Also on the island is the beautiful Villa Louis Historic Site, an Italianate-style brick mansion built in 1870 by the widow and son of early fur trader Hercules Dousman. The opulent mansion contains a magnificent collection of Victorian decorative arts; with over 90% of its original contents. Now owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, the estate includes 25 acres along the Mississippi River on St. Feriole Island. The Villa Louis mansion complex, restored grounds and gardens, the Fur Trade Museum, Wisconsin's only War of 1812 battlefield and a museum store are all part of your tour. The estate is open May through October.

Medical history and relics of 19th century medicine in Wisconsin are on display at the Fort Crawford Museum, housed in a restored military hospital. Exhibits include displays of Indian herbal remedies, and old-fashioned drug store; open May through October.

The Prairie du Chien area offers unlimited recreational opportunities from hiking, birding, boating, fishing to golfing, horseback riding, and hunting. Two nearby state parks and a National Monument offer some of the most scenic views of the Mississippi River.

The present City of Prairie du Chien is built on an elongated valley deposit, which is about 10 miles long and up to 1.5 miles wide. The valley deposit was formed by sand and silt dropped in the Mississippi River trench when melting waters from the glaciers flowed southward. At the south end of this prairie, the Wisconsin River empties into the Mississippi. Elevations vary from 611 to 650 feet above sea level. The city is bordered by the beautiful Mississippi River on one side and high bluffs that rise to 500-600 feet on the other.

Prairie du Chien has a population of 6,047 and serves as the county seat for Crawford County, which has a population of 16,704. Prairie du Chien has a strong business and employee base. Here you will discover a health care system dedicated to the well-being of the community. You will find a variety of civic clubs, organizations, and places of worship. Shopping in the area ranges from a historic downtown to a modern shopping malls with numerous stores to satisy your every need. Specialty shops, dining establishments, modern accommodations, and inviting bed and breakfasts are found in the area. Prairie du Chien's Calendar of Events is filled year-round with special events and activities to intrigue and satisfy a variety of interests.

Prairie du Chien invites you to explore what it has to offer. Prairie du Chien is a great place to visit and a wonderful place to live.