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Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Prairie du Chien changes what it offers you three or four times over the course of a year. Prairie Fun Land opens up in May and closes again after Labor Day weekend. The Annual Ice Fisheree puts everyone out on the ice in May as well. The Villa Louis Carriage Classic runs the horse-drawn carriages through every September. And fall is when the pumpkins and gourds take over all the farm stands.

Are you planning a trip to Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin and looking for the things to do and places to visit? You are in the right place. With a mix of historical highlights, outdoor adventures, local cooking, events and festivals, shopping and souvenirs, family time, local produce, and the country around it, Prairie Du Chien covers a lot of ground.

Start with a visit to Villa Louis, a National Historic Landmark and one of the top attractions in Prairie Du Chien. Work through the historic villa and its grounds on 25 acres where the only War of 1812 battle took place. Afterward, head to Fort Crawford Museum, which stood guard over Prairie Du Chien from 1816 to 1856. Today the three buildings of the museum hold different exhibits covering the military hospital, the history of Prairie Du Chien, and a visitor center.

Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to work through in Prairie Du Chien. Take a boat tour or try your hand at water sports on the Mississippi River. Hike or bike the trails at Wyalusing State Park, which opens out over the river and the surrounding bluffs. And do not forget to sample the local produce, cheese, wine and beer among it, all made right here in Wisconsin.

Key Takeaways

• Prairie Du Chien offers a mix of historical highlights, outdoor adventures, local delights, events and festivals, shopping and souvenirs, family fun, local produce, and exploring the surroundings.
• Top attractions include Villa Louis and Fort Crawford Museum.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, water sports, hiking, and biking, while foodies can savor the local produce, including cheese, wine, and beer.

Historical Highlights

History buffs will get on with Prairie Du Chien. Here are the historical highlights you should take:

Villa Louis

You cannot visit Prairie Du Chien without stopping by the Villa Louis. This National Historic Landmark is one to see for any history lover. Once the home of one of the better-known families in Wisconsin, the estate has been carefully restored to its 19th-century standing. Take a tour of the mansion and grounds to pick up the history of this property.

Fort Crawford Museum

Another historical site to take is the Fort Crawford Museum. This American army outpost was established in 1816 and played a serious part in the Black Hawk War. Today the museum holds a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the fort and its place in American history.

Dousman Hotel

For a historical stay out of the ordinary, take the Dousman Hotel. This National Register of Historic Places property was once owned by Hercules L. Dousman, a well-known figure in Wisconsin history. The hotel has been carefully restored and now serves as a bed and breakfast, which gives visitors a chance to step back in time and take the character of the past of Prairie Du Chien.

Old Crawford County Jail

For a look at the darker side of the history of Prairie Du Chien, head to the Old Crawford County Jail. This building, also known as “The Dungeon,” was built in 1865 and runs iron doors, leg irons, and arm chains. It is a hard reminder of what life was like for prisoners in the 19th century.

So there it is, some of the historical highlights in Prairie Du Chien. History buff or just after something different to do, these sites will hold you.

Outdoor Adventures

If you are the type who takes to being outside, you are in luck. Prairie Du Chien runs plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy during the visit. Here are the outdoor adventures you can take in this city.

Mississippi River Activities

The Mississippi River is the lifeblood of Prairie Du Chien, and there are plenty of activities on or near the river. You can go canoeing or kayaking down the river, or take a slow boat tour to see the sights. And if you are feeling bold, you can try your hand at fishing. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the local wildlife.

La Riviere Park

La Riviere Park is a good place to spend a day outside. There are hiking trails that wind through the park, opening out over the Mississippi River Valley. For something a little more active, there is also a baseball diamond where you can play a game with friends. And to slow down, there are plenty of spots where you can sit and take the river views.

St. Feriole Island Park

St. Feriole Island Park is another good place to spend a day outside. The park is home to the Mississippi River Sculpture Park, which runs a number of sculptures that will hold you. There are also plenty of hiking trails that wind through the park, opening out over the towering bluffs that surround the area. And for a picnic, there are plenty of spots where you can spread out a blanket and take the scenery.

Prairie Du Chien is strong ground for getting outside and taking the country in. A slow day on the river or something with more pace, you will find something that suits. So pack the bags, grab the hiking boots, and get ready for an outdoor run that stays with you.

Local Delights

In Prairie Du Chien you will want to take some of the local cooking. From burgers to cider, this place covers a lot of ground. Here are a few places you will not want to miss:

Pete’s Hamburger Stand

For a classic burger joint, Pete’s Hamburger Stand is the place. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving burgers since 1909. They use only the freshest ingredients and cook everything to order. The burgers are juicy and full of flavor, and the fries come out crisp.

