WAYS TO PLAY
Lakefront/Gillson Park
North Entrance
Lake Ave & Michigan Ave
South Entrance
Sheridan Rd & Michigan Ave
Langdon Beach
Chestnut Ave & Sheridan Rd
POINT OF CONTACT
Megan White
Lakefront General Manager
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
Niki Koclanes
Lakefront Program Supervisor
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
Ben Wozney
Lakefront General Manager
PHONE NO.
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:
- Gillson Swimming Beach
- Picnic Areas and Pavilion
- Lighted Tennis Courts
- Fitness Course
- Tot Lot
- Kayak, SUP & Sailboat rentals
- Dog Beach
- Lakeview Center
- Wallace Bowl
- Seasonal Lighted Ice Rink
- Kayak/SUP Launch Area
- Wallace Bowl - Outdoor Amphitheater
What's New
New Operations at 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.
- Trail-in permits will continue launching kayaks and SUPs north and south of the designated swim area.
- Got questions? We’ve provided more details in our Frequently Asked Questions document.
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.
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 (opening Memorial Day weekend!) 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, 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!
Park Map
Picnic Area #1
Picnic Area #2
Picnic Area #3
Parking with
Wilmette Resident Decal or
Seasonal Beach Parking Decal
Picnic Pavillion
Parking with Daily Pass
or Seasonal Beach
Parking Decal
Parking with Daily Pass
or Seasonal Beach
Parking Decal
Picnic Area #4
General Parking
Hours
Accessing Gillson Park
Swimming Beach Hours
May 25 to September 2
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.