Things to do in Wilmette

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial View of Baha'i House of Worship in Illinois. High-angle aerial view of the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, surrounded by lush greenery, gardens, and urban landscape.
Aerial view of Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette.
High winds churn up waves on Lake Michigan's Illinois shoreline. The water was closed at local beaches due to rough surf.
Gillson park and wilmette beach north of chicago Illlilnoise
Autumn colors in Wilmette park in Illinois
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Top places to visit

1. Wrigley Field

Home of the legendary Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is known and loved by baseball fans from all over the world, many of whom flock here to see a match or simply soak up the history and the atmosphere. One of the oldest and most storied ballparks across America, Wrigley Field has a proud heritage dating back all the way to 1914.
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2. McCormick Place

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
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3. Navy Pier

Well over eight million visitors flock to Navy Pier every year, whiling away the Chicago days in the parks, shops and restaurants gathered on this expansive corner of Lake Michigan. The pier is open throughout the year, but it peaks in the summer when you can visit the open-air souvenir stalls and watch the weekly firework shows.
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4. Millennium Park

Set in 10 hectares of parkland in the central Loop area, Millennium Park is a popular destination for local Chicago folk and visitors, ideally situated close to other major attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Magnificent Mile. With so much space to wander and soak up the atmosphere, it is a perfect spot for a bit of biking or jogging. It’s also used as a site for many big concerts that come to the city.
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5. Baha'i House of Worship

Standing proudly against the sky, the Baha’i House of Worship is hard to miss if you know what to look for. The oldest Baha’i temple in the world and the only one in North America, “The Mother Temple of the West” is a magnificent building constructed in the 1950s to celebrate the unity of all world religions. Pray, meditate or simply enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, which seem a world away from anything else.
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What to do in Wilmette

Popular places to visit

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field

Chicago’s world-renowned baseball ground, Wrigley Field is an iconic stadium where you can learn about the all-American sport and even catch a game.

Wrigley Field
Chicago Skyline at North Beach

Naval Base Great Lakes

After visiting Naval Base Great Lakes, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in North Chicago. Wander the lakeside in this family-friendly area.

Naval Base Great Lakes
McCormick Place

McCormick Place

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place
Navy Pier

Navy Pier

A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.

Navy Pier
Scene of Chicago street bridge with traffic among modern buildings of Downtown Chicago at Michigan avenue in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Business and Modern Transportation concept

Michigan Avenue

You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
Millennium Park

Millennium Park

One of Chicago’s main focal points, where locals and visitors flock to see the striking art, architecture and landscape on show.

Millennium Park
Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America

Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Six Flags Great America
Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Riverwalk

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Chicago Riverwalk
Soldier Field

Soldier Field

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field

Frequently asked questions

Is Wilmette worth visiting?
Whether you plan to enjoy the cultural highlights and local charm or try regional foods and venture into nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Wilmette.
How do I spend a day in Wilmette?
Once you've visited popular attractions like Montrose Beach and Kathy Osterman Beach, spend the rest of your day enjoying Wilmette's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Wilmette?
Don't go home without checking out Montrose Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Wilmette.
Is three days enough to stay in Wilmette?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off many city highlights, like North Shore Beach Park, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts and Loyola Beach. The average stay in Wilmette is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Chicago isn't far away.
Is Wilmette a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, Wilmette is a great place to experience on foot. Enjoy wandering between North Shore Center for the Performing Arts and Clark Street Beach. Then take a stroll around Gross Point, located 0.64 kilometers from downtown, and North Evanston, which is roughly 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Wilmette with kids?
Deciding what to do in Wilmette with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Wilmette for adults?
FEW Spirits and Milwaukee Avenue are just a couple of the things to do in Wilmette. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Wilmette?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Wilmette. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. North Shore Beach Park is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.