Harriet Vittum Park
Rate this placeNearby: Leclaire-Hearst Park Park No 468
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Harriet Vittum Park is a 4-acre park located in the Village of Wilmette, Illinois.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park is a peaceful oasis in the midst of a bustling urban area and is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, relaxation, and community events.
One of the main reasons to visit Harriet Vittum Park is its beautiful natural surroundings. The park features a pond, wooded areas, and lush greenery, making it an ideal place for a quiet stroll, a picnic, or simply to enjoy the scenery. There are also several benches and picnic tables throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family outing or a solo escape.
In addition to its natural beauty, Harriet Vittum Park is home to several points of interest. One of the most notable is the park's gazebo, which is a popular spot for weddings and other special events. The park is also home to a playground, baseball field, and basketball court, making it a great spot for kids and sports enthusiasts.
Interesting facts about Harriet Vittum Park include its history as a former estate owned by one of the founders of the Village of Wilmette. The park is named after Harriet Vittum, a local resident who was instrumental in the creation and development of the park.
The best time of year to visit Harriet Vittum Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round and is a great spot to visit during all seasons.
Overall, Harriet Vittum Park is a beautiful, peaceful spot in the heart of Wilmette that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, play some sports, or attend a special event, this park is definitely worth a visit.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
LeClaire-Hearst Park
Park No 468
Strohacker Park
Pasteur Park
Walnut Playground Park
Burnham Park Harbor
South Lagoon
Maple Lake
Turtlehead Lake
Montrose Harbor