Charles Gates Dawes House, River Bend Travel Guide

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Explore the meticulously preserved Charles Gates Dawes House, a National Historic Landmark, and discover Evanston's rich history and architectural beauty.

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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 former U.S. Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Charles Gates Dawes. This meticulously preserved Chateauesque mansion showcases the Dawes family's remarkable collection of furnishings and artwork, providing a unique glimpse into their 1920s lifestyle.

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.

Docent-led tours are available Thursday through Sunday at 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM, offering insights into the house's history and architecture.
Free street parking is available on Greenwood Street in front of the Evanston History Center.
Check the Evanston History Center's calendar for any scheduled closures before visiting.
The first floor is wheelchair accessible via a lift on the driveway; contact the Evanston History Center for assistance.

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Explore Charles Gates Dawes House on the Map

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Getting There

Public Transport

The Charles Gates Dawes House is accessible via public transportation. The CTA Purple Line's Dempster station is approximately a half-mile away. Metra's Union Pacific North Line has stops at Main, Davis, and Central in Evanston, all roughly nine-tenths of a mile from the house. From any of these stations, you can walk or take a short bus ride to the History Center. A single ride on the CTA or Metra costs around $2.50 - $4.
Walking

If you are already in Evanston, walking to the Charles Gates Dawes House is a pleasant option. From downtown Evanston or Northwestern University, head east towards Lake Michigan. The house is located on Greenwood Street, just a short walk from the lakefront. Enjoy the scenic views of the neighborhood as you approach this historic landmark.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Evanston. A short ride from downtown Evanston or nearby locations to the Charles Gates Dawes House will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on the distance and demand.

Discover more about Charles Gates Dawes House

Step back in time at the Charles Gates Dawes House, a magnificent Chateauesque mansion overlooking Lake Michigan and a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1894, this Evanston gem was home to Charles Gates Dawes, U.S. Vice President under Calvin Coolidge and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, from 1909 until his death in 1951. Designed by New York architect Henry Edwards Ficken, the house boasts a distinctive apricot-colored brick exterior adorned with elaborate red sandstone ornamentation. Inside, visitors are greeted by intricately carved woodwork, stained-glass windows, and soaring stairways. The house features twenty-five rooms, including a cherry-paneled library, a vaulted dining room with a musician's gallery, and twelve fireplaces.A tour through the house offers a glimpse into the Dawes family's life in the 1920s, showcasing their collection of furnishings and artwork. Each room reflects their lifestyle, from the Great Hall to the reception parlors and historic kitchen. The Evanston History Center, housed within the Dawes House, also offers exhibits focusing on Evanston history.Charles Gates Dawes was a prominent figure, serving as a WWI Brigadier General, Ambassador to Great Britain, and the first federal budget director. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1925 for the Dawes Plan, which aimed to alleviate Germany's war reparations burden after World War I. Dawes' commitment to community service is reflected in his provision that the house remain a center for Evanston history, open to the community.