Explore Wisconsin
by Region

Select Region on Map
to the Left


 

Wisconsin's Second Oldest Community

Bordered by beautiful bluffs and the mighty Mississippi River carved out by the melting glaciers, Prairie du Chien offers residents and visitors breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating history and diverse sightseeing opportunities! Settled by the fur traders in 1673, Prairie du Chien is the second oldest community in Wisconsin and provides a rich heritage from the days of the fur traders and Indians to today's modern and flourishing retail, business, trade and tourism industries.

Historical Attractions

A wealth of historic lore and charm awaits you in beautiful Prairie du Chien, which boasts over 25 historic sites! Many of the local events are based on the area's rich culture and history. Some of the more popular attractions include:

*   Villa Louis Historic Site, on St.
     Feriole, is one of the more complete 
     & authentic Victorian  houses in the 
     in the country
*   Fort Crawford Museum
*   Victorian Style Park at Lawler 
     Park,
where paddle wheel boats are
     still docking today, as since 1823
*   Marquette - Joliet Marker
*   St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, 
    Wisconsin's oldest existing Church
*   And many more!

Natural Attractions

From the rustic countryside, to  the beautiful bluffs and the mighty Mississippi River, there are breathtaking sightseeing attractions and countless year-round recreational opportunities. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy a peaceful picnic, a challenging hiking trail, a riverboat cruise, and watch the migration of a large variety of birds that follow the Mississippi.

Deer, turkey, small game and water fowl hunting is some of the best in the state. Trout streams and rivers abundant with bass, catfish, walleye and panfish provide great fishing. In the fall you can capture the beautiful colors and in the winter enjoy miles of snowmobile trails, ice fishing, ice skating and cross-country skiing.

Area parks offer many fun activities including camping, swimming and sports. An outdoor aquatic park features a gigantic waterslide and Fort Fun offers a colossal wood playground.

Shopping, Dining & Lodging

In Prairie du Chien, you'll enjoy excellent shopping, dining and accommodations -- something to fit everyone's needs!. Over 40 lodging properties to choose from. Throughout the area, artisans provide a wealth of handcrafted goods including quilts, hand loomed rugs, pottery, sculpture and one of a kind works of art. Numerous antique shops and art galleries hold fascinating treasures. From old fashioned stores in downtown where you can find an old time soda fountain to a modern mall that offers a wide selection of goods and services, shopping is a fun experience in Prairie du Chien.

You certainly won't go hungry in Prairie du Chien. The options are endless, from supper clubs, specialty restaurants, and family restaurants to delis, fast food, and bar and grills. 

After a fun-filled day of sightseeing and shopping, you'll be ready to enjoy the great accommodations Prairie du Chien has to offer. Diverse lodging opportunities include gracious inns, wonderful bed and breakfasts, family-oriented motels with lots of extras, cabins, modern campgrounds and rustic parks.

In Prairie du Chien, you'll enjoy:

  • Historical Attractions

  • Natural Beauty

  • Great Recreation & Parks

  • Unique Shops, Great Food and Lodging

  • Lots of Local Events and Activities

Prairie du Chien

1-800-732-1673

See Prairie du Chien's Business Directory

For information on the surrounding area, 
visit Crawford County


Map & Travel Directions

 



The Julia Belle Swain Riverboat


The Villa Louis

Prairie du Chien Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events
Oct 1
to
Oct 31
Iowa Archaeology Month
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 10/1/2008 - Ends: 10/31/2008
special programs are scheduled during the annual recognition of Iowa's archaeological past. Effigy M... (details)
Oct 8
Historic City Walking Tour
Location: Prairie du Chien
Fort Crawford Museum at 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien. A walking tour emphasizing historic bui... (details)
Oct 11
Moonlight Hike
Location: Prairie du Chien
Effigy Mounds National Monument three miles north of Marquette, IA. Presented annually, these popula... (details)
Oct 11
to
Oct 12
Fall Foliage Cruises
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 10/11/2008 - Ends: 10/12/2008
on the Mississippi River aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two hour river cruise will depart ... (details)
Oct 11
to
Oct 12
Leaf Arts & Crafts Festival
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 10/11/2008 - Ends: 10/12/2008
Triangle Park, McGregor, IA, 800-896-0910.
Oct 11
to
Oct 12
Flea Market under the bridge
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 10/11/2008 - Ends: 10/12/2008
Marquette, IA, 800-896-0910, 563-873-3521.
Oct 18
to
Oct 19
Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 10/18/2008 - Ends: 10/19/2008
at the Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, 521 N. Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien. Parti... (details)
Oct 18
to
Oct 19
Marquette Oktoberfest
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 10/18/2008 - Ends: 10/19/2008
downtown Marquette, IA, hosted by Eagles Landing Winery, fresh pretzel making, free wine tasting fea... (details)
Oct 18
to
Oct 19
Fall Foliage Cruises
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 10/18/2008 - Ends: 10/19/2008
On the Mississippi River aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two hour river cruise will depart ... (details)
Oct 25
Old West Bank Robbery & Shoot Out
Location: Prairie du Chien
the Old West comes alive in downtown McGregor, IA, as the "Hole in the Sock Gang" present a street r... (details)
Nov 1
to
Nov 2
The Iowa Wine Trail’s Fall Holiday Wine & Food Event
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 11/1/2008 - Ends: 11/2/2008
Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.
Nov 1
to
Nov 30
Native American History Month
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 11/1/2008 - Ends: 11/30/2008
Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA, visit the park to learn about A... (details)
Nov 28
Holiday Parade
Location: Prairie du Chien
downtown Prairie du Chien along Blackhawk Ave beginning at 5:30 p.m., 608-326-8555.
Dec 6
A Holiday Open House
Location: Prairie du Chien
in Iowa’s First National Park Unit, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette,... (details)
Dec 6
to
Dec 7
A Christmas Holiday on a Victorian Country Estate
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 12/6/2008 - Ends: 12/7/2008
Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, 10 a.m. - 4 p... (details)
Dec 6
to
Dec 7
Wines & Tastes of the Holidays
Location: Prairie du Chien
Starts: 12/6/2008 - Ends: 12/7/2008
Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.
Click a date in the calendar above to view or submit events.

E-MAIL THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND!  | Top of Page | Home | Links of Interest | About Us | City Locator | Contact/Support | Online Shopping | Coupons