Villa Louis Announces May 22 Season Opening and Upcoming Special Events
For Immediate Release (May 3, 2024)
Photo Gallery Link Here
Villa Louis Announces May 22 Season Opening and Upcoming Special Events
Behind-the-scenes tours, a secret prohibition dinner and the nation’s largest pleasure driving competition highlight a season filled with historic traditions, popular events and an enchanting performance
Prairie du Chien, Wis. -- Villa Louis, the national historic landmark home set along the Mississippi River, is delighted to announce its May 22 season opening. Once the estate of Hercules Dousman, Villa Louis offers historic home tours immersing guests in a bygone era where Victorian customs and turn-of-the-century style reigned.
This year, Villa Louis offers an exciting roster of special events from behind-the-scenes estate tours to a secret underground prohibition dinner and cooking breakfast in a Victorian kitchen. Villa Louis will also host a performance of “A Voyageur’s Tale”, the story of Jean-Christophe and the Upper Midwest French-Native American experience. The performance will be held the weekend of July 20-21 during the 32nd annual War of 1812 Battle for Prairie du Chien Living History Encampment.
“Each season we look forward to sharing the gilded-age home of the Dousman family, and the rich regional history, with guests from near and far,” said Susan Caya Slusser, site director, Villa Louis. “Located in the second oldest city in Wisconsin, situated near the banks of the Mississippi River, our site has witnessed many significant events and guests are fascinated by the area’s historical depth.”
Set on a 25-acre site, the Villa Louis grounds comprise more than a dozen historic structures, including buildings from the fur trade and the location of Fort Shelby and foundations of Fort Crawford. The grounds of Villa Louis is also Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield. The home, named Villa Louis was built in 1871 by Louis Dousman in the Italianate style by Milwaukee architect Edward Townsend Mix.
The spring, summer and fall season runs from May 22 – Oct. 27, 2024. Villa Louis is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Home tours are offered on the hour by historical interpreters. The cost of daily admission is $15 for adults and teens, $13.50 for seniors (65+), $8 for children (5-12), and free for children under five. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission and 10% off ticketed events.
For further information or to purchase tickets, visit villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org or click here.
Upcoming Events at Villa Louis
Historic Prairie du Chien Riverfront Walking Tour – June 7, July 12, Aug. 9, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m. to Noon
While the Prairie du Chien of today is long removed from its 19th-century roots, mementos and artifacts lie like clues for budding historians and curious visitors alike—from historic buildings and landmarks to the captivating stories of those who helped shape the city, there is no shortage of history to uncover and tales to discover. Stops include the homes of fur traders, the War of 1812 battlefield, and the remains of Fort Crawford. The cost is $25 per person.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour – June 28, July 26, Aug. 30, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Take an in-depth look at the Dousman family home through a behind-the-scenes journey to see the day-to-day inner workings of this restored Victorian mansion. Objects owned by the family are uncovered and guests learn the history and uses of these, some no longer relevant. Tours include visits to the nooks and crannies of the gilded-age mansion, including the attic and basement—areas normally unseen by the public! The cost is $30 per person.
32nd Annual War of 1812 Battle for Prairie du Chien Living History Encampment – July 20 and 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walk between the rows of tents, hear battle stories by the fire, and dive into this early 19th-century military encampment on the Villa Louis main lawn, where the only War of 1812 battle was fought in Wisconsin. Step into a recreated soldier encampment that includes a traveling forge, period games, crafts and cooking.
During this event, guests can explore the lives of the area’s French-Canadians through story, dance and music with “A Voyageur’s Tale”, the story of “Jean-Christophe” who paddles and dances his way from Quebec to the Mississippi River through land once called New France. Meet his French-Ojibwe family and discover how the customs, clothing, and dance of these two cultures blended to inform the area’s regional heritage.
The cost is $17.50 per adult, teen and senior, $12.50 for children (5- 12) and free for children under five.
