10 Things To Do In Wilmette, Illinois

1. Pray at Baha'i House of Worship

Take your time as you marvel at this nine-sided domed structure that was constructed with a special mix of quartz and Portland cement, giving the majestic building its intricate and grand exterior. This building is the oldest surviving Bahá'í House of Worship in the world, and currently the only one in the United States of America. Plans to construct a Bahá’í temple in Chicago started way back in 1903, but little did they realise that it would be another 50 years before the temple was finished. With so much history accompanying this place of worship, it is no wonder travellers come from around the world just to catch a glimpse of this marvellous piece of architecture.

Baha'i House of Worship

Address: 100 Linden Ave At Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091-2879

Website: Baha'i House of Worship

2. Bring your family to Gillson Park

Wilmette, Illinois, is known just as much for its nature and no holiday here will be complete without visiting Gillson Park. Another park you say? Gillson Park is not just another park. With access to Lake Michigan, this park is the perfect place for a picnic with the family, not to mention a leisurely stroll with your loved ones, or simply to catch up on reading your favourite book. On any given day, you can see locals sunbathing, jogging, walking their dogs or just relaxing in this serene and picturesque park. There are plenty of Instagrammable spots so influencers will be thrilled.

Gillson Park

Address: Wilmette, IL 60091, United States

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

3. Pit your wits at Outatime Games

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Not into architecture nor are you the outdoorsy kind? Wilmette, Illinois, has something for you too. Try pitting your wits with your mates at Outatime Games Escape Rooms, which currently features “Escape from Whitechapel Club. - Virtual Escape”. Here, you have 60 minutes to sneak into a building, gather the necessary evidence, and solve a 125-year-old mystery on who was the real Jack The Ripper! Surely, it cannot get any more intense than this right?

Outatime Games

Address: 1153 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091-2603

Website: Outatime Games

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5:30pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 10pm

4. Relax at Massage Envy Spa Wilmette

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Take a break and enjoy massages and facials, Wilmette-style. Massage Envy Spa offers a wide variety of choices in terms of facials and massages. Stress can take a toll on us even during vacations but with a relaxing massage, you will feel rejuvenated and be ready to check out more tourist attractions the following day. Long-term effects from massages also mean increased circulation, improved flexibility and a stronger immune system. Besides, they also offer facials to complement your wellness routine, giving you more youthful-looking skin too.

Massage Envy Spa Wilmette

Address: 3232 Lake Ave Unit 165, Edens Plaza, Wilmette, IL 60091-1073

Website: Massage Envy Spa Wilmette

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm

5. Travel through time at Wilmette Historical Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Wilmette Historical Museum was established in 1951 to allow locals and visitors to appreciate Wilmette that worked hard through preservation and exploration to be what it is today. For those who love to delve into the past of a destination and understand the core of its existence, this museum is the perfect platform. Check out the photographs, the artwork, documents, clothing, and so much more.

Wilmette Historical Museum

Address: 609 Ridge Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091-2441

Website: Wilmette Historical Museum

6. Tickle your taste buds at Walker Bros. Original Pancake House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This one is for the foodies. No vacation is complete without trying the famous cuisine that your destination has to offer. This is exactly why we need to check out Walker Bros. Original Pancake House. These guys have been proudly serving the northern suburbs of Chicago for more than 50 years and their specialities include their signature apple pancake, thick-sliced bacon and freshly squeezed orange juice!

Walker Bros. Original Pancake House

Address: 153 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA, United States

Website: Walker Bros. Original Pancake House

Opening hours: 7am - 2:30pm (daily)

7. Appreciating arts at The Wilmette Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Wilmette Theatre is an art and performance centre and prides itself on providing entertainment, education and enrichment for both the locals and tourists alike. It was opened to the public in 1913 but was bought by Encyclopædia Britannica Films (EBF) in the year 1950. After catering to its guests for over 40 years it became a non-profit establishment in 2011. The premises house two theatres one with 140 seats and the other with 110.

The Wilmette Theatre

Address: 1122 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA

Website: The Wilmette Theatre

8. Discover a hidden gem at Elmwood Dunes Preserve

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

According to the locals, Elmwood Dunes Preserve is fenced-off property facing a lake. It is one of the five pioneer public beaches in Wilmette and apparently, it is still in its original state because a local citizens group has taken it upon themselves to fund and renovate the beach over the years. A highlight of this preserve is that you can actually find a few benches that can give you a spectacular view of the restored dunes, which is a priceless experience.

Elmwood Dunes Preserve

Address: East end of Elmwood Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

Website: Elmwood Dunes Preserve

9. Discover the open-air amphitheatre at Wallace Bowl

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Many visitors to Wallace Bowl at Wilmette’s Gillson Park cannot comprehend why it has two birth dates - 1936 and 1947. The stories surrounding Wallace Bowl stretch back all the way to America’s Great Depression, said Patrick Leary, the curator at Wilmette Historical Museum. Apparently, the construction of the bowl started in 1936, which led to the first birth date. Thereafter, the bowl needed a permanent stage for its acts but it wasn’t dedicated until Memorial Day of 1947, clearing up the mystery behind the second birth date. Mystery solved!

Wallace Bowl

Address: 225 Sheridan Rd Gillson Park, Wilmette, IL 60091-3452

10. Plan a day at Keay Nature Learning Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Keay Nature Learning Center is a nature enclave consisting of nature trails, paths and a shallow pond. Visitors here can also take Instagram-worthy shots at the rustic wooden bridge and the man-made waterfall, a beautiful spot not to be missed if you are at this attraction.

Kaey Nature Center

Address: Hibbard Road and Skokie Blvd., Wilmette, IL

Website: Kaey Nature Center

So many things to do in Wilmette

Wilmette, Illinois, is full of interesting attractions for both nature and city lovers. It is a lovely amalgam of these two genres of attractions. Have fun exploring the must-visit attractions in your own time and have a great vacation in this wonderful city.