Gillson Park
Gillson Park
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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  • 1andTwins
    Wilmette, Illinois436 contributions
    A few changes in 2020
    Lots of things have changed due to Covid. You can only swim at the swimming beach which is season passes only this year (for residents and non-residents). No day passes like other years. Same goes for parking, only seasonal parking passes for beach parking, otherwise find street parking. The free area (non-swimming) is narrow due to beach erosion so it gets very busy during the weekend. Lots of people ignore Park District staff and life guards and get into the water (at the non-swimming beach) regardless. Still a good place but please understand what is available when you come this year, things are not quite the same. Not many changes for season pass holders (no concessions and only one restroom open). All staff is wearing masks.
    Visited July 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written July 5, 2020
  • Tanya T.
    Illinois1,564 contributions
    A nice area
    The beach is small by comparison but when we visited in the last week of May it was quiet and beautiful. I wish I lived more close to this beach, the grounds are expansive and clean. There are plenty of tables for eating al fresco too.
    Visited May 2022
    Written May 31, 2022
  • Beefeater2206
    Wilmette, Illinois12 contributions
    Nice beach for relaxing.
    This place is next door to Bahai temple and a must to visit when you are there. It is on the lake front with a lot of huge trees in the park and a long sandy beach that you can enjoy. It has two sections of the beach, one for public and the other one for residents who live in Wilmette. It is less crowded and closes to nature.
    Visited October 2017
    Traveled with family
    Written March 4, 2018
  • Vianney G
    1 contribution
    Date with the boyfriend
    Gillson Park is not your typical beach. If you just want to get a tan and soak your feet in the water than this place is for you, otherwise you can’t go any farther than ankle level in the water. No swimming at all. If you do want to take a swim you need to buy some kind of special pass to go to the allowed swimming area. There is only parking on the streets so if it’s a busy day good luck with that. On the brighter side of things the scenery was beautiful. There was plenty of shade from the trees and nice tall grass. Clear water and clean sand.
    Visited July 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 2, 2020
  • Vi P
    2 contributions
    Poor
    Drove over an hour with our kids for my husband's birthday . Upon getting here we found out that the parking and beach was closed for non members . Earlier today before making the trip here I told my husband not to pick a beach in Illinois I knew that it would not end well . Yet my husband insisted for us to pick a Illinois beach . We wonder why so many people live the state ! Should of gone to Wisconsin!!!
    Visited August 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written August 23, 2020
  • Olga D
    1 contribution
    My very bad experience
    Shame on Wilmette Park District! No swimming on the beach... unbelievable. Make kids and parents unhappy in this hard time. Very sad
    Visited June 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written July 8, 2020
  • Kohl F
    Chicago, Illinois1 contribution
    Kicked out for being in ankle deep water.
    Clarification on where you can and cannot swim between the wilmette beach and the dog beach would be great. Furthermore an explanation as to why you guys have a perfectly usable beach front area and yet take people out for using it. The access to this area in the park is not controlled in anyway and you can walk right up to the beach and ride into the water only to find out that a guard carrying a megaphone well shortly up here yelling at your five-year-old and seven-year-old kid to get out of the water and threatening to call the police if they don’t comply. The lifeguard then told the police officer who showed up in less than 5 mins that I was rude and had to leave. I was only rude in response to the rude attitude the lifeguard initially gave me. The guy then made me aware that he was a former marine…I can’t think of any reason for him to share this other than he was attempting to intimidate me. Anyway I felt sat up to fail and wasn’t treated well. If they don’t want people swimming in a certain area, block the public’s access. Good grief. I was also told by the female Wilmette police officer that had no time for my explanation of what was going on, that Gillson Park Beach is privately owned? Could anyone please clarify who owns the Wilmette park district?
    Visited June 2021
    Traveled with family
    Written June 16, 2021
  • QuebecoisFrancophile
    Atlanta, Georgia122 contributions
    Average generally, arguably "fair"
    After reading the reviews, it appears that there are mixed signals regarding access and parking...and coverage of accessibility. As nearby Glenview residents and recent transplants from down South we (seniors) purchased non-resident pass for the year ($150) that allows access to "inside" the park access to parking spaces along the non-swimming beach walkway. For us at this stage of our lives, we have enjoyed quiet times overlooking Lake Michigan and taking walks in the park. Senior stuff. We use a handicapped space, though often occupied, but generally there are spaces available on summer weekdays. The permit/pass does not allow access to the "swimming" beach (more on that later.) Without a pass or choosing not to pay a daily fee, one is left to search for an available parking space on the perimeter of the park. That stated, on weekdays there seems to be some parking in that case and the distance to the beach, playgrounds, picnic sites is short for most folks. We have frequently spent time on the non-swimming beach and with nine-year old twin grandchildren. The life guards allow limited near shore wading/splashing for kids. Most, but not all, of the time. Grandpa has played catch with his budding baseball player on the grassy park and the twins have enjoyed the playground , designed to mimic pirate ships, a fort, on water, sand and land.Clever. There are port-a-potties (one restroom facility at "swimming"beach: none elsewhere.) but frankly they are not well-maintained. Bring sanitary hand towels. There are usually sizable family groups obviously enjoying picnics and there appear to be available picnic benches/grills again during the week. However, on a recent Friday, we took a stroll to the swimming beach area. Loads of parking spaces, suggesting few are willing to pay the piper. There is a concession stand that is manned by friendly teenagers with sales of hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza etc at not unreasonable prices. Packaged ice cream and related products available. Changing rooms in the "bath house." Most of the people who were entering the beach area showed identification, proof of purchase, whatever. Many teens and tweenies and mothers with small children. No one swimming! Restrictions posted suggest it should hardly be called a swimming beach. For someone like me,raised on Massachusetts beaches, having lived in Connecticut on Long Island beachfront, and in California and a frequent visitor to Florida's Gulf Coast and coastal Georgia beaches the restrictions are hard to understand. No flotation devices? Even for non-swimmer children? On Friday, no going into the water beyond waist deep. Four-to-five life guard stations and guards on duty. That's good protection but is the lake that hazardous, unsafe for swimming? Why pay anything for access then? To close, yesterday, a hot Saturday afternoon, there were barriers in place, maintained by Wilmette police, to block entry to any part of Gillson Park. There have to be alternative sites on Lake Michigan and nearby hopefully, as yet undiscovered by us, that will offer a true beach experience.
    Visited August 2018
    Traveled with family
    Written August 12, 2018
  • Peg731
    Wilmette, Illinois11 contributions
    Such gorgeous views!
    Gilson Beach is a North Shore treasure. The Lake Michigan beach is so beautiful and the area walks are inspiring all year around.
    Visited September 2016
    Traveled with family
    Written January 17, 2017
  • Graham P
    Chicago, Illinois51 contributions
    One of the best beaches of the North Shore
    I used to drive 40 minutes from the suburbs to relax at Gillson Park, right beside the magnificent Baha'i House of Worship. Now I live in Evanston, and get to enjoy Gillson whenever I want. The park is large with multiple playgrounds, sporting fields, picnic areas, and a nice stretch of beach that rarely gets crowded. Parking is sometimes hard to find, but this is a great place to spend a day.
    Visited August 2015
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 27, 2016
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.