43rd Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic – Sept. 6-8, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Watch more than 100 horse-drawn carriages navigate obstacle courses on the home’s palatial grounds. Carriage teams from across the country, donning hats and gloves, will jockey for first place as they competently maneuver their horse-drawn carriage through strategically placed obstacles. Other fun events include a picnic class competition and a special dog class competition, where drivers steer carriages accompanied by their faithful pets. The cost is $28 per adult, teen and senior, $15 for children (5-12) and free for children under five. Single day ticket is $18 per adult, teen and senior, $10 for child (5-12) and free for children under five.
Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen –Sept. 28, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Light the woodstove, tighten your apron and create your favorite turn-of-the-century breakfast dishes during this special workshop at Villa Louis! Use the foods, utensils and technology of the Victorian era as you craft a family-style breakfast together in the home’s kitchen. After enjoying the fruits—and other treats, sweets and eats—of your labor, take a tour of the National Historic Landmark 1871 Italianate-style mansion. The cost is $65 per person.
Secret Prohibition Dinner – Oct. 5, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Step into the clandestine basement of Villa Louis and immerse yourself in the Prohibition era. Enjoy a dinner full of good food, special drinks, and learn about this tenuous time in United States history. While the days of bootleg liquor and clandestine alcohol deals are long past, the Villa Louis speakeasy perfectly encapsulates the subtle splendor of American counterculture during the Roaring Twenties and early 1930s. The cost is $175 per person. Must be 21+ to attend.
Spiritualism in the Victorian Era – Oct. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.
Victorians were fascinated by death and finding ways to connect with their former friends and loved ones through the "Great Beyond." Explore this paranormal proclivity in the beautiful spaces of the National Historic Landmark mansion as Black Point Estate and Gardens site director Dave Desimone presents this intriguing topic. Climb the stairs to the attic and experience a night of food, drinks and a special look at the spiritualist artifacts and curios once owned by the Dousman family. The cost is $75 per person.
Villa Louis Christmas Tea – Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, 1 to 3 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the specialness of the holiday season by enjoying a traditional Victorian-style afternoon tea. In addition to a piping refreshment in the 1851 Brisbois Stone Warehouse, a National Historic Landmark, guests will take a guided tour of the festively decorated 1871 mansion, with a brief stop in the parlor for a special concert performed on a restored Steinway grand piano. The cost is $50 per person.
Villa Louis Victorian Home for the Holidays – Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15
Experience the magic of a Victorian holiday celebration at Villa Louis. Bedecked and bedazzled, one of the most authentically furnished turn-of-the-century homes in America welcomes you to the Christmas traditions the family held dear. From the festive music played on the family’s gorgeous Steinway piano to the delicious aromas wafting from the historic kitchen, you’ll get a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Wisconsin dynasty who lived in the home since 1871.
About Villa Louis
Villa Louis is one the of Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. A National Historic Landmark located in Prairie du Chien, the historic Villa Louis mansion is the centerpiece of a grand Victorian estate built by the family of Hercules Dousman, a frontier entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in the fur trade and other frontier investments. The mansion received a top-to-bottom restoration that has returned the home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, using British Arts and Crafts interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris. Visit villalouis.org or call (608) 326-2721 for more information and a list of upcoming events. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.
###
For Immediate Release
Contact: Rebecca Werner
rebecca.werner@wisconsinhistory.org
May 2, 2024
Photo Gallery Link Here
Villa Louis Announces May 22 Season Opening and Upcoming Special Events
Behind-the-scenes tours, a secret prohibition dinner and the nation’s largest pleasure driving competition highlight a season filled with historic traditions, popular events and an enchanting performance
Prairie du Chien, Wis. -- Villa Louis, the national historic landmark home set along the Mississippi River, is delighted to announce its May 22 season opening. Once the estate of Hercules Dousman, Villa Louis offers historic home tours immersing guests in a bygone era where Victorian customs and turn-of-the-century style reigned.
This year, Villa Louis offers an exciting roster of special events from behind-the-scenes estate tours to a secret underground prohibition dinner and cooking breakfast in a Victorian kitchen. Villa Louis will also host a performance of “A Voyageur’s Tale”, the story of Jean-Christophe and the Upper Midwest French-Native American experience. The performance will be held the weekend of July 20-21 during the 32nd annual War of 1812 Battle for Prairie du Chien Living History Encampment.
