Summer Vibes at the Wilmette Lakefront
6/19/24 – SUMMER VIBES at the WILMETTE LAKEFRONT
It’s beach season, and we’re just as excited as you are! Break out the swimsuit and grab fresh sunscreen because your beachside getaway awaits.
Programs on the Water
Looking to get out beyond the sand? We offer a variety of programs that take you on the open water!
Get familiar with kayaking or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) basics with our “Learn To” classes!
- Learn to SUP – 9-11 am on 6/22, 7/7, 7/20 or 8/24
- Learn to Kayak – 5-7 pm on 6/26, 7/10, 7/24 or 8/14
Enjoy a guided kayak tour with the Northwest Passage. They’re beginner-friendly, and all equipment is provided.
- Full Moon Kayak Tour – 7-9 pm on 6/21, 7/21 or 8/18
- Labor Day Kayak Tour – 10 am-Noon on 9/1
Unwind and reconnect with a stand-up paddleboard yoga class on Lake Michigan! It’s the perfect blend of fun and restorative movement.
- SUP Yoga – 8-9 am on 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27 or 8/3
Come Sail Away
Tap into your inner sailor and crest the waves of Lake Michigan on one of our rental vessels. We offer kayak, SUP, Hobie and Sunfish rentals at the Gillson Sailing Beach, plus private sailing lessons!
- Sailing Vessel Rentals –Saturdays and Sundays through mid-August
- Private Sailing Lessons – Saturdays, June 15 – July 6 or July 13 – August 3
Beachside Specials
Mark your calendar for special events/activities in and around Gillson Beach!
- Center Fitness Club Outdoor Yoga Classes – Wednesdays and Saturdays on the Lakeview Deck and Gillson Main Beach
- Sounds of Summer outdoor concerts/shows – June 20 – August 14, 7 p.m., at Wallace Bowl (more at Mallinckrodt Park)
- Ouilmette Foundation’s Back the Bowl Bash – June 22, 6 p.m., at Wallace Bowl
- Yankee Doodle Dash and Fun & Fireworks – July 3 at Gillson Park (and Star Spangled Splash at Centennial)
- Go Green Wilmette Habitat Workdays – July 14 – September 8 at Gillson’s Bird Habitat (more at Mallinckrodt Park)
- Gillson Campout – July 20, 7:30 p.m. – July 21, 8 a.m., at Gillson’s Main Beach
- Fat Shallot Crawfish Boil – June 29, 7:30 p.m., at Gillson’s Main Beach
- Fat Shallot Mediterranean Feast – August 3, 7:30 p.m., at Gillson’s Main Beach
Beaches Galore
Soak up the sunshine on the warm sands of our three swimming beaches – Gillson’s Main and South beaches, and Langdon Beach. Lifeguards are on duty 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. during the summer season (May 25-September 2).
Beach Amenities
Gillson’s Main Beach
- Sandy beach
- Buoyed swim zone
- Beach House with restrooms and water fountains
- Showers
- The Fat Shallot restaurant and patio areas
- Tot lot
- Sand volleyball courts
Gillson’s South Beach
- Sandy beach
- Buoyed swim zone
- Portable washrooms nearby
- South Beach walkers not planning to swim or sit on the beach may walk the shoreline without purchasing a day pass
- Trail-In Permit holders can launch in the designated areas free of charge
- Learn more about South Beach’s new swim zone on our South Beach FAQ
Langdon Beach
- Sandy beach
- Buoyed swim zone
- Portable washrooms nearby
- Tot lot
Season passes are accepted at all three beaches, or you can purchase a daily pass (using a credit card/Apple Pay only) at South Beach & Langdon Beach. Cash or credit is accepted at the Main Beach.
| Beach Location | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Gillson Swimming Beach | $11 | $17 |
| South Beach | $5 | $10 |
| Langdon Beach | $11 | $17 |
Parking at Gillson (Main Beach and South Beach)
Season Park Decal
- Gillson Main Beach parking lot
- Overlook Drive
Daily Parking Pass
- Gillson Main Beach parking lot
Vehicle Sticker
- Overlook Drive
Limited free parking is available to vehicles with no sticker required on Upper Drive and surrounding neighborhood streets. Please adhere to all parking restrictions, as they are enforced with ticketing and towing.
| Daily Parking | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Friday | $17 | $21 |
| Saturday-Sunday | $21 | $26 |
Parking at Langdon
Parking for Langdon Beach is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Please adhere to all parking restrictions, as they are enforced with ticketing.
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