About the Event
What’s it like to witness 100+ bespoke horse-drawn carriages navigating obstacle courses on the grounds of a historic mansion? See for yourself at the 43rd Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic, where teams from across the country will jockey for first place in the Midwest’s largest, most elegant and lavishly appointed equine sport driving event. Watch as riders in hats and gloves maneuver through driving competitions, take part in judging a picnic class competition and enjoy the dog class, where drivers steer carriages accompanied by their faithful pets (don’t worry—dogs are strictly prohibited from taking the reins).
Along the way you’ll discover how this event descends from the Dousman Era, when Villa Louis was home to the Artesian Stock Farm, one of the Midwest’s finest racehorse farms. Admission includes a tour of the Villa Louis mansion. For more information on this competition, visit carriageclassic.com.
COST
Single Day Cost
Adult (18-64): $18
Teen (13-17): $18
Senior (65+): $18
Child (5-12): $10
Child Under 5: Free
Weekend Cost
Adult (18-64): $28
Teen (13-17): $28
Senior (65+): $28
Child (5-12): $15
Child Under 5: Free
Tickets may also be purchased onsite.
Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Know Before You Go & Accessibility
Breakfast and lunch food options will be available for purchase. This event will be held rain or shine.
- The museum store is open daily during business hours.
- Guests may exit and return throughout the day to explore the grounds.
- Water is the only outside food/beverage allowed. Beverages are available for purchase.
- Restrooms and water fountains are available on site.
- The site will remain open rain or shine.
- Guests are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and to dress for the weather.
- No pets are allowed. Service animals are permitted.
- ADA access is available in the first floor of the mansion, restrooms, and the fur trade building.
- Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible.
Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 608-326-2721 or villalouis@wisconsinhistory.org.
Contact
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or boxoffice@wisconsinhistory.org.
