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 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.

Beach and Parking Passes

2024 Season passes are available for purchase!

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

2024 Map of Gillson Park with beaches and picnic areas
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-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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