. This area has an extensive shoreline. Thus, there are multiple locations accessible for shore fishing. The most popular activity enjoyed here is pan fishing.

The park is downstream from Lake Kegonsa. This makes it rich in a variety of primary and secondary species of fish. Huge quantities of panfish are found here. Other secondary species, like Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass, are also found.  

Viking County Park, WI Swimming

Wisconsin has many beautiful swimming beaches. Many of them prohibit entry for dogs in water. However, Viking County Park is a total pup-pleaser. The best thing about this place is the water access. The dog beach allows furry friends to have a splash. It allows pets to beat the heat or just relax on the sand. 

Lake Yahara passes through the park. This makes it a perfect swimming destination for visitors. Water at the park’s two dog beaches is crystal clean. The best time for swimming and relaxing is early summer and late spring. Additionally, visitors also launch boats, canoes, and kayaks.  

Viking County Dog Park WI Rules and Regulations

• Consuming alcoholic beverages is allowed at Viking County Park for individuals above 21 years. 
• Entry at off-leash dog areas is prohibited for children under 8 years. Parents must continuously supervise their kids. 
• Visitors must be respectful towards the beach and its wildlife. Chasing or disturbing other beach birds and animals is prohibited.
• Visitors are responsible for keeping the beach park clean. The park has temporary garbage bins for disposing of waste. 
• Bringing bags to clean pet waste and throwing them in appropriate bins is mandatory. 
• Viking County Park Dog Beach prohibits visitors from bringing glass vessels or containers.
• Parking of vehicles at areas designated for launching boats requires prior permission. 

Conclusion

Wisconsin is a haven for pet and their owners. The state has many dog-friendly beaches, parks, and other attractions. The most famous among them is the Viking County Dog Park. This dog beach allows pets both on and off-leash. Visitors enjoy a variety of traditional and adventurous activities here. Splashing in cool waters during warm weather is my favorite summer activity.