Gillson Park — Attraction in New Trier Township

If you do not live in Wilmette or have a season's pass, DON'T BOTHER DRIVING here during the summer. Inside Gillson Park, the streets and lots are forbidden to outside day visitors. Most surrounding side streets don't allow parking from Memorial Day to Labor Day. ... That leaves only 4 blocks on one side of Michigan and Lake avenues available for parking and you need extremely good luck to get a spot. Otherwise, you might be able to park inland over 1/2 mile from the edge of the park (and then another 1/4 mile to the beach). ... I rate the beach-front as barely 1* this summer and 4-5* off-season. It is extremely POORLY MANAGED/STAFFED and hence, AGGRAVATING. ... If don't want to catch COVID, then don't go on or even near Gillson's beach -front this summer. The sandy parts are way OVER-CROWDED and absolutely NO visitors wear a MASK. ... As numerous other reviewers have stated, the beach itself is POORLY MARKED as to where you can and cannot swim, plus which parts are free and which parts cost money. ... If you need a TOILET, then that is just unfortunate. Prepare to walk far and use one of the two portables. The beach house indoor toilets seem to be closed. On one visit, I saw a mother allowing her pre-school son to pee in the bushes. ... ... So, you may ask: WHAT IS GOOD???? If you don't want to swim or even see the water, then keep south of Overlook Drive to have a safe and enjoyable visit. ... The grassy part of the park is 5* because there are very few people and it has DIVERSE BEAUTY. There is a formal flower garden at the southeast end, next to the harbor and dog beach. There is a wildflower garden in the north center, near Wallace Bowl. In between, there is a variety of flowers, trees, and open spaces. ... Off-season, the beach was enjoyable/serene when there was a lack of visitors. I appreciate that there are shade trees and tall grass bordering most of the beach, making for a...

The beach and the view is beautiful. However the overall business of lifeguards, patrols, services are ridiculous. Not everyone knows about paying fees to swim at the beach and getting ticket for parking (for not having city parking permits). A lot of young employees are overly controlling on unnecessary little things. This what really surprised me, lifeguard rudely kicking kids off the beach because they did not pay (which they don’t know, no signs showing) and basically because they are different race related. I noticed they kept targeting those kids and families while letting whites kids stay to swim even they didn’t paid. This happened to my partner’s family. Believe me, I went off guard and stood up to the lifeguard after yelling at our kids to leave because they don’t belong here. Treating them terrible. I told the lifeguard to “stop and just leave them alone. Let them have entertainments. They are our kids and do not talk like that to them or any kids. Please leave back to your station, thanks bye”. The lifeguard facial was priceless but then tried to explain the overalls but I cut him off and told him to leave and don’t want to hear it. Lifeguard literally just walked and stand behind and just stared at us. I told him in bold tone to leave. What is up with these employees. So overall, they need to put big signs with information, rope around for paid swimmers, and maybe a sign...

The park next to the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette is one of my favorite spots to visit, whether I’m looking to take photos or just enjoy a peaceful moment by the lake. I’ve been coming here for years, and it never gets old. The temple itself is stunning, with intricate details that catch the light beautifully throughout the day, but sunrise is hands down the best time to be here. The soft morning light makes the white facade glow, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a bit of mist rolling in from the lake, adding to the serene atmosphere.

The gardens around the temple are meticulously maintained, offering colorful flowers in the warmer months and a quiet, meditative space year-round. There are benches scattered throughout, making it a great place to sit and soak in the view. Walk just a little further, and you’ll hit the lakefront, where you can watch the waves and take in the Chicago skyline in the distance.

Whether you’re into photography, architecture, or just need a place to unwind, this spot is always worth a visit. It’s one of those places that feels like a hidden gem, even after years of...