About the Event
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’s no shortage of history to uncover and tales to discover. Learn about the ancestral Ho-Chunk Nation land that the city was founded on, see the homes of fur traders Michel Brisbois and Joseph Rolette, visit the site of Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield to discover the story of conflict between British and American forces that transpired here in 1814, and uncover the history of Fort Crawford, which housed enslaved men and women who were brought to the encampment by 1800s military officers.
This is a guided walking tour on the grounds of Villa Historic Site. The tour takes guests into buildings not seen on our regular tour. Guests are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear.
COST
$25 per person
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
Please check-in at the Villa Louis Visitor Center. The tour lasts 90 minutes over uneven ground. Please wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather.
- 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 Villa Louis directly at villalouis@wisconsinhistory.org or 608-326-2721.
Contact
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or boxoffice@wisconsinhistory.org.
About the Location
When you walk through the doors of Villa Louis, you step into the life of one of Wisconsin’s most historic families – the Dousmans. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Villa Louis offers a panorama of Wisconsin history, beginning with the arrival of early fur traders through the heyday of the Victorian era. Highlighted by the stunning 1871 Italianate style mansion, the 25-acre site includes over a dozen historic structures including the Dousman Office Building, Ice House, Preserve House, Blockhouse, and the foundations of the first Fort Crawford
