# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Behind the Scenes Tour
- **Event Start and End Date**: Fri, 10 Jul, 2026 at 10:30 am – Fri, 10 Jul, 2026 at 12:30 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: 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 villalouis@wisconsinhistory.org.


𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or boxoffice@wisconsinhistory.org.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/prairie-du-chien/behind-the-scenes-tour/200029946236553
- **Event Categories**: Sports
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Prairie Du Chien
- **state**: WI
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53821
- **lat**: 43.05616
- **long**: -91.15737
- **full address**: 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53821

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Behind the Scenes Tour
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events2/banners/075f0a16a50797b5a4b7d6593a07d25dd51f18a2140bab11e564742d1b4563b7-rimg-w1200-h675-dc041307-gmir?v=1776251933

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Behind the Scenes Tour being held?
  - **A:** Behind the Scenes Tour takes place on Fri, