1/23 Weather Updates: Indoor Programs Running - Click Here for more.

×

×

1/23 Weather Updates: Indoor Programs Running - Click Here for more.

×

×

WAYS TO PLAY

Lakefront/Gillson Park

Gillson Lakefront

Welcome to Gillson Park

Lakefront Programs

Registration for Spring+Summer programs begins at 10 am:

  • March 17 for residents
  • March 24 for non-residents

What's New

Beach Closed August 1 at 6 pm for special event.

Please note, Gillson Swimming Beach will be closed at 6 pm on 8/1 for the Ouilmette Foundation’s Sunset Over The Beach event. 

Explore Gillson Park

Visitor Information

Get all the general information for Gillson Beach and Park here

Beach and Parking Passes

All about 2026 season passes and daily fees.

Sailing Beach, Boat Rentals & Trail-In Permits

Our Sailing Beach offers a variety of services, from rentals and permits to vessel storage. Get the details here

Gillson Dog Beach

Your furry friend will have blast at our Dog Beach! Permits required – learn all the details here

Reserve a Picnic Area

We have several picnic areas throughout Gillson Park – the perfect place for an outdoor gathering! 

Lakeview Center Rentals

The Lakeview Center in Gillson Park is a fresh, newly-renovated facility with flexible options to meet the needs of your upcoming event!

Seasonal Programs

From nature activities in the park, to classes at the Lakeview Center, check out all we have planned! Now active:

Gillson Beach House and Lakeview Center

Get all the info on the Beach House (including The Fat Shallot, our elevated beachside food stand) and the Lakeview Center (newly renovated with rental space, vending machines & more)

Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and many other outdoor activities. In Gillson, you’ll find:

Park Map

1

Picnic Area #1

2

Picnic Area #2

3

Picnic Area #3

P

Parking with
Wilmette Resident Decal or
Seasonal Beach Parking Decal

PV

Picnic Pavillion

P

Parking with Daily Pass
or Seasonal Beach
Parking Decal

P

Parking with Daily Pass
or Seasonal Beach
Parking Decal

4

Picnic Area #4

P

General Parking

Hours

Accessing Gillson Park

Swimming Beach Hours

Memorial Day - Labor Day

10 am-8 pm*

*Swimming out of season when no lifeguards are present is swim at your own risk.

*After 8 p.m., swimming is not permitted, as our lifeguards are no longer on station.

 

Swimming is strictly prohibited after Labor Day.

Park and Vehicle Gate Hours

Gillson Park Hours:

6 am-10:30 pm

Gillson Park North and South Vehicle Entry Gates:

6 am-9 pm*

*Note: After the North and South gates close at 9 pm, vehicles can leave the park through the Washington Avenue exit. Vehicles left in the park after 10:30 pm will be ticketed.

Download PDF
Save This Page as a PDF
Skip to content