“Each season we look forward to sharing the gilded-age home of the Dousman family, and the rich regional history, with guests from near and far,” said Susan Caya Slusser, site director, Villa Louis. “Located in the second oldest city in Wisconsin, situated near the banks of the Mississippi River, our site has witnessed many significant events and guests are fascinated by the area’s historical depth.”
Set on a 25-acre site, the Villa Louis grounds comprise more than a dozen historic structures, including buildings from the fur trade and the location of Fort Shelby and foundations of Fort Crawford. The grounds of Villa Louis is also Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield. The home, named Villa Louis was built in 1871 by Louis Dousman in the Italianate style by Milwaukee architect Edward Townsend Mix.
The spring, summer and fall season runs from May 22 – Oct. 27, 2024. Villa Louis is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Home tours are offered on the hour by historical interpreters. The cost of daily admission is $15 for adults and teens, $13.50 for seniors (65+), $8 for children (5-12), and free for children under five. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission and 10% off ticketed events.
For further information or to purchase tickets, visit villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org or click here.
Upcoming Events at Villa Louis
Historic Prairie du Chien Riverfront Walking Tour – June 7, July 12, Aug. 9, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m. to Noon
While the Prairie du Chien of today is long removed from its 19th-century roots, mementos and artifacts lie like clues for budding historians and curious visitors alike—from historic buildings and landmarks to the captivating stories of those who helped shape the city, there is no shortage of history to uncover and tales to discover. Stops include the homes of fur traders, the War of 1812 battlefield, and the remains of Fort Crawford. The cost is $25 per person.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour – June 28, July 26, Aug. 30, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Take an in-depth look at the Dousman family home through a behind-the-scenes journey to see the day-to-day inner workings of this restored Victorian mansion. Objects owned by the family are uncovered and guests learn the history and uses of these, some no longer relevant. Tours include visits to the nooks and crannies of the gilded-age mansion, including the attic and basement—areas normally unseen by the public! The cost is $30 per person.
32nd Annual War of 1812 Battle for Prairie du Chien Living History Encampment – July 20 and 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walk between the rows of tents, hear battle stories by the fire, and dive into this early 19th-century military encampment on the Villa Louis main lawn, where the only War of 1812 battle was fought in Wisconsin. Step into a recreated soldier encampment that includes a traveling forge, period games, crafts and cooking.
During this event, guests can explore the lives of the area’s French-Canadians through story, dance and music with “A Voyageur’s Tale”, the story of “Jean-Christophe” who paddles and dances his way from Quebec to the Mississippi River through land once called New France. Meet his French-Ojibwe family and discover how the customs, clothing, and dance of these two cultures blended to inform the area’s regional heritage.
The cost is $17.50 per adult, teen and senior, $12.50 for children (5- 12) and free for children under five.
43rd Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic – Sept. 6-8, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Watch more than 100 horse-drawn carriages navigate obstacle courses on the home’s palatial grounds. Carriage teams from across the country, donning hats and gloves, will jockey for first place as they competently maneuver their horse-drawn carriage through strategically placed obstacles. Other fun events include a picnic class competition and a special dog class competition, where drivers steer carriages accompanied by their faithful pets. The cost is $28 per adult, teen and senior, $15 for children (5-12) and free for children under five. Single day ticket is $18 per adult, teen and senior, $10 for child (5-12) and free for children under five.
Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen –Sept. 28, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Light the woodstove, tighten your apron and create your favorite turn-of-the-century breakfast dishes during this special workshop at Villa Louis! Use the foods, utensils and technology of the Victorian era as you craft a family-style breakfast together in the home’s kitchen. After enjoying the fruits—and other treats, sweets and eats—of your labor, take a tour of the National Historic Landmark 1871 Italianate-style mansion. The cost is $65 per person.
