Charles Gates Dawes House, Driftless Area Travel Guide

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Explore the meticulously restored Charles Gates Dawes House, a Chateauesque mansion and National Historic Landmark, home to the Evanston History Center.

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Charles Gates Dawes House

The Charles Gates Dawes House, a National Historic Landmark in Evanston, Illinois, offers a captivating journey into the life of Charles Gates Dawes, former U.S. Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize winner. This Chateauesque mansion, home to the Evanston History Center, showcases exquisite architecture, period furnishings, and exhibits on Evanston's rich history.

A brief summary to Charles Gates Dawes House

225 Greenwood St, Evanston, Illinois, 60201, US
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Thursday 1 pm-4 pm
Friday 1 pm-4 pm
Saturday 1 pm-4 pm
Sunday 1 pm-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Charles Gates Dawes House.

Visit on a Thursday through Sunday to take advantage of the docent-led tours offered at 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM.
Check the Evanston History Center's website for upcoming closures and special events.
Allow ample time to explore the house and grounds, and consider joining a walking tour of Evanston to learn more about the city's history.
Free street parking is available on Greenwood Street.

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Explore Charles Gates Dawes House on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

The Charles Gates Dawes House is located at 225 Greenwood Street in Evanston. From the Dempster Purple Line station, walk east on Dempster Street for about half a mile, then turn right onto Greenwood Street. The house will be on your right. This walk takes about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, from the Metra Union Pacific North Line Main Street or Davis Street stations, walk east towards the lake for approximately nine-tenths of a mile. Then turn right onto Greenwood Street. Expect a 15-20 minute walk.
Public Transport

The Charles Gates Dawes House is accessible via public transportation. Take the CTA Purple Line to the Dempster station. From there, you can walk east on Dempster Street, then turn right onto Greenwood Street. Alternatively, several Pace bus routes serve the area, including Route 250 (Dempster Street), which stops at Dempster Street and Greenwood Street. Check the CTA or Pace websites for schedules and fare information. A single ride on CTA or Pace is typically $2.50.
Driving

If driving, take Sheridan Road to Greenwood Street and turn east. The Charles Gates Dawes House is located at 225 Greenwood Street. Limited free street parking is available on Greenwood Street. Be aware of parking restrictions and street cleaning schedules. Several parking garages are located in downtown Evanston, including the Church Street Self Park and the Sherman Plaza Self Park. Hourly rates at these garages typically range from $2 to $3 per hour. Lakefront parking is available for $3 per hour from April 1 to October 31.

Discover more about Charles Gates Dawes House

Step back in time at the Charles Gates Dawes House, a magnificent Chateauesque mansion overlooking Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois. Built in 1894, this historic home was the residence of Charles Gates Dawes, a prominent figure in American history, from 1909 until his death in 1951. Dawes served as U.S. Vice President under Calvin Coolidge and received the 1925 Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the Dawes Plan, which aimed to alleviate Germany's war reparations after World War I.The Dawes House, now home to the Evanston History Center, offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the Dawes family and the history of Evanston. Explore the meticulously restored rooms, filled with period furnishings, artwork, and artifacts that reflect the family's lifestyle in the 1920s. Admire the intricate woodwork, stained-glass windows, and Tiffany lamps that adorn the interior.The Evanston History Center offers docent-led tours of the house, providing insights into its architecture, the Dawes family, and Evanston's past. The center also hosts exhibits on Evanston history and offers walking tours of the city's neighborhoods, downtown, and lakefront. The house itself is an example of Chateauesque architecture, with features inspired by French castles of the 1500s. Designed by H. Edwards Ficken, the mansion features tan Flemish bond brick, cut-stone quoins, and a pointed roofline.Visitors can explore the Great Hall, reception parlors, library, dining room, and historic kitchen, imagining the gatherings and events that once took place within these walls. The Dawes family welcomed a diverse range of guests, from neighborhood children to international dignitaries, reflecting their commitment to community service. The Evanston History Center continues this tradition by welcoming visitors from around the world and preserving Evanston's history for future generations.