1/23 Weather Updates: Indoor Programs Running - Click Here for more.

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1/23 Weather Updates: Indoor Programs Running - Click Here for more.

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WAYS TO PLAY

Lakefront/Gillson Park

Gillson Lakefront

Welcome to Gillson Park

Lakefront Programs

Registration for Spring+Summer programs begins at 10 am:

  • March 17 for residents
  • March 24 for non-residents

What's New

End of Season: September 7 & Other Closures

Summer is nearing its close, and so are our beaches along the Wilmette Lakefront. Please review our End of Season updates below as we begin slowing down operations in preparation for season’s end on September 7.

On AUGUST 1: Beaches close early for private event

  • Starting at 6 pm there will be NO LIFEGUARDS at Wilmette Sailing Beach, Main Beach, South Beach or Langdon Beach — swim at your own risk.
  • Gillson Main Beach will be closed for an event starting at 6 pm.

Starting AUGUST 17: Reduction of lifeguard staff

  • There will be NO LIFEGUARDS at Landgon Beach for the rest of the season — swim at your own risk.
  • South Beach Gate 4 Entrance CLOSED for the rest of the season.

Starting AUGUST 24: Reduction of lifeguard staff

  • NO LIFEGUARDS on weekdays at Main Beach and South Beach — swim at your own risk.
  • LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY on weekends 11 am-5 pm at Main Beach and South Beach.

On SEPTEMBER 7: End of season

  • Last Day of the season — LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY 11 am-5 pm at Main Beach and South Beach.

On SEPTEMBER 20: Parking Alert for North Shore Century Event

  • Gillson Park is the starting location for the annual cycling event North Shore Century on September 20. While race participants are directed to park offsite, we anticipate the Gillson Beach Parking Lot to fill by 5 am and remain full into the afternoon.
  • Services around the Lakeview Center and traffic in the park and surrounding roadways will be greatly impacted by the event. The beaches will not be affected; however, visitors are encouraged to walk or bike as parking will likely not be available.

On OCTOBER 15: End of parking pass requirement

  • Last day of Parking Pass requirement at Gillson Beach parking lot. No pass or permit required starting October 16.

Explore Gillson Park

Visitor Information

Get all the general information for Gillson Beach and Park here

Beach and Parking Passes

All about 2026 season passes and daily fees.

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

Gillson Dog Beach

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

Seasonal Programs

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

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 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:

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

Memorial Day - Labor Day

10 am-8 pm*

*Swimming out of season when no lifeguards are present is swim at your own risk.

*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-9 pm*

*Note: After the North and South gates close at 9 pm, vehicles can leave the park through the Washington Avenue exit. Vehicles left in the park after 10:30 pm will be ticketed.

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