REGISTRATION SITE OFFLINE 2/14-2/15: For details, check our Bulletin Board post, below

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REGISTRATION SITE OFFLINE 2/14-2/15: For details, check our Bulletin Board post, below

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WAYS TO PLAY

Lakefront/Gillson Park

Gillson Lakefront

Welcome to Gillson Park

Spring+Summer Lakefront Programs

Registration for spring and summer programs is underway!

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

New changes to South Beach
  • Lifeguards will oversee brand-new, fee-based swim area at South Beach.
  • Swimming opens Memorial Day weekend.
  • Entrance fee: R-$5  / NR-$10 (credit card only) 
  • Visitors are welcome to walk along the shoreline free of charge.
  • Launch your kayak and SUP with a trail-in permit north and south of the designated swim area free of charge.

Got questions? We’ve provided more details in our Frequently Asked Questions document: click the button below

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 here

Beach and Parking Passes

2024 Season passes are available for purchase!

Gillson Beach House and Lakeview Center

Get all the info on the Beach House (including The Fat Shallot, our elevated beachside food stand) and the Lakeview Center (newly renovated with rental space, vending machines & more)

Gillson Dog Beach

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

Sailing Beach, Boat 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! 

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!

Park Map

Map of Gillson Park and amenities
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 25 to September 2

9 am-9 pm*

*After 8 p.m., swimming is not permitted, as our lifeguards are no longer on station.

 

Swimming is strictly prohibited after Labor Day.

Park and Vehicle Gate Hours

Gillson Park Hours:

6 am-10:30 pm

Gillson Park North and South Vehicle Entry Gates:

6 am-8 pm*

*Note: After the North and South gates close at 8 p.m., vehicles can leave the park through the Washington Avenue exit. Vehicles left in the park after 10:30 p.m. will be ticketed.

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