GILLSON PARK in WILMETTE, ILLINOIS
UPDATED 2022
Gillson Park is a magnificent 59 acres of open lawns, lighted tennis courts, playgrounds, and a beach.
Wilmette residents who live in the nearby CAGE can walk to the public beach which is located at the north end of the park. In addition to the above, the park also offers.
- Swimming - public beach
Lakeview Center
Sailing
Sailboat Rental
Softball
Fitness Courses
Picnic Areas
Picnic Shelter
Tot Lot
Wallace Bowl
Lighted Ice Rink
Dog Beach
Typically, the park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park is ideal for biking, soccer games, volleyball, picnics, and many other summer outdoor activities. The Gillson swimming beach is wide and feels like a real beach with concession stands and bathrooms
A fenced dog beach is available at the south end of the beach for dogs with permits. If your dog is not a fan of water, like my border collie, no worries, they can just socialize and play.
The Wilmette Park District fleet of Sunfish, Hobie Waves, and Hobie Getaways are available for rental whenever the boats are not being used for instruction. Kayaks are also available for rental. Sailors may rent boats when their experience matches weather conditions on the day of rental. Staff is on hand to help sailors evaluate their skills. Inexperienced people can take beginner classes before renting boats.
For July 4 fireworks, head to Gillson Park with blankets or chairs where they are annually held, usually on the night of the 3rd.
For outdoor summer concerts, Ravinia in Highland Park is simply wonderful. But right here in Gillson, you'll find the Starlight Theater at the Wallace Bowl. Concerts are free and seating is first come first serve or you can bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the music from the lawn.
Also at the south end of Gillson Park are the Wilmette Harbor and The Sheridan Shores Yacht Club. The setting is spectacular and has lovely views of the water and the nearby Bahai Temple. There are about 300 slips for motorboats and sailboats but the wait is extremely long to get in.
Gillson Park and Beach are the jewels of Wilmette. Fun throughout the summer months whether you like to swim, tan, play frisbee, sail, or just take a stroll.
While you’re here, please see
ALL HOMES FOR SALE NEAR GILLSON BEACH
Gillson Park and Beach Photo Album
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