4.5
74 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
17
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
4

Vianney G
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Couples
Gillson Park is not your typical beach. If you just want to get a tan and soak your feet in the water than this place is for you, otherwise you can’t go any farther than ankle level in the water. No swimming at all. If you do want to take a swim you need to buy some kind of special pass to go to the allowed swimming area. There is only parking on the streets so if it’s a busy day good luck with that. On the brighter side of things the scenery was beautiful. There was plenty of shade from the trees and nice tall grass. Clear water and clean sand.
Written July 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vi P
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Drove over an hour with our kids for my husband's birthday . Upon getting here we found out that the parking and beach was closed for non members . Earlier today before making the trip here I told my husband not to pick a beach in Illinois I knew that it would not end well . Yet my husband insisted for us to pick a Illinois beach . We wonder why so many people live the state ! Should of gone to Wisconsin!!!
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Olga D
1 contribution
Jun 2020 • Family
Shame on Wilmette Park District! No swimming on the beach... unbelievable. Make kids and parents unhappy in this hard time. Very sad
Written July 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kohl F
Chicago, IL1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Family
Clarification on where you can and cannot swim between the wilmette beach and the dog beach would be great. Furthermore an explanation as to why you guys have a perfectly usable beach front area and yet take people out for using it. The access to this area in the park is not controlled in anyway and you can walk right up to the beach and ride into the water only to find out that a guard carrying a megaphone well shortly up here yelling at your five-year-old and seven-year-old kid to get out of the water and threatening to call the police if they don’t comply. The lifeguard then told the police officer who showed up in less than 5 mins that I was rude and had to leave. I was only rude in response to the rude attitude the lifeguard initially gave me. The guy then made me aware that he was a former marine…I can’t think of any reason for him to share this other than he was attempting to intimidate me. Anyway I felt sat up to fail and wasn’t treated well. If they don’t want people swimming in a certain area, block the public’s access. Good grief. I was also told by the female Wilmette police officer that had no time for my explanation of what was going on, that Gillson Park Beach is privately owned? Could anyone please clarify who owns the Wilmette park district?
Written June 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

QuebecoisFrancophile
Atlanta, GA122 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
After reading the reviews, it appears that there are mixed signals regarding access and parking...and coverage of accessibility. As nearby Glenview residents and recent transplants from down South we (seniors) purchased non-resident pass for the year ($150) that allows access to "inside" the park access to parking spaces along the non-swimming beach walkway. For us at this stage of our lives, we have enjoyed quiet times overlooking Lake Michigan and taking walks in the park. Senior stuff. We use a handicapped space, though often occupied, but generally there are spaces available on summer weekdays. The permit/pass does not allow access to the "swimming" beach (more on that later.) Without a pass or choosing not to pay a daily fee, one is left to search for an available parking space on the perimeter of the park. That stated, on weekdays there seems to be some parking in that case and the distance to the beach, playgrounds, picnic sites is short for most folks. We have frequently spent time on the non-swimming beach and with nine-year old twin grandchildren. The life guards allow limited near shore wading/splashing for kids. Most, but not all, of the time. Grandpa has played catch with his budding baseball player on the grassy park and the twins have enjoyed the playground , designed to mimic pirate ships, a fort, on water, sand and land.Clever. There are port-a-potties (one restroom facility at "swimming"beach: none elsewhere.) but frankly they are not well-maintained. Bring sanitary hand towels. There are usually sizable family groups obviously enjoying picnics and there appear to be available picnic benches/grills again during the week. However, on a recent Friday, we took a stroll to the swimming beach area. Loads of parking spaces, suggesting few are willing to pay the piper. There is a concession stand that is manned by friendly teenagers with sales of hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza etc at not unreasonable prices. Packaged ice cream and related products available. Changing rooms in the "bath house." Most of the people who were entering the beach area showed identification, proof of purchase, whatever. Many teens and tweenies and mothers with small children. No one swimming! Restrictions posted suggest it should hardly be called a swimming beach. For someone like me,raised on Massachusetts beaches, having lived in Connecticut on Long Island beachfront, and in California and a frequent visitor to Florida's Gulf Coast and coastal Georgia beaches the restrictions are hard to understand. No flotation devices? Even for non-swimmer children? On Friday, no going into the water beyond waist deep. Four-to-five life guard stations and guards on duty. That's good protection but is the lake that hazardous, unsafe for swimming? Why pay anything for access then? To close, yesterday, a hot Saturday afternoon, there were barriers in place, maintained by Wilmette police, to block entry to any part of Gillson Park. There have to be alternative sites on Lake Michigan and nearby hopefully, as yet undiscovered by us, that will offer a true beach experience.
Written August 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peg731
Wilmette, IL11 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
Gilson Beach is a North Shore treasure. The Lake Michigan beach is so beautiful and the area walks are inspiring all year around.
Written January 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Graham P
Chicago, IL51 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
I used to drive 40 minutes from the suburbs to relax at Gillson Park, right beside the magnificent Baha'i House of Worship. Now I live in Evanston, and get to enjoy Gillson whenever I want. The park is large with multiple playgrounds, sporting fields, picnic areas, and a nice stretch of beach that rarely gets crowded. Parking is sometimes hard to find, but this is a great place to spend a day.
Written May 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Judy M
Winnetka, IL96 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
It's got a great beach, dog park, lighted tennis courts, the Wallace Bowl for summer performances, a native wildflower garden, sailboat rentals, picnic areas and vast grassy areas for the kids to enjoy. It's a great place for viewing migrating birds. It's location on beautiful Sheridan Road adds interest to the drive there. Note that the extraordinary Bahai Temple is right across the road. Beach and boat rental fees are charged. Outdoor shelters are free to residents but non-residents will pay fees to use them. There is a charge for parking in some areas. It's one of the most versatile and well maintained parks in the area.
Written April 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chicagonative_7
Chicago1,039 contributions
Sep 2015 • Friends
This is one of the nicest and most accessible beaches north of Chicago. The beach alone rivals those of Italy, Spain and much of the world..... With its beautiful, clean sand and shallow entry to the water, sometimes sandbars go way out and you never have to get more than waist deep to be at the ropes.

Playing in the sand, strolling the shore looking for beach glass, the concession stand and picnic area also are just east of the road.... West includes paying fields, more picnic areas, an open air theater, a concession stand and party room. And lots more.

Parking can be difficult but even no residents can legally park in the park, on nearby streets all but a few blocks away, unlike all the suburbs to the north.

Great spot no matter the season.....
Written September 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

chicagowestlooper
Wilmette, IL17 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
Endless beaches that allow the visitor to select between a crowd or solitude. Great playground equipment for kids. Beautiful natural setting with trees galore!
Written February 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Gillson Park (Wilmette) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Gillson Park

Gillson Park is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM



Gillson Park Information

Excellent Reviews46
Very Good Reviews17
Gillson Park Photos17