SEPTEMBER 20: Administration Office Closed - Our Administration Office at Village Hall will be closed starting at 1:30 pm through the remainder of the day, 9/20.

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SEPTEMBER 20: Administration Office Closed - Our Administration Office at Village Hall will be closed starting at 1:30 pm through the remainder of the day, 9/20.

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WAYS TO PLAY

Lakefront/Gillson Park

Gillson Lakefront

Welcome to Gillson Park

Late Fall Lakefront Programs

Registration begins 10/3 for residents and 10/10 for non-residents.

Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and many other outdoor activities. In Gillson, you’ll find:

What's New

We are honored to share that Gillson Park has been nominated for entry into the National Register of Historic Places!

Click here to view the 11/2/23 Landmarks Illinois presentation on Gillson Park and the Wilmette Harbor

 
Beach Season is Over!

There are NO lifeguards on duty at Gillson Beach. Swim at your own risk and please stay safe!

 
Renovation complete - come visit the new Lakeview Center!

Our beautiful Lakeview Center is, once again, open! We’re hosting programs at Lakeview, as well as offering rentals in the bright new space.

Make sure to check the conditions!

Lakefront weather and water conditions change daily, and we want you to enjoy a safe visit.

  • Call 847-256-9660 to check the daily weather/water report, or view the current status on the Gillson Rainout Line.

Explore Gillson Park

Seasonal Programs

From nature activities in the park, to classes at the Lakeview Center, check out all we have planned!

Now active:

Visitor Information

Get all the general information for Gillson Beach and Park.

Beach and Parking Passes

The 2023 Season is now over. See you next year! 

 

2024 Season passes will be available in the spring.

Lakeview Center Rentals

The Lakeview Center in Gillson Park is a fresh, newly-renovated facility with flexible options to meet the needs of your upcoming event!

Beach House and Restaurant

Get all the info on Gillson Swimming Beach and the Fat Shallot, our elevated beachside food stand (now closed for the season – check out their new location on Central St. in Evanston!)

Gillson Dog Beach

Your furry friend will have blast at our Dog Beach! Permits required – learn all the details here

Sailing Beach, Vessel Rentals & Trail-In Permits

Our Sailing Beach offers a variety of services, from rentals and permits to vessel storage. Get the details here

Reserve a Picnic Area

We have several picnic areas throughout Gillson Park – the perfect place for an outdoor gathering! 

Park Map

1

Picnic Area #1

2

Picnic Area #2

3

Picnic Area #3

P

Parking with
Wilmette Resident Decal or
Seasonal Beach Parking Decal

PV

Picnic Pavillion

P

Parking with Daily Pass
or Seasonal Beach
Parking Decal

P

Parking with Daily Pass
or Seasonal Beach
Parking Decal

4

Picnic Area #4

P

General Parking

Hours

Accessing Gillson Park

Swimming Beach Hours

May 27 to September 4

9 am-8 pm

Swimming is strictly prohibited after Labor Day

Gates

Gillson Park North and South Vehicle Entry Gates:

6 am-8 pm

Note: after 8 pm, vehicles may exit the park via the Washington Ave. exit only. Vehicles left in the park after 10:30 will be ticketed.

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