Fort Mulligan’s Grill Pub

For a more upscale meal, head to Fort Mulligan’s Grill Pub. This restaurant sits in a historic building and keeps a warm, welcoming room. They serve a spread of dishes, smoked fish, soup and sandwiches among them. Their burgers are also the thing to order, with a spread of toppings to choose from.

Winneshiek Bar and Grill

For some cheese, head to Winneshiek Bar and Grill. This restaurant is known for its Wisconsin cheese curds, which come out fried properly. They also serve a spread of other dishes, burgers, sandwiches and salads among them. And for a drink, they run a strong selection of craft beers.

Shihata’s Orchard

If you’re looking for something sweet, head to Shihata’s Orchard. This family-owned orchard has been producing delicious apples and cider since 1984. They have a variety of apple products, including cider, apple butter, and apple chips. And if you’re in the mood for something savory, they also sell smoked bacon and gourmet popcorn.

The Local Oven

For a strong breakfast or snack, head to The Local Oven. This bakery is known for its bacon maple donut, which is the thing to order. They also serve a spread of other baked goods, bread, pastries and coffee among them. Everything is made fresh daily, so the quality holds up.

Events and Festivals

Prairie Du Chien is a lively city with events and festivals running all year round. Local or just visiting, there is always something on. Here are the events and festivals you should take:

Villa Louis Carriage Classic

Anyone who takes to horses cannot miss the Villa Louis Carriage Classic. This annual event runs in September and features a competition where horse-drawn carriages race through the streets of Prairie Du Chien. It is one to see, and the atmosphere is electric. And the strongest part? You get to see some of the finer horses and carriages in the world.

Annual Ice Fisheree

For the fishermen out there, the Annual Ice Fisheree is the event to take. This event runs in May and is a competition where fishermen from all over come to catch the biggest fish. There are prizes for the biggest fish caught, and the atmosphere is serious. It is a good way to spend a day out on the ice with friends and family.

Whatever time of year it is, there is always something happening in Prairie Du Chien. From parades to festivals, there is always something to keep you occupied. So pack the bags, head to Prairie Du Chien, and get ready for a good few days.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Looking for a little retail therapy or an unusual souvenir to take home? Prairie Du Chien has you covered with its small boutiques and gift shops. Here are some places you should take:

Gift Shops

Schoolhouse Mall

This historic building holds over 40 vendors selling everything from antiques to handmade crafts. You will turn up an unusual souvenir here.

The Market on Blackhawk

This small shop runs a spread of gifts, locally made jams and jellies among them. Good ground for a souvenir you can eat.

Almost everything here has a date attached to it and most of them are old. Fort Crawford stood guard over this town from 1816 right through to 1856. The Old Crawford County Jail was built in 1865 with iron doors and leg irons. Pete’s Hamburger Stand has been serving burgers since 1909 without ever stopping. And Shihata’s Orchard has been pressing cider since 1984 on the same ground.

The Planted Tree Gallery & Gifts

This shop runs the work of local artists, paintings, pottery and jewelry among it. You will find something genuinely one-of-a-kind here.

Art Galleries

The Planted Tree Gallery & Gifts

As mentioned above, this shop runs the work of local artists. It is a good place to find an unusual piece of art to take home.

Paper Moon

This art gallery runs a spread of mediums, paintings, sculptures and photography among them. You will find something to suit every taste here.

An odd gift or a serious piece of art, Prairie Du Chien runs plenty of options to choose from. So go ahead and treat yourself (and the people at home) to a little shopping.

Family Fun

Looking for some family-friendly activities in Prairie du Chien? You are in the right place. Here are two strong options to keep the family occupied:

Prairie Fun Land

Prairie Fun Land is one to see for families. This attraction runs a go-kart track, mini-golf course, arcade, bumper cars, bounce house, water wars, and driving range, alongside other games. It is open seasonally beginning in May and closing after Labor Day weekend, so plan accordingly.

Friendly competition or just a good afternoon, Prairie Fun Land covers a lot of ground. Do not miss this one in Prairie du Chien.

Self-Guided Tours

For something more relaxed, consider a self-guided tour. Prairie du Chien holds a deep history, and there are plenty of chances to pick it up. One strong option is the Chief Black Hawk self-guided tour. This tour takes you through the historic sites associated with Chief Black Hawk, a well-known Native American leader. You pick up his life and legacy, alongside the history of the area.

Another strong self-guided option is the Prairie du Chien Historic District Walking Tour. This tour takes you through the historic downtown area, where you can see a spread of architectural styles and pick up the history of the buildings.

Both of these tours are a good way to work through Prairie du Chien at your own pace and pick up its deep history. So grab a map and start walking.

Local Produce

In the Prairie Du Chien area you will want to take the local produce. From cheese and jams to wines and ciders, this place covers a lot of ground.

Cheese and Jams

Cheese lovers are in luck here. Prairie Du Chien runs some of the finer cheese around. From cheddar to gouda, you will find a spread of cheeses to choose from. And do not forget the jams, because whether you prefer strawberry or raspberry, there is a jam here for you.

Wines and Ciders

Looking for something to wash down that cheese and jam? Try some of the local wines and ciders. You will find a spread of flavors to choose from, apple, peach and cherry among them. And if you are feeling bold, try a cider mimosa.

Pumpkins and Gourds

Fall is the time to visit Prairie Du Chien and take the pumpkins and gourds. The right pumpkin for carving or an odd gourd for decorating, you will find it here. And do not forget to try some pumpkin-flavored treats while you are at it.

So next time you are in Prairie Du Chien, take the local produce. You will not go away disappointed.

Exploring the Surroundings

Prairie Du Chien sits in the heart of the Mississippi River Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and wide river views. As you work through the area, you are deep in the natural country of the Driftless Area, a region known for its unusual topography and untouched landscapes.

Mississippi River Valley

The Mississippi River Valley is one to see for anyone visiting Prairie Du Chien. With its wide river views and picturesque landscapes, it suits slowing down and taking the natural country of the area. Fishing, boating, or just a slow walk along the riverbank, there is a version of each.

For something with more to it, consider taking a guided tour of the river. You get to pick up the history and ecology of the area while the scenery does its own work.

Driftless Area

The Driftless Area is a region unlike anything else in the world. With its rolling hills and untouched landscapes, it suits getting away from the noise of city life and back into the country. Hiking, birdwatching, or just a scenic drive, there is plenty to see and do in the Driftless Area.

One of the stronger ways to take the Driftless Area is a guided tour. You get to pick up the history and geology of the region while taking the scenery. Or you can work the area on your own by hiking one of the many trails that wind through the hills and valleys.

However you choose to work through the country around Prairie Du Chien, the natural ground and the unusual topography will hold you. So pack the bags, grab the camera, and get ready for a run that stays with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best food in Prairie du Chien?

Well, if you are looking for some good grub, you have come to the right place. Prairie du Chien runs strong restaurants that will handle any craving. For some classic American fare, head over to Fort Mulligan’s Grill Pub. For pizza, take Pete’s Hamburger Stand. And to try some authentic Mexican food, stop by Los Amigos.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Prairie du Chien?

There is plenty to do outdoors in Prairie du Chien. For hiking, take Wyalusing State Park. To get out on the water, take a boat tour with Mississippi Explorer Cruises. And if you are feeling lucky, head over to Lady Luck Casino for some gambling.

Are there any unique events happening in Prairie du Chien in 2023?

Oh, you betcha. Prairie du Chien is known for its events. In June, take the Prairie Dog Blues Festival. And in August, do not miss the Crawford County Fair.

What are some of the best places to stay in Prairie du Chien?

Well, it depends on what you are after. For something luxurious, take the Cobblestone Inn & Suites. On a budget, the Super 8 by Wyndham is a strong option. And to stay somewhere with a bit of history, try the Fort Mulligan’s Guest House.

Frequently asked questions about Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin

Which Prairie du Chien park suits a whole day spent outdoors?

La Riviere Park. The hiking trails wind right through the park and open out over the Mississippi River Valley, and there is a baseball diamond in there too if the group wants a game. Wyalusing State Park is the bigger option a short drive away from the town instead. That one opens out over the river and over the surrounding bluffs as well. Both of them will take a picnic without any trouble at all.

Which Prairie du Chien museum is worth an hour of your time?

Fort Crawford Museum. Three buildings hold the exhibits between them, and they cover the military hospital, the history of the town, and a visitor center on top of that. The fort was established in 1816 and played a part in the Black Hawk War. Villa Louis is the grander option, sitting on its own 25 acres instead. That estate sits on the ground where the only War of 1812 battle took place.

Which Prairie du Chien river trip is the one worth booking?

A guided tour of the Mississippi. You pick up the history and the ecology of the area while the scenery does its own quiet work on you the whole way along. Mississippi Explorer Cruises runs the boat tours straight out of here. Canoeing and kayaking are the closer options to the water itself instead. Watch out for the local wildlife whichever way you end up going out.

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