Secret Prohibition Dinner – Oct. 5, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Step into the clandestine basement of Villa Louis and immerse yourself in the Prohibition era. Enjoy a dinner full of good food, special drinks, and learn about this tenuous time in United States history. While the days of bootleg liquor and clandestine alcohol deals are long past, the Villa Louis speakeasy perfectly encapsulates the subtle splendor of American counterculture during the Roaring Twenties and early 1930s. The cost is $175 per person. Must be 21+ to attend.
Spiritualism in the Victorian Era – Oct. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.
Victorians were fascinated by death and finding ways to connect with their former friends and loved ones through the "Great Beyond." Explore this paranormal proclivity in the beautiful spaces of the National Historic Landmark mansion as Black Point Estate and Gardens site director Dave Desimone presents this intriguing topic. Climb the stairs to the attic and experience a night of food, drinks and a special look at the spiritualist artifacts and curios once owned by the Dousman family. The cost is $75 per person.
Villa Louis Christmas Tea – Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, 1 to 3 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the specialness of the holiday season by enjoying a traditional Victorian-style afternoon tea. In addition to a piping refreshment in the 1851 Brisbois Stone Warehouse, a National Historic Landmark, guests will take a guided tour of the festively decorated 1871 mansion, with a brief stop in the parlor for a special concert performed on a restored Steinway grand piano. The cost is $50 per person.
Villa Louis Victorian Home for the Holidays – Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15
Experience the magic of a Victorian holiday celebration at Villa Louis. Bedecked and bedazzled, one of the most authentically furnished turn-of-the-century homes in America welcomes you to the Christmas traditions the family held dear. From the festive music played on the family’s gorgeous Steinway piano to the delicious aromas wafting from the historic kitchen, you’ll get a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Wisconsin dynasty who lived in the home since 1871.
About Villa Louis
Villa Louis is one the of Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. A National Historic Landmark located in Prairie du Chien, the historic Villa Louis mansion is the centerpiece of a grand Victorian estate built by the family of Hercules Dousman, a frontier entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in the fur trade and other frontier investments. The mansion received a top-to-bottom restoration that has returned the home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, using British Arts and Crafts interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris. Visit villalouis.org or call (608) 326-2721 for more information and a list of upcoming events. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.
###
For Immediate Release
Contact: Rebecca Werner
rebecca.werner@wisconsinhistory.org
May 2, 2024
Photo Gallery Link Here
Villa Louis Announces May 22 Season Opening and Upcoming Special Events
Behind-the-scenes tours, a secret prohibition dinner and the nation’s largest pleasure driving competition highlight a season filled with historic traditions, popular events and an enchanting performance
Prairie du Chien, Wis. -- Villa Louis, the national historic landmark home set along the Mississippi River, is delighted to announce its May 22 season opening. Once the estate of Hercules Dousman, Villa Louis offers historic home tours immersing guests in a bygone era where Victorian customs and turn-of-the-century style reigned.
This year, Villa Louis offers an exciting roster of special events from behind-the-scenes estate tours to a secret underground prohibition dinner and cooking breakfast in a Victorian kitchen. Villa Louis will also host a performance of “A Voyageur’s Tale”, the story of Jean-Christophe and the Upper Midwest French-Native American experience. The performance will be held the weekend of July 20-21 during the 32nd annual War of 1812 Battle for Prairie du Chien Living History Encampment.
“Each season we look forward to sharing the gilded-age home of the Dousman family, and the rich regional history, with guests from near and far,” said Susan Caya Slusser, site director, Villa Louis. “Located in the second oldest city in Wisconsin, situated near the banks of the Mississippi River, our site has witnessed many significant events and guests are fascinated by the area’s historical depth.”
Set on a 25-acre site, the Villa Louis grounds comprise more than a dozen historic structures, including buildings from the fur trade and the location of Fort Shelby and foundations of Fort Crawford. The grounds of Villa Louis is also Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield. The home, named Villa Louis was built in 1871 by Louis Dousman in the Italianate style by Milwaukee architect Edward Townsend Mix.
The spring, summer and fall season runs from May 22 – Oct. 27, 2024. Villa Louis is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Home tours are offered on the hour by historical interpreters. The cost of daily admission is $15 for adults and teens, $13.50 for seniors (65+), $8 for children (5-12), and free for children under five. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission and 10% off ticketed events.
