From spring to fall, a day in the park is an idyllic way to spend time in the Illinois outdoors. It’s called the Prairie State for a reason — because fields of tall grasses and wildflowers thrive here, giving us a beautiful natural environment that begs us to come and enjoy it. Of course, nothing is better than time outdoors with my dog, so pooch-friendly locations are always on my radar. That’s why I love this dog park & model airplane field in Forest Park, IL — it’s a one-of-a-kind space with something for everyone.

Let’s take a look!

Miller Meadow, 2175 S. 1st Ave., is a massive park nestled between I-171 and the Des Plaines River in Forest Park, just outside Chicago.
Daniel Niemeyer/Google
The idyllic space contains a 2-mile trail that's great for cycling, hiking, walking, or even cross-country skiing.
dog park & model airplane field in Forest Park, IL
J T/Google
The area is popular among photographers for its abundance of wildlife, including deer, birds, water fowl, and more.
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But these four-legged furballs may also be found grazing in the fields.
erich connor/Google

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The park has a 7-acre off-leash dog area surrounded by a chainlink fence where Fido can burn off those zoomies. You can access 2 miles of trails from the dog park, but the leash must go back on.
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Note that the dog park requires a membership, which you can get online!
A unique feature of Miller Meadow is its Model Airplane Flying Field.
Olivia the cat/Google
Aviation enthusiasts can take flight (sort of) at this plane-friendly park, while other parkgoers get their own mini air show.
Philip Hughes/Google
The aviation field is also a designated drone flying spot, which is perfect for capturing eagle-eyed footage of Cook County and Chicago.
Dan Lake/Google
Looking for a place to picnic with a group? Miller Meadow also has eight picnic groves, four of which have shelters that can accommodate between 150-300 people, depending on location.
Pauly Zaav/Google
And yes, there are nearby bathrooms!

So, would you spend a day at this dog park & model airplane field in Forest Park, IL? What’s your favorite outdoor activity? Is there another park you love to go to? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the Miller Meadow website. And while you’re in Forest Park, stop by this incredible brewery with food pop-ups for some brews and live music!

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Miller Meadow, 2175 S 1st Ave, Forest Park, IL 60130, USA