Gillson Beach — Attraction in Wilmette

Unfortunately, this was one of the worst beach experiences I’ve ever had. While the beach itself is undeniably beautiful, the overall organization and management left a lot to be desired.

First, as a non-resident, you now have to pay $10 per person just to enter. We paid at the entrance, and literally two minutes later — as soon as we stepped onto the sand — we were told to leave due to thunder in the area. What’s frustrating is that the person who sold us the tickets didn’t mention anything about the weather, even though the warning must have already been in effect.

We ended up waiting for over an hour in the park, and when we returned to ask for a refund or at least a rain check for another visit, we were told that wasn’t possible and that there was nothing they could do.

Later, when the beach reopened, we entered through Entrance 4, only to find out after setting up our things that swimming is not allowed in that area — something that is not clearly marked at all. We were then told to move to another part of the beach where swimming is permitted. Again, very poorly communicated and incredibly inconvenient.

All in all, the lack of communication, organization, and consideration for visitors really ruined what could have been a nice day. Disappointing and not...

Softest sand in the area! The fireworks here on the 3rd of July are awesome! The whole family enjoyed it. Although... on a nice day it is quite busy. Sometimes hard to find a nice spot with many kids running around. Overall, nice beach! **

**Edit to my review, 2 years later: As you can tell, I love Gillson Beach. Wilmette residents and other North Shore residents alike enjoy the local natural beauty and wonderment this beach has to offer. This is why it saddens me deeply that they are now charging $11 for Wilmette residents and $18 for non-resident beach-goers (July 2025). First and foremost, that is too much money. I understand the alleged safety concerns, but I am disheartened that the district has imposed a threat to the public enjoyment of its people. The privatization and the exclusivity of these new rules make what is supposed to be a public place not so public anymore. This does not benefit the people of Wilmette. It does not benefit non-residents. I walk to Gillson in every weather and every season, and I believe that it should be...

Discrimination at the most possible way…10 years ago beach easy accessible for everyone…then let make beach accessible for a fee…then as people started using south beach part…someone decided to not allow people to swim in that part of the beach (no life guards)… then as people still were using the beach someone decided to just build the fence and make beach accessible for a fee….now another year and another brilliant idea…after 6 beach is only accessible for season pass holders, and if you don’t have it you cannot seat on the beach but you can walk along the shore line (such a joke)…just wondering what they will come up next year…and when I think in Aruba all beaches are easily accessible for everyone for free, and in such a FREEDOM country as USA we really need to pay more and more everyday for things which were free for everyone not long ago…congratulations for that brilliant idea Wilmette city officials who came up...