For further information or to purchase tickets, visit villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org or click here.
Upcoming Events at Villa Louis
Historic Prairie du Chien Riverfront Walking Tour – June 7, July 12, Aug. 9, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m. to Noon
While the Prairie du Chien of today is long removed from its 19th-century roots, mementos and artifacts lie like clues for budding historians and curious visitors alike—from historic buildings and landmarks to the captivating stories of those who helped shape the city, there is no shortage of history to uncover and tales to discover. Stops include the homes of fur traders, the War of 1812 battlefield, and the remains of Fort Crawford. The cost is $25 per person.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour – June 28, July 26, Aug. 30, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Take an in-depth look at the Dousman family home through a behind-the-scenes journey to see the day-to-day inner workings of this restored Victorian mansion. Objects owned by the family are uncovered and guests learn the history and uses of these, some no longer relevant. Tours include visits to the nooks and crannies of the gilded-age mansion, including the attic and basement—areas normally unseen by the public! The cost is $30 per person.
32nd Annual War of 1812 Battle for Prairie du Chien Living History Encampment – July 20 and 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walk between the rows of tents, hear battle stories by the fire, and dive into this early 19th-century military encampment on the Villa Louis main lawn, where the only War of 1812 battle was fought in Wisconsin. Step into a recreated soldier encampment that includes a traveling forge, period games, crafts and cooking.
During this event, guests can explore the lives of the area’s French-Canadians through story, dance and music with “A Voyageur’s Tale”, the story of “Jean-Christophe” who paddles and dances his way from Quebec to the Mississippi River through land once called New France. Meet his French-Ojibwe family and discover how the customs, clothing, and dance of these two cultures blended to inform the area’s regional heritage.
The cost is $17.50 per adult, teen and senior, $12.50 for children (5- 12) and free for children under five.
43rd Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic – Sept. 6-8, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Watch more than 100 horse-drawn carriages navigate obstacle courses on the home’s palatial grounds. Carriage teams from across the country, donning hats and gloves, will jockey for first place as they competently maneuver their horse-drawn carriage through strategically placed obstacles. Other fun events include a picnic class competition and a special dog class competition, where drivers steer carriages accompanied by their faithful pets. The cost is $28 per adult, teen and senior, $15 for children (5-12) and free for children under five. Single day ticket is $18 per adult, teen and senior, $10 for child (5-12) and free for children under five.
Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen –Sept. 28, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Light the woodstove, tighten your apron and create your favorite turn-of-the-century breakfast dishes during this special workshop at Villa Louis! Use the foods, utensils and technology of the Victorian era as you craft a family-style breakfast together in the home’s kitchen. After enjoying the fruits—and other treats, sweets and eats—of your labor, take a tour of the National Historic Landmark 1871 Italianate-style mansion. The cost is $65 per person.
Secret Prohibition Dinner – Oct. 5, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Step into the clandestine basement of Villa Louis and immerse yourself in the Prohibition era. Enjoy a dinner full of good food, special drinks, and learn about this tenuous time in United States history. While the days of bootleg liquor and clandestine alcohol deals are long past, the Villa Louis speakeasy perfectly encapsulates the subtle splendor of American counterculture during the Roaring Twenties and early 1930s. The cost is $175 per person. Must be 21+ to attend.
Spiritualism in the Victorian Era – Oct. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.
Victorians were fascinated by death and finding ways to connect with their former friends and loved ones through the "Great Beyond." Explore this paranormal proclivity in the beautiful spaces of the National Historic Landmark mansion as Black Point Estate and Gardens site director Dave Desimone presents this intriguing topic. Climb the stairs to the attic and experience a night of food, drinks and a special look at the spiritualist artifacts and curios once owned by the Dousman family. The cost is $75 per person.
Villa Louis Christmas Tea – Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, 1 to 3 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the specialness of the holiday season by enjoying a traditional Victorian-style afternoon tea. In addition to a piping refreshment in the 1851 Brisbois Stone Warehouse, a National Historic Landmark, guests will take a guided tour of the festively decorated 1871 mansion, with a brief stop in the parlor for a special concert performed on a restored Steinway grand piano. The cost is $50 per person.
