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Lake-Peterson House: A Victorian Gothic Gem

Step back in time at the Lake-Peterson House, a stunning example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in Rockford, Illinois.

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The Lake-Peterson House, also known as Jenny's, is a Victorian Gothic Revival home built in 1873 in Rockford, Illinois. It stands as one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the state. Originally owned by John Lake, a prominent Rockford citizen, the house is now owned and maintained by Swedish American Hospital.

A brief summary to Lake-Peterson House

  • 1313 E State St, Rockford, Illinois, 61104, US

Local tips

  • Check for special events like Doors Open for a chance to explore the interior of the house.
  • Visit during the spring or summer to enjoy the surrounding gardens.
  • Take advantage of the surrounding gardens for photo opportunities.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are starting from the Rockford City Market area, head southeast on Water St toward E State St. Continue on Water St until you reach E State St. Turn left onto E State St and walk for about 1 mile. You will pass various shops and restaurants along the way. Lake-Peterson House will be on your right at 1313 E State St. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Lake-Peterson House via public transportation, start at the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) station. Take Bus Route 2 and ride until you reach the nearest stop close to E State St. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to Lake-Peterson House at 1313 E State St. The bus fare is approximately $1.00.

  • Car

    If driving, head towards Rockford, Illinois. From the I-90 Expressway, take the exit for I-39 N/I-90 W toward Rockford. Merge onto I-90 W and then take exit 63B for IL-2 N toward Rockford. Continue on IL-2 N (N Main St) until you reach E State St. Turn left onto E State St, and you'll find Lake-Peterson House at 1313 E State St. Parking is available on the street. Street parking is typically free, but be sure to observe any posted parking restrictions.

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Discover more about Lake-Peterson House

The Lake-Peterson House, located at 1313 E State St, Rockford, Illinois, is a captivating example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Built in 1873 for John Lake, a wealthy lumberman, the house showcases the architectural preferences of successful 19th-century businessmen. The architect is unknown. The house's design embodies the Victorian Gothic style, featuring yellow brick walls, a steeply pitched slate roof, decorative gables, tall brick chimneys with corbelled chimney caps, dormers, bay windows, and a large veranda. The carriage house, built around the same time, also reflects the Gothic Revival style with clapboard siding, arched windows, and decorative vergeboards. In 1918, Pehr August Peterson, a leader in the Rockford furniture industry, purchased the house. Peterson later donated the house to Swedish American Hospital in 1919, and in 1973, the Jenny Lind Society, a volunteer organization from the hospital, undertook its preservation. The Lake-Peterson House was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Today, the Lake-Peterson House stands as a testament to Rockford's history and architectural heritage. While interior visits may be restricted, the house can be viewed from the outside, and visitors can appreciate its intricate details and charming design. Special events like Doors Open sometimes offer opportunities to explore the interior and learn more about its past.

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