59.2 acres
Sheridan Road and Michigan Avenue
Gillson Beach, Swimming, Lakeview Center,
Sailing, Sailboat Rentals, Lighted Tennis Courts,
Softball, Fitness Course, Picnic Areas, Picnic Shelter,
Tot Lot, Wallace Bowl, Lighted Ice Rink, Dog Beach

Get Driving Directions

Gillson Park & Wilmette Beaches

Lake Avenue at Lake Michigan
Lakeview Center: 847-256-9656

Langdon Beach
Chestnut Avenue and Sheridan Road

Lakefront Manager: Holly Specht, CPRP
Assistant Lakefront Manager: Tim Amorella

Opening Date:  Saturday, May 29
Closing Date:  Monday, September 6

Lakefront Conditions (recorded information): 847-256-0333
Beach Hours Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or as daylight permits)
Beach House: 847-256-9660
Concession Hours Daily: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or as conditions permit)

 About Gillson Park and the Wilmette Beaches

•  Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property, ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and many other spring and summer outdoor activities. 
• Dogs on leash are allowed in Gillson Park EXCEPT during special events such as Independence Day. Leashes must not exceed 10 feet in length and owners are responsible for clean-up. Dogs wearing Beach Permit tags are allowed off-leash in the fenced Dog Beach area located between the pier and the harbor mouth at the south end of Gillson Park. Dogs are NOT allowed on the public swimming and sailing beaches.
• Public swimming and wading are allowed in the buoyed swimming area only.
• Langdon Park Beach is open for swimming and operates under the same rules as Gillson Beach. Season Passes or a Daily Admission fee are required for admission.
• No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park or on the beaches.
• When safety hazards are present, the beach and water may be closed temporarily at the discretion of the Lakefront Manager.
• Flotation devices are not allowed in the water except Coast Guard approved life jackets when worn properly.

• Grilling permits are available at Lakeview Center during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) or at the Beach House Office, Saturdays and Sundays, May 24-September 1, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Pre-reservations for picnic areas are available to Wilmette residents only.
• No charge for RESIDENT picnic permits.
• Non-Resident picnic permits are $10.
• Permit hours are in three hour periods: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 2-5 p.m.; 5-8 p.m.
• All grilling must be done on existing Park District grills.
• A "Picnic Patrol" will issue permits on weekends.