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Gillson Park in Wilmette, IL

By
Real Estate Agent with @Properties

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 beachGillson Beach with family on sand
  • 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.

Wallace Bowl, Wilmette ILFor 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. 

 

Gillson Park Playground
Gillson Harbor with sailboats
Gillson Beach on winter day
Gillson Beach Tennis Courts

 

While you’re here, please see 

ALL HOMES FOR SALE NEAR GILLSON BEACH

ALL WILMETTE HOMES FOR SALE

 

Gillson Park and Beach Photo Album

 

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Winnetka and North Shore Real Estate Broker
Specializing in homes for sale in Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Northbrook, and Evanston.

Comments (3)

Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

That is a fabulous park.  It is well though out.  Have a great 2013.

Jan 24, 2013 12:42 AM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

Hi Tim - it is a fabulous park.  It's the biggest in the area, as well.

Jan 24, 2013 01:13 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Margaret,  Gillson Park looks litke it has something for everyone. What a wonderful asset for th community.

Jan 26, 2013 08:11 AM