Behind the Scenes Tour

Name: Behind the Scenes Tour
Start: 2026-07-10T10:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-07-10T12:30:00-05:00
Location: 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53821

Schedule

Fri Jul 10 2026 at 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53821 | Prairie Du Chien, WI

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁
Interested in what goes on behind the scenes at a stately manor? This tour of Villa Louis presents a more in-depth look at the Dousman family and their home and gives a glimpse into the day-to-day inner workings of this restored Victorian mansion. Each round of behind-the-scenes tours features the care and keeping of a different object from the Dousman family collection.
Tours are for ages 13+.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
Explore areas normally unseen by the public, including the attic and basement
The history behind different objects from the Dousman collection

𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁
$30/person
Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
Advanced registration is required
Tour is for guests aged 13+
Book Tickets: https://wihist.org/47MLOTP

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Villa Louis served as a comfortable and stylish country estate for three generations of the Dousman family—a family that built its fortune from early American frontier opportunities such as land and transportation investments. Hercules L. Dousman began development of the site during the 1840s on the banks of the Mississippi River in Prairie du Chien. The property has since expanded into a 25-acre complex complete with historic structures and archaeological remains that reference the early history of the site. Upon the death of Hercules in 1868, widow Jane Dousman and son H. Louis Dousman contracted Milwaukee architect E. Townsend Mix to build the stately mansion that now rests at the heart of the property. In addition to the new residence, H. Louis expanded the site to include a farm for breeding and racing horses. After Louis’ death, Nina Dousman raised their children at Villa Louis, and the property remained under family ownership until it was given to the City of Prairie du Chien in 1935. In 1950, Villa Louis became property of the Wisconsin Historical Society, and opened to the public in 1952.
Prior to Dousman ownership, Indigenous natives lived on the Villa Louis grounds over 2000 years ago. For centuries, Native Nations of the upper Mississippi gathered upon the island to trade among themselves until the fur trade brought French-speaking traders in contact with Indigenous tribesmen and women. The trade also attracted free Black settlers to Prairie du Chien. Additionally, officers and agents of the United States brought enslaved men and women to the prairie, some of whom lived at Fort Crawford and other structures that once stood on land that is now part of Villa Louis State Historic Site. Research and restorations continue to fully expand the story of these early residents and events.
Villa Louis Historic Site
(PO Box 65)
521 Villa Louis Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821-0065

𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗚𝗼 & 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
The Behind the Scenes Tour explores the second floor, attic and basement of Villa Louis, which are not ADA accessible and must be accessed by stairs.
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 [email protected].

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or [email protected].