What to do in Wilmette, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

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A large, domed building surrounded by lush greenery and a golf course.
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Places to Visit in Wilmette

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Wilmette, Chicago while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Wilmette attractions from , making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Wilmette tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Wilmette. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

NZ$47
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

NZ$42
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

NZ$69
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Art Institute of Chicago
Flyover in Chicago

Flyover in Chicago

NZ$54
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Flyover in Chicago
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

NZ$70
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
See Chicago's magnificent skyline at night!

Chicago 3D Fireworks Cruise

NZ$90
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Chicago 3D Fireworks Cruise
Chicago C3® : Save on admission to your choice of 3 top attractactions

Chicago C3® by CityPASS®

NZ$189
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Chicago C3® by CityPASS®
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Top places to visit

1. Wrigley Field

For sports-fans, Chicago is about one of two things – the Bears or the Cubs. But while the Chicago Bears football team switched from Wrigley Park in 1971, its legendary baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, have stuck true to their long heritage here. They've stayed put at one of America's most iconic sports fields, ever since it was built in 1914. After all, Wrigley Park has legendary sporting triumphs (and disasters) steeped into every seat, and written on every leaf of its ivy-covered outfield walls.
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An aerial view of a baseball stadium surrounded by urban buildings.

2. Navy Pier

Navy Pier has been many things to Chicago, since it first struck out its 1006 metres into Lake Michigan in 1916. It was once a transport hub, a navy training centre, and even a place for the city to cool down in the days before air-conditioning. Now it’s the capital of fun for Chicagoans, home to circuses, fun fairs, fireworks and flower shows. It's one of the city's most popular attractions when summer arrives, and its twice-weekly firework shows begin. It's also a great launching off point for getting all nautical along Lake Michigan's 483-kilometre length.
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A Ferris wheel and a carousel at a fairground.

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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A modern cityscape with tall buildings, a clear sky, and a tree-lined street.

5. Chicago Riverwalk

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.
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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)
The Bahá'í House of Worship captivates with its nine-sided design and intricate carvings symbolising unity across faiths. Enter the luminous interior with its soaring dome and contemplative atmosphere.
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Our guide on where to stay in Wilmette

Find the best Wilmette areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Wilmette
Learn more about Wilmette

Gross Point

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers 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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Evanston

A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and a river with boats and people in the foreground.

Chicago

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.