Glencoe Beach stays open an extra hour this summer (to 8 p.m.), Elder Lane Beach in Winnetka is back after a year-long closure, and Wilmette's Gillson Park beaches are already welcoming swimmers with lifeguards on duty 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Labor Day.
Here's what North Shore families need to know before heading to the water.
Gillson Park, Wilmette
The 60-acre lakefront park at 800 Gillson Park Drive has three swimming beaches: Gillson Main Beach, South Beach, and Langdon Beach. All three are open for the season, operating 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Monday, September 7.
Daily admission: $11 resident / $17 non-resident at Gillson Main and Langdon. South Beach is cheaper at $5 resident / $10 non-resident. Season beach-only passes start at $69 for residents, $39 for seniors 65 and older.
Parking: $17 resident / $21 non-resident weekdays; $21 / $26 weekends. A season parking decal costs residents $40. Street parking violations near the park carry a $100 fine Memorial Day through Labor Day, according to the Village of Wilmette.
Free option: Library cardholders can reserve a "Beach Bound" pass through the Explore More Illinois program for free one-day admission for up to six people. Parking not included.
Don't miss: The Fat Shallot food stand at the beach house. Kayak, SUP, and sailboat rentals available on-site.
Coming up: Discount Day on Wednesday, June 24 drops admission to $6 at Gillson Main and Langdon, $3 at South Beach. The free Sounds of Summer concert series kicks off Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m. with the Wilmette Community Band at Wallace Bowl. No beach parking permit needed for evening concerts.
Glencoe Beach
The big change for 2026: hours extended to 8 p.m., up from 7 p.m. in prior years. Lifeguards have been on duty daily since Saturday, June 6.
A season pass is now required for all weekend, holiday, and weekday morning visits. Passes can be purchased online at glencoeparkdistrict.com or borrowed free from the Glencoe Public Library. Season pass holders can also buy a 10-visit guest pass for friends and family.
The Glencoe Park District increased garbage collection, added daily locker room cleaning, and improved parking and pedestrian safety measures this year. The beach house rents kayaks, sailboats, sun shelters, chairs, and umbrellas all summer.
Parking: Managed by the Village of Glencoe, which updated signage and increased enforcement for 2026. Questions go to the Village at (847) 835-4111 or the Park District at (847) 835-3030.
Heads up for July 4 weekend: Glencoe Beach closes all day Friday, July 3 for fireworks setup. The Party in the Park runs 5–10 p.m. at Lakefront Park that evening, with fireworks at approximately 9 p.m. The beach reopens Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., for season pass holders and guests only.
The beach closes for the season Tuesday, September 8.
Winnetka beaches
Five beaches line Winnetka's lakefront: Tower Road, Maple Street, Elder Lane, Lloyd Beach (with the Stepan Family Boat Launch), and Centennial Beach (dog beach). The season runs through Monday, September 7. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Elder Lane Beach is back. Closed all of 2025 after crews removed large sections of concrete, metal debris, and a damaged pier section, Elder Lane reopened for 2026. Its season is shorter, running through Saturday, August 16 only.
Daily admission: $13 resident / $26 non-resident weekdays; $15 / $30 weekends. Season passes are $45 resident, $90 non-resident. Seniors 65 and older with resident status swim free.
Parking warning: From May 15 through September 15, lots at Tower Road Beach and Maple Street Beach are restricted to Winnetka residents with a Village parking sticker. Non-residents must park at Hubbard Woods Park, 939 Green Bay Road, and walk or bike in. Violators face a fine from the Winnetka Police Department.
For daily opening and closure updates, download the RainoutLine app or call 847-563-3131.
Wilmette Harbor
The Sheridan Shore Sailing School at 20 Harbor Drive enrolls more than 500 students in its summer program between June and mid-August. The Sheridan Shore Yacht Club hosts fleet racing out of the harbor throughout the season.
Coming up: SSYC Fleet Race on Saturday, June 21; Friday Night Dinner on Friday, June 26; Wilmette Fireworks on Thursday, July 3 at Gillson Park starting at 5 p.m.
