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 has rules and laws for visitors to follow. Pet policies here even allow furry friends to enjoy the water. It features two beautiful beaches that are dog-friendly. 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. Viking Beach has many pet-friendly eating and accommodation options close by.
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 to a 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 dispose of it in the appropriate dustbins.
- Pets are prohibited from entering the Yahara River Trail’s boardwalk portion.
- Pets are prohibited from snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing trails.
- During hunting season, dogs must wear an orange blaze.
- Even service dogs require a permit for the beach. However, ADA-approved service dog fees are waived.
Viking County Dog Park, Wisconsin
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 and must be renewed annually by January. A late fee of $5 applies if applications are made after March 31. 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, the cost is approximately $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
A dog permit allows 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. Daily and annual permits for pets are 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) (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes) and Milwaukee (MKE) (approximately 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 Pet-Friendly Viking County Dog Park – WI
Viking County Park is downstream from the Yahara River. It’s a renowned multi-use park beach in Wisconsin. These 78 acres of wilderness are the best escape from the 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 it offers 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 Management
- 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 to 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, making it rich in various primary and secondary fish species. Huge quantities of panfish are found here, as are other secondary species, like northern pike and Largemouth Bass.
Viking County Park, WI Swimming
Wisconsin has many beautiful swimming beaches. Many of them prohibit dogs from entering the 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 and pets to beat the heat or relax on the sand.
Lake Yahara passes through the park, making it a perfect swimming destination. The water at the park’s two dog beaches is crystal clear. The best time for swimming and relaxing is early summer and late spring. Additionally, visitors can 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.
- Children under 8 years old are prohibited from entering off-leash dog areas. Parents must continuously supervise their children.
- 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. Temporary garbage bins are available 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 in 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 calm waters during warm weather is my favorite summer activity.
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