Villa Louis Victorian Home for the Holidays – Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15
Experience the magic of a Victorian holiday celebration at Villa Louis. Bedecked and bedazzled, one of the most authentically furnished turn-of-the-century homes in America welcomes you to the Christmas traditions the family held dear. From the festive music played on the family’s gorgeous Steinway piano to the delicious aromas wafting from the historic kitchen, you’ll get a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Wisconsin dynasty who lived in the home since 1871.
About Villa Louis
Villa Louis is one the of Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. A National Historic Landmark located in Prairie du Chien, the historic Villa Louis mansion is the centerpiece of a grand Victorian estate built by the family of Hercules Dousman, a frontier entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in the fur trade and other frontier investments. The mansion received a top-to-bottom restoration that has returned the home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, using British Arts and Crafts interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris. Visit villalouis.org or call (608) 326-2721 for more information and a list of upcoming events. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.
###
For Immediate Release
Contact: Rebecca Werner
rebecca.werner@wisconsinhistory.org
May 2, 2024
Photo Gallery Link Here
Villa Louis Announces May 22 Season Opening and Upcoming Special Events
Behind-the-scenes tours, a secret prohibition dinner and the nation’s largest pleasure driving competition highlight a season filled with historic traditions, popular events and an enchanting performance
Prairie du Chien, Wis. -- Villa Louis, the national historic landmark home set along the Mississippi River, is delighted to announce its May 22 season opening. Once the estate of Hercules Dousman, Villa Louis offers historic home tours immersing guests in a bygone era where Victorian customs and turn-of-the-century style reigned.
This year, Villa Louis offers an exciting roster of special events from behind-the-scenes estate tours to a secret underground prohibition dinner and cooking breakfast in a Victorian kitchen. Villa Louis will also host a performance of “A Voyageur’s Tale”, the story of Jean-Christophe and the Upper Midwest French-Native American experience. The performance will be held the weekend of July 20-21 during the 32nd annual War of 1812 Battle for Prairie du Chien Living History Encampment.
“Each season we look forward to sharing the gilded-age home of the Dousman family, and the rich regional history, with guests from near and far,” said Susan Caya Slusser, site director, Villa Louis. “Located in the second oldest city in Wisconsin, situated near the banks of the Mississippi River, our site has witnessed many significant events and guests are fascinated by the area’s historical depth.”
Set on a 25-acre site, the Villa Louis grounds comprise more than a dozen historic structures, including buildings from the fur trade and the location of Fort Shelby and foundations of Fort Crawford. The grounds of Villa Louis is also Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield. The home, named Villa Louis was built in 1871 by Louis Dousman in the Italianate style by Milwaukee architect Edward Townsend Mix.
The spring, summer and fall season runs from May 22 – Oct. 27, 2024. Villa Louis is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Home tours are offered on the hour by historical interpreters. The cost of daily admission is $15 for adults and teens, $13.50 for seniors (65+), $8 for children (5-12), and free for children under five. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission and 10% off ticketed events.
For further information or to purchase tickets, visit villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org or click here.
Upcoming Events at Villa Louis
Historic Prairie du Chien Riverfront Walking Tour – June 7, July 12, Aug. 9, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m. to Noon
While the Prairie du Chien of today is long removed from its 19th-century roots, mementos and artifacts lie like clues for budding historians and curious visitors alike—from historic buildings and landmarks to the captivating stories of those who helped shape the city, there is no shortage of history to uncover and tales to discover. Stops include the homes of fur traders, the War of 1812 battlefield, and the remains of Fort Crawford. The cost is $25 per person.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour – June 28, July 26, Aug. 30, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Take an in-depth look at the Dousman family home through a behind-the-scenes journey to see the day-to-day inner workings of this restored Victorian mansion. Objects owned by the family are uncovered and guests learn the history and uses of these, some no longer relevant. Tours include visits to the nooks and crannies of the gilded-age mansion, including the attic and basement—areas normally unseen by the public! The cost is $30 per person.
