WAYS TO PLAY
Lakefront/Gillson Park
Location
800 Gillson Park Drive
North Entrance
Lake Ave & Michigan Ave
South Entrance
Sheridan Rd & Michigan Ave
POINT OF CONTACT
Catherine Weinstein
Lakefront Customer Service
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
Megan White
Lakefront General Manager
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
Conor McCormick
Lakefront Park Supervisor
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
TJ Storey
Lakefront Beach Supervisor
PHONE NO.
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
It’s Offseason at Gillson – Please Keep In Mind…
Parking Reminders:
- Parking in the main beach parking lot does not require a permit starting October 16 until the Friday before Memorial Day.
- Parking on Overlook Drive requires a Wilmette Resident decal year round.
- All vehicles must abide by posted traffic signs including do not enter signs.
Dog Ordinance:
- Dogs are required to be on leash at all times.
- Permits are required for the dog beach year round.
- Please pick up after your dog.
Gillson Park Hours:
- Park Hours – 6 am-10:30 pm
- North and South Vehicle Gate Hours* – 6 am-9 pm
- *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.
General Reminders:
- Camping is prohibited.
- Permits are required for special and commercial use year round, including any photography. Learn more on our Parties, Rentals & Permits page.
- Open flames, fires/fire pits and personal grills are not permitted.
Explore Gillson Park
Visitor Information
Visitor Information
Get all the general information for Gillson Beach and Park here
Sailing Beach, Boat Rentals & Trail-In Permits
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
Gillson Dog Beach
Your furry friend will have blast at our Dog Beach! Permits required – learn all the details here
Reserve a Picnic Area
Reserve a Picnic Area
We have several picnic areas throughout Gillson Park – the perfect place for an outdoor gathering!
Lakeview Center Rentals
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
Seasonal Programs
From nature activities in the park, to classes at the Lakeview Center, check out all we have planned! Now active:
- Summer
- Early Fall
Gillson Beach House and Lakeview Center
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:
- Two Swimming Beaches
- Picnic Areas and Pavilion
- Lighted Tennis Courts
- Fitness Course
- Tot Lot
- Kayak, SUP & Sailboat Rentals
- Dog Beach
- Lakeview Center
- Wallace Bowl
- Seasonal Lighted Ice Rink
- Kayak/SUP Launch Area
- Wallace Bowl - Outdoor Theater
Park Map
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.
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