House Tours

Step into the home of Former U.S. Vice President, ambassador to Great Britain, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Charles Gates Dawes.

Charles Gates Dawes’ magnificent home, now a National Historic Landmark, was built by Dr. Robert Sheppard in 1894 on two acres overlooking Lake Michigan. It served as the Dawes family home from 1909 until 1957.

Faithfully restored and carefully conserved, this chateauesque residence, designed by architect Henry Edwards-Ficken, of New York, has twenty-five rooms, including a cherry paneled library, a vaulted dining room with a musicians’ gallery, six bedrooms, and twelve fireplaces.

To visit the Dawes House or the Research Room, you may purchase tickets in advance or at the door. Before coming, please be sure to check our calendar, as we sometimes close for special events.

House Tour and Exhibition Hours

Thursday – Sunday: Exhibitions & self-guided house tours 1-4 p.m.
One-hour docent-led house tour available at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m.

Holiday Hours

The Evanston History Center is closed in observance of the following holidays:
– New Year’s Day   – MLK Day    – Memorial Day
– Juneteenth    – Independence Day    – Labor Day
– Indigenous Peoples Day    – Veterans Day    – Thanksgiving
– Christmas 12/23-12/25    – New Years 12/30-1/1

Admission (includes house tour & exhibitions)

$10 for Non-Members and Students

Free* for members

*House tours are also free for children under 12, and D65 teachers with ID.