What to do in Wilmette, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

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Wilmette Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Wilmette has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Wilmette is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Wilmette to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Wilmette Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Wilmette.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Wilmette attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

CA $37
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Wendella's Lake and River Architecture Tour

Wendella's Lake and River Architecture Tour

CA $62
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's Lake and River Architecture Tour
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

CA $56
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Flyover in Chicago

Flyover in Chicago

CA $39
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Flyover in Chicago
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago

CA $36
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago
Color Factory Chicago Ticket

Color Factory Chicago Ticket

CA $47
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Color Factory Chicago Ticket
See Chicago's magnificent skyline at night!

Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise

CA $69
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise
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Top places to visit

1. Wrigley Field

Fans of baseball know Wrigley Field as the long-time home of the Chicago Cubs. Built in 1914, this is one of the oldest and best-known ballparks in the US. Some of the most memorable moments in baseball history have been played out here, including Babe Ruth’s now famous “called shot” in 1932 during the World Series. He allegedly pointed to the bleachers, predicting that he’d hit a home run, and then did. Legendary Cubs player Ernie Banks nicknamed the stadium "The Friendly Confines" because fans were wild about their team and ballpark. Catch a game and mingle with the passionate locals if you’re in town March through September.
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An aerial view of a baseball stadium surrounded by urban buildings.

2. Navy Pier

Navy Pier draws more than 8.6 million visitors each year. It has rides, restaurants, shops, parks and boat tours, all within a 50-acre pier on Lake Michigan. Open year-round, it’s busiest in the summer months when there are open-air stalls selling souvenirs and weekly firework displays.
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3. Soldier Field

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.
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A large stadium surrounded by a cityscape with modern buildings.

4. 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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5. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a 25-acre (10 hectare) park in the central Loop. Locals and tourists gather year-round for concerts, biking and jogging, and to admire the sculptures dotting the landscape. Conveniently located near other attractions, it’s easy to combine a walk through the park with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago or shopping along the Magnificent Mile.
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A cityscape with modern skyscrapers and the Cloud Gate sculpture.

6. 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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A large white building with a dome, surrounded by trees and grass.

Recommended things to do in Wilmette

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Wilmette

Stay near popular Wilmette attractions

Baha'i House of Worship

8.0/10 (5 reviews)
On the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan, this elaborate temple, open to all, exudes a sense of peace that makes it a welcome change from Chicago’s bustle.
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Where to stay in Wilmette

Find the best Wilmette areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

Gross Point

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travelers like about Gross Point. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Ryan Field and Baha'i House of Worship are a few top places to visit.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Wilmette

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Skokie

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Evanston

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Winnetka

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Chicago

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Northfield

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 Centre 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 neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Wilmette is a great place to experience on foot. Enjoy wandering between North Shore Centre for the Performing Arts and Clark Street Beach. Then take a stroll around Gross Point, located 0.64 kilometres from downtown, and North Evanston, which is roughly 2 kilometres 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 neighbourhoods, 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.

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