What's Under the Villa Louis
Schedule
Sat Sep 06 2025 at 10:30 am to 11:30 am
UTC-05:00Location
521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53821 | Prairie Du Chien, WI
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Villa Louis is a National Historic Landmark that invites you to step into the life of one of Wisconsin’s most iconic families. Their story is one of many that echoes across time along the banks of the mighty Mississippi. What lies underneath unveils a deeper past—one that is truly remarkable and multifaceted, from burial mounds to colonial settlements to the remnants of forts and trading posts. Discover the secret world beneath one of the Badger State’s most treasured sites as Wisconsin State Archaeologist Amy Rosebrough takes us on a millennia-spanning journey. During a guided conversation at the Brisbois Fur Warehouse followed by a brief grounds tour, Rosebrough will peel back and resurrect more than 14,000 years of human activity that have left their mark on Villa Louis through the ages. Sign up now for this free event to reserve your spot—you’ll never see Villa Louis the same way again!
COST
Free
Learn more: https://wihist.org/4jEI1vT
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 museum store is open daily during business hours.
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 on 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].
Contact
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or [email protected].
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Where is it happening?
521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53821Event Location & Nearby Stays:
