Things To Do
in Wilmette
Wilmette is a charming village located on the North Shore of Chicago in the state of Illinois, United States. Known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and historic architecture, Wilmette offers a picturesque setting for residents and visitors alike. The village is home to attractions such as the Bahá'í House of Worship, the Wilmette Harbor, and scenic parks along Lake Michigan.
With a strong sense of community and excellent schools, Wilmette is a highly desirable place to live.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $80 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a peaceful walk at the Wilmette Botanic Garden, enjoying the beautiful flowers. Grab a coffee at a local café afterward to fuel your day.
Visit the historic Bahá'í House of Worship to admire its stunning architecture and serene ambiance. Spend some time in the gardens surrounding the temple for relaxation.
Dine at a local restaurant that offers a taste of Chicago-style pizza. Stroll along the shoreline of Lake Michigan to cap off your day with beautiful sunset views.
Visit the Wilmette Historical Museum to learn about the town's rich history. Participate in a guided tour for in-depth insights.
Explore local art galleries showcasing works from emerging artists. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café featuring local artworks.
Check out a local theater for live performances or concerts. Enjoy some dessert at a nearby bakery before heading back.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong community feel with excellent local services
- Highly-rated public and private schools
- Access to beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and parks
- Convenient location near Chicago, with good public transportation options
- Low crime rates, making it a safe place to live
- Higher cost of living compared to surrounding areas
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Somewhat conservative community, which may not appeal to everyone
- Traffic congestion during peak commute hours
- Harsh winters can be a drawback for some residents
Best Activities in Wilmette
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking at this beautiful beach on Lake Michigan.
Explore the walking and biking trails, play sports like volleyball and tennis, or have a relaxing picnic in this expansive park.
Take a scenic bike ride along the Green Bay Trail which runs through Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Tours
Uncover the best of Wilmette with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Wilmette
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and a beautiful beach for photos
Features breathtaking architecture and picturesque gardens for unique photo opportunities
Scenic spot for sunset views and photography on the shores of Lake Michigan
Food in Wilmette
Wilmette Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local specialty, the Chicago-style hot dog is a steamed, all-beef frankfurter topped with mustard, chopped onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all nestled in a poppy seed bun.
Must-Try!
This iconic dish features a thick, buttery crust filled with mounds of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and various toppings, creating a hearty meal that's a Chicago classic.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Wilmette better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open during the warmer months, this market offers a vibrant selection of fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal foods, and gourmet treats, making it an ideal spot for indulging in local delicacies and enjoying street food offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Wilmette, it is important to be mindful of personal space and not to invade others' personal boundaries, especially in public places.
Being punctual is appreciated in Wilmette, as it demonstrates respect for others' time and commitments.
Wilmette embraces diversity, and it is important to be respectful of different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Wilmette with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Wilmette
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Wilmette, United States. It is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hairdressers. The standard tipping amount is around 15-20% of the total bill.
In Wilmette, United States, cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment methods are widely accepted for making payments. Businesses such as restaurants, shops, and service providers typically accept various forms of electronic payment.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Wilmette.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Wilmette, with blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures. You can expect many outdoor activities and cultural events during this season.
Summer is another ideal time to visit Wilmette, offering warm weather and access to the beautiful Lake Michigan. Visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts, festivals, and beach activities.
Fall brings vibrant foliage and comfortable weather, making it a perfect time to explore the scenic beauty of Wilmette and enjoy fall festivals and events.
Winter in Wilmette can be cold, but it also offers a charming winter wonderland experience with holiday celebrations, ice skating, and other winter activities.
Wilmette at Night
Hiking in Wilmette
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic park with trails along the shore of Lake Michigan, offering a mix of wooded areas and open spaces.
This 2-mile scenic trail features outdoor sculptures and allows for leisurely walking and biking alongside the Skokie River.
Explore beautiful walking paths through stunning gardens and natural areas at the Chicago Botanic Garden, located nearby in Glencoe.
A large waterfront park that includes several walking and biking trails, playgrounds, and areas for picnicking.
Located a bit further in Hinsdale, this park features several trails through woodlands and open fields, ideal for hiking.
A popular multi-use path along the Chicago lakefront, perfect for walking, jogging, and biking with beautiful views of the city and nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Wilmette through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Wilmette by plane.
Located approximately 17 miles southwest of Wilmette, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Located about 24 miles southwest of Wilmette, Midway primarily serves domestic flights but also offers international service, making it a key airport for travelers in the Chicago area.
Situated around 40 miles southeast of Wilmette, this airport serves regional flights and is less busy than O'Hare and Midway, but it has potential for international service.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic White population, representing the majority of residents in Wilmette.
A significant Asian population, including individuals of Chinese, Indian, and Korean descent.
A smaller Hispanic or Latino community, which includes individuals with roots in Latin American countries.
A minority population, consisting of Black or African American residents.
Includes individuals from mixed backgrounds or other racial/ethnic groups not specified.
The Soul of Wilmette
Discover the essence of Wilmette through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is a highly popular sport in Wilmette, with many youth leagues and community events promoting the game.
Basketball is widely played in schools and community centers, offering programs for both youth and adults.
Swimming is a favorite activity, with various facilities and swim teams, especially in the summer months.
Tennis has a strong following in Wilmette, with several public courts and local tournaments.
Baseball has a long-standing tradition in Wilmette, with youth leagues and community teams participating throughout the summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wilmette.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Wilmette boasts numerous vegetarian-friendly establishments, ensuring a wide array of meat-free options for diners to enjoy.
Visitors with vegan dietary preferences will find accommodating menus at various restaurants and cafes, offering a rich selection of plant-based meals in the area.
Those seeking gluten-free dining options can explore the diverse culinary scene of Wilmette, with many eateries providing dedicated gluten-free menus and dishes to suit their needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Wilmette with these cultural adventures.
