Welcome to Wilmette
A refreshing change of pace
This affluent neighborhood along the North Shore boasts a high quality of life with stunning views of Lake Michigan. The residents in Wilmette have quick access to all the city of Chicago has to offer while affording them the luxury of small-town living. According to Business Week, Wilmette is among the 10 best places to raise your kids. Families have the benefit of an excellent school system and numerous activities.
To explore Wilmette is to discover an enchanting village. As you travel through the tree-lined streets, you will see that some roads still have old, red brick pavers and green pole street lamps. Wilmette is also home to notable architectural sites, one of which (the Bahá'í House of Worship) has become a tourist destination. This well-known domed structure combines several architectural styles. Saint Joseph Catholic Church, with its classic light fixtures and stained glass, is a fine example of the Art Deco period. Then there are the Frank Baker House and the Wilmette Historical Society building, built by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. These architectural designs and others attest to the town’s rich history.
What to Love
- Quick access to Chicago
- Excellent schools
- Fun, active lifestyle
- Walk or bike around town
Local Lifestyle
The easy-going lifestyle found at Wilmette is one of the reasons people choose to call it home. The community is friendly and welcoming. Wilmette has something to offer just about everyone. There are indoor tennis courts, an aquatic center, and an ice rink. There are outdoor beach activities, as well as concerts and art shows. At Wilmette Harbor Club, you can learn to sail, watch a regatta, or enjoy a good meal. If nightlife is what you crave, the neighboring suburbs or downtown Chicago are only a short drive away.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Locals frequent Plaza Del Lago to run errands and window shop. The old-world complex, designed with a Spanish flair, hosts a blend of retail shops and services. Downtown Wilmette is a charming area, too. You can walk along the town square, shop at one of the local retailers, or get a bite to eat at one of the town’s restaurants. Everyone in Wilmette has heard of Walker Brothers Original Pancake House; it has even been featured on the Food Network. With their wide range of breakfast food, dining here has become a neighborhood tradition.
Pescadero provides indoor and outdoor seating, which is helpful since it is popular. They serve various seafood and oyster dishes, but their buttery-coated fish and chips win the day.
Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar has a casual vibe. The brick exterior and oversized windows add to the ambiance of this cozy eatery. They have a full menu of rich Italian fare and wine selections. Their traditional Naples-inspired pizza is unlike anything else. A delicious meal with a neighborhood feel is what you will find at Sophia Steak. As you would imagine, Sophia Steak is known for its tender steak, cooked to perfection. They have equally delicious seafood and a good selection of wine and cocktails.
Things to Do
Wilmette French Market in the village center is open on Saturdays during spring and summer. Listen to music as you stroll alongside the fruit and vegetable stands, and support the local farmers. The marquee and the lobby of the historic Wilmette Theatre have kept their vintage charm. The theater hosts live productions and concerts and offers acting classes. Independent and foreign films are also shown there.
Regardless of the season, Gillson Park in Wilmette has multiple entertainment options. You can walk your dog, go jogging, or watch your kids splash in the water. You can set up a picnic, rent a sailboat, or work out on the fitness course. Many enjoy the outdoor amphitheater in the warmer months and three outdoor ice rinks in the colder months. Elmwood Dunes Preserve is a small property next to Gilson Park. It is an excellent choice when you want time away for quiet reflection or to appreciate the wonders of nature.
Schools
Wilmette Public School District 39 and Avoca School District 37 serve Wilmette and surrounding communities. (Freshmen learn at one campus of the highly ranked New Trier High School, and students grades 10-12 are on another campus.) Students may attend:
