Glencoe Beach — Attraction in New Trier Township

Glencoe Beach used to be one of our favorite summer spots, but lately it feels like they change the rules every time we go, making it confusing and frustrating. Today when we went there, we encountered two employees at the little kiosk near the downhill path to the beach who were extremely unprofessional. One of them, an Asian employee, kept making faces and giving us annoyed looks with every question we asked while we were just trying to figure out the pricing.

First, we were told by one employee that as non-residents of Northbrook or Glencoe we could get a guest pass for $76, and then the pass holder could buy a 10-pack of passes for $100. Then another employee, standing behind the first, came around and said it's actually $50. Then she pretended to look through a binder and said, oh never mind, it’s $100.

While we were trying to clarify the pricing, the loud walkie talkie in the background was blasting, adding to the chaos. The $50 price difference wasn't even the real issue – it's the fact that every employee seems to make up their own rules. One told us every person has to buy a pass, although last year one of us had a pass and brought two kids along with no problem. Now they claim that’s not allowed anymore, brushing it off with "maybe it was another cashier but we don't allow that." Another cashier? So does that mean every cashier has their own rules?

It feels like they set traps at every step to squeeze more money out of you, with no consistency or clear policy. It’s really disappointing and makes it hard to enjoy what should be a relaxing day...

Late post from Summer 2017: I'm not a fan of paying an admission fee to go to a beach: before 6pm it's kids $10 between 2 to 14 years old, adults $14. Between 6p to 8pm it's $3 for both kids and adults. However, I was curious of this secluded beach for Glencoe, Illinois residents, so we gave it a try last summer.

Pluses: 1.) water and beach is clean 2.) It's a small, private beach with lifeguards focused on safety. There's even a lifegaurd who canoes for better viewing. I can be somewhat at ease watching my 4 year old with her arm floats and life jacket. 3.) Bathrooms and concession is really close. 4.) Option to sailboat and paddle boat with a cost. 5.) Easy parking by the park directly nearby. 6.) Plenty of picnic areas. 7.) Nice playground and water spray area. 8.) Allowed to bring outside food with you.

Cons: 1.) Wear swim shoes or flip flops walking through rough sand and rocks surrounding the lower water depths, if that annoys you. 2.) Admission fee if not a Glencoe resident, free or cheap expenses the better 3.) Needs improvement of bathroom maintenance. 4.) 30 minutes prior to concession stand closing, there's limited selection to purchase due to employees closing up shop on time.

I knocked down a star rating because I felt they lost my business focusing on closing up shop than allowing me to purchase a hot item--my daughter only wanted a hot dog! The admission fee bothered me a bit, but that didn't affect my rating since the seclusion...

Only 3 stars because of some staff working there that are supervisors /managers. Their names are Cooper and Marty. I had a very uncomfortable situation on Sat. JULY 30. I came to the beach as a non resident, didn't check the website ,sometimes the websites are not updated but called earlier about the tickets for non residents and was misinformed that I can come and get the tickets there .Nobody mentioned that only people with passes are allowed to get in on weekends and holidays. Driving 30 miles to the beach with 2 kids I was about to give up and leave the place but watching my 5 yrs old crying melted my heart and I decided to get the passes . Each pass was $70. The managers that have no customer service skills with only suggestion I could go to a different beach and repeating sorry finally walked away and Luoilainn such a friendly girl working there came up with an idea to buy one regular pass and 2 guests passes that let me safe some money. I don't understand who gave those 2 gentelmens managers titles . This is ridiculous. I work in banking industry and we do everything to make all customers happy. Overall I love the beach and always enjoy staying there. This was first time I experienced this and hopefully never meet those 2...