32nd Annual War of 1812 Battle for Prairie du Chien Living History Encampment – July 20 and 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walk between the rows of tents, hear battle stories by the fire, and dive into this early 19th-century military encampment on the Villa Louis main lawn, where the only War of 1812 battle was fought in Wisconsin. Step into a recreated soldier encampment that includes a traveling forge, period games, crafts and cooking.
During this event, guests can explore the lives of the area’s French-Canadians through story, dance and music with “A Voyageur’s Tale”, the story of “Jean-Christophe” who paddles and dances his way from Quebec to the Mississippi River through land once called New France. Meet his French-Ojibwe family and discover how the customs, clothing, and dance of these two cultures blended to inform the area’s regional heritage.
The cost is $17.50 per adult, teen and senior, $12.50 for children (5- 12) and free for children under five.
43rd Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic – Sept. 6-8, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Watch more than 100 horse-drawn carriages navigate obstacle courses on the home’s palatial grounds. Carriage teams from across the country, donning hats and gloves, will jockey for first place as they competently maneuver their horse-drawn carriage through strategically placed obstacles. Other fun events include a picnic class competition and a special dog class competition, where drivers steer carriages accompanied by their faithful pets. The cost is $28 per adult, teen and senior, $15 for children (5-12) and free for children under five. Single day ticket is $18 per adult, teen and senior, $10 for child (5-12) and free for children under five.
Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen –Sept. 28, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Light the woodstove, tighten your apron and create your favorite turn-of-the-century breakfast dishes during this special workshop at Villa Louis! Use the foods, utensils and technology of the Victorian era as you craft a family-style breakfast together in the home’s kitchen. After enjoying the fruits—and other treats, sweets and eats—of your labor, take a tour of the National Historic Landmark 1871 Italianate-style mansion. The cost is $65 per person.
Secret Prohibition Dinner – Oct. 5, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Step into the clandestine basement of Villa Louis and immerse yourself in the Prohibition era. Enjoy a dinner full of good food, special drinks, and learn about this tenuous time in United States history. While the days of bootleg liquor and clandestine alcohol deals are long past, the Villa Louis speakeasy perfectly encapsulates the subtle splendor of American counterculture during the Roaring Twenties and early 1930s. The cost is $175 per person. Must be 21+ to attend.
Spiritualism in the Victorian Era – Oct. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.
Victorians were fascinated by death and finding ways to connect with their former friends and loved ones through the "Great Beyond." Explore this paranormal proclivity in the beautiful spaces of the National Historic Landmark mansion as Black Point Estate and Gardens site director Dave Desimone presents this intriguing topic. Climb the stairs to the attic and experience a night of food, drinks and a special look at the spiritualist artifacts and curios once owned by the Dousman family. The cost is $75 per person.
Villa Louis Christmas Tea – Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, 1 to 3 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the specialness of the holiday season by enjoying a traditional Victorian-style afternoon tea. In addition to a piping refreshment in the 1851 Brisbois Stone Warehouse, a National Historic Landmark, guests will take a guided tour of the festively decorated 1871 mansion, with a brief stop in the parlor for a special concert performed on a restored Steinway grand piano. The cost is $50 per person.
Villa Louis Victorian Home for the Holidays – Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15
Experience the magic of a Victorian holiday celebration at Villa Louis. Bedecked and bedazzled, one of the most authentically furnished turn-of-the-century homes in America welcomes you to the Christmas traditions the family held dear. From the festive music played on the family’s gorgeous Steinway piano to the delicious aromas wafting from the historic kitchen, you’ll get a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Wisconsin dynasty who lived in the home since 1871.
About Villa Louis
Villa Louis is one the of Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. A National Historic Landmark located in Prairie du Chien, the historic Villa Louis mansion is the centerpiece of a grand Victorian estate built by the family of Hercules Dousman, a frontier entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in the fur trade and other frontier investments. The mansion received a top-to-bottom restoration that has returned the home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, using British Arts and Crafts interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris. Visit villalouis.org or call (608) 326-2721 for more information and a list of upcoming events. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.
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