Gillson Park

Doesn't Recommend

JM12

Joined 3 years ago

skip it. The free part of the Wilmette beach was downsized to expand the private (i.e. "pay") beach, so this year you WILL have to pay to go to the beach. And the police are patrolling pretty heavily and giving out tickets if you don't have a beach parking pass. Already got a ticket and it was only May! Skip it.

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ppate10

Joined 3 years ago

amazing place to chill. Don't be fooled. The location is amazing. It is right near Bhai Temple. Also they say that you need a wilmette beach pass, but that is ONLY if you want to go swim in the lake overlooked by a lifeguard. There is an area nearby that FREE and no such passes are required. Also there is ample street parking nearby that is for free. Amazing feilds to play or just chill on. The beach is clean and fun.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Sixty acres of lush outdoor fun on the North Shore.. The Park
In the shadow of the majestic Baha'i Temple, Gillson Park's 60-acre expanse of green is a gem along Lake Michigan's Wilmette shore. The place is perfect for picnics, bicycling, tennis, outdoor ice skating and more.

Water Sports
Gillson Park also offers a prime beach with public, lifeguard-supervised swimming. Budding sailors can rent Sunfish boats or Hobie Waves, with instruction available for beginners. Take your canine friend to the dog beach at the south end of the park near Wilmette Harbor--but remember to buy a permit first ($25 for residents, $150 for nonresidents).