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
(State-wide Calendar of Events)
Upcoming Events
There are currently no upcoming events for Prairie du Chien.
Click on a date in the calendar above to submit an event.
Or, click here for the state-wide events calendar.

E-MAIL THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND! | Top of Page | Home | Category Site Map | Member Login | About Us | City Locator | Event Calendar | Online Shopping | Coupons | Contact/Support