A Classic Experience
Prairie du Chien is filled with sites of historic significance. Many are located on St. Feriole Island, one of the city’s earliest settlements.
Villa Louis, a Victorian-era estate developed on the island in the 1840s by fur trader Hercules Dousman, was Wisconsin’s first State Historic Site. In 1870, Hercules’ son, H. Louis Dousman, built the majestic mansion that still presides over the grounds of the estate. This architectural treasure, operated by the State Historical Society, is open for tours May through October.
The Villa Louis Grounds host annual historic events such as the Carriage Classic, Battle of Prairie du Chien, and Spirits of St. Feriole Lamplight Tour. Villa Louis also offers Victorian cooking workshops, garden tour, and a Christmas Holiday celebration.
One of the most popular events on St. Feriole Island is the Prairie Villa Rendezvous, which re-enacts the fur-trading era of the 1840s. It is the largest such re-enactment in the Midwest. Other historic sites on St. Feriole Island include the Fur Trade Museum (1851), Brisbois House (1836), and the Dousman House Hotel (1864).
The Mississippi River Sculpture Park located across from the Villa Louis features a gateway and concrete fire circle with bronze cultural symbols embedded in the rim. A six foot bronze sculpture of Chief Black Hawk graces the grounds with the expectation that other sculptures will be added in the near future, as funds become available. The sculpture park plan includes 24 over-life-size figures from different eras during the long prehistory/history of Prairie du Chien and the surrounding area. The figures will be of educational value to children and adults, and also serve as a permanent attraction for tourists.
Fort Crawford Museum, at 717 South Beaumont Road, offers yet another glimpse of Prairie du Chien’s rich history. Col. Zachary Taylor commanded the fort in the 1830s, before he was elected president. Lt. Jefferson Davis, who later became president of the Confederacy, served in Prairie du Chien after graduating from West Point. This national Historic Landmark holds an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits and is open from May through October.
The Committee for the Performing Arts provides numerous opportunities for Prairie du Chien residents to experience a variety of quality entertainers throughout the year. The organization has been active for over 20 years. The Prairie du Chien Tae Kwon Do Club meets regularly to provide instruction in martial arts. Prairie du Chien City Hall features a display of Cal Peter’s paintings from 1938. The artist depicts historic moments from Prairie du Chien’s past such as a mural of characters from 1673-1900.
The Prairie du Chien Memorial Library offers residents an extensive collection of books, periodicals, and audio/visual materials. Inter-library loans and internet access are available to library patrons.
