Otter Creek Off-Leash Dog Park gives licensed dogs room to run across nine fenced acres in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The site includes a smaller-dog area, walking trails and seasonal drinking water. A city dog-park pass or daily permit is required for every dog, so plan that step before entering.
Plan your visit
- Address: 4503 House Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701.
- Hours: The city lists the dog parks as open year-round until dusk. Eau Claire’s general park window begins at 4 a.m., but the earlier dog-park closing rule controls in the evening. Use the City of Eau Claire search for dog-park pass information if you need to confirm access before leaving.
- 2026 passes: A daily pass is $5 per dog and can be purchased at the park. Annual passes are $36 per dog for city residents and $45 per dog for non-city residents; the city lists half-price annual fees after July 1.
- Water: The city lists dog drinking water from May through October. Bring a bowl and backup water in case the seasonal source is off.
- Bring: One leash per dog, the required license and park tag or day-use permit, waste bags and a towel for wet or muddy conditions.
Find the dog park entrance
The dog park is at the intersection of Gateway Drive and House Road, close to both U.S. 53 and I-94. Use the 4503 House Road destination and follow the dog-park signs into the lot rather than stopping at the larger Otter Creek Community Park address farther north.
Get directions to Otter Creek Off-Leash Dog Park. Keep your dog leashed from the vehicle through the entrance area, carry the permit with you and check the posted notices before opening the gate.
Fenced areas, trails and seasonal water
The city describes nine fenced acres, a small-dog area and walking trails. The broad grassy enclosure gives dogs space for longer runs, while the perimeter and interior paths give handlers a way to keep moving and maintain sight of their dogs.
Water is listed only from May through October. Grass and worn trail sections can be damp or muddy after rain and during spring thaw, so bring a towel and decide at the gate whether the conditions suit your dog.
Rules before you enter
Dogs must be licensed and display a dog-park tag, or the handler must carry a day-use permit. Keep dogs leashed until they are inside the off-leash area, keep one leash for each dog and maintain sight and control at all times. The city limits each handler to three dogs.
Leash a dog at the first sign of aggression or unruly behavior. Dogs in heat and dogs classified as dangerous or potentially dangerous are not allowed. Closely supervise children, clean up after every dog and follow the rules posted at the park.
What other park goers say
Visitors often highlight the amount of room, open grass, trees and walking space. Several describe the park as clean and well maintained, and repeat visitors like having enough area for dogs to run while people walk the enclosure.
Experiences vary by timing and weather. Some visitors mention a busy or frustrating parking lot, and the ground can change with rain and snowmelt. Arrive with backup water outside the May-to-October season, watch the gate activity before entering and choose the smaller-dog section when it is the better fit. Read current visitor reviews before your trip.
More options and updates
Compare other Wisconsin dog parks when planning your route. Last researched September 1, 2026. The city’s indexed dog-park page was unavailable during final verification; use the City of Eau Claire site search for current dog-license, dog-park-pass and access information.