Instead of Lake Geneva, This Illinois Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip

Clear blue water, picturesque mansions, vibrant foliage as far as the eye can see, and cultural institutions worth writing home about. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, hits them all and is renowned for them, but Wilmette, Illinois, is easily a strong contender against the town nicknamed the Hamptons of Chicago. It is just a short drive or Metra train ride from Downtown Chicago, with no pesky tolls or hours of traffic to deal with. If you're looking for an Illinois town like Lake Geneva, minus the throngs of tourists, Wilmette will surely do the trick.

Why This Town Feels Like Lake Geneva

Don't misunderstand, I adore Lake Geneva. Born and raised in Wisconsin, I know my former home state has dozens upon dozens of iconic waterfront towns. Yet, when you want a relaxing waterfront trip without bumping elbows with all the other vacationers, Wilmette may be your answer. There are rows of gorgeous, opulent homes like the Frank J. Baker House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, soft sandy beaches, and a diverse culinary scene that rivals that of other spots around the state.

Both Wilmette and Lake Geneva have laid-back elements, natural beauty, and plenty to do (or nothing to do, if you prefer) outdoors. They are both highly walkable, which makes them a breeze to get to by train. Plus, there are airy spots to eat, such as the Lawn Grill Restaurant, giving you the best of both indoor and al fresco dining. While Lake Geneva's resort scene definitely has Wilmette beat, there is still too much that they share to ignore this beautiful Chicago suburb. Hidden gems in the U.S. is an overused phrase, yet it suits Wilmette just fine.

What You Can Do Here

Wilmette's most splendid point of interest, one you can see from several parts of the town, is the Baháʼí House of Worship. The oldest Baháʼí House of Worship still standing, this magnificent structure was built starting in 1912 and completed in 1953. Both the Great Depression and World War II impacted the building process, hence the decades-long endeavor. It is a place of worship for the Baháʼí Faith, but all are welcome to visit. This one-of-a-kind building was designed by Louis Bourgeois, and the nine-sided structure is made to reflect the faith's notion of unity among all religions.

This particular house of worship is designated for the entire continent of North America, making it a deeply important place. If you want to visit, the auditorium is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the Welcome Center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Keep in mind that the bathrooms are not available if the Welcome Center is closed.

When you head back outside, you can't ignore the majesty of Lake Michigan. Far surpassing the size of Lake Geneva, seeing the lakefront along Gillson Park alone is worth a visit, even if just for the day. This park spans 60 acres along Lake Michigan with two swimming beaches, a sailing area, a dog beach, and sprawling green space to enjoy. Or you could pop over to the harbor to watch the boats go by before meandering back to the wildflower garden to bumble around with the bees and butterflies.

Plan Your Visit

Summertime is always going to be the best time to visit Wilmette, particularly if you're in it for the beachfront access. The beaches are much less busy than the nearby ones in Chicago, like North Avenue Beach or Oak Street Beach, though my favorite time to be outdoors is in spring or autumn. Both the parks and beaches tend to be less crowded, plus the fall has the ombré trees covered in changing leaves. Nothing is better than when Chicagoland's horrid summer swelter departs.

While Wilmette is a dreamy spot to visit, rivaling Lake Geneva, it's important to keep in mind that it isn't a resort town. There aren't rows of resorts to choose from, but that's what makes it more ideal for a casual visit. It's a community of folks who love good food, culture, magnificent architecture, and the great (albeit more urban) outdoors. Not to mention, it is one of those rare charming small towns that hasn't been overtaken by tourism, despite being so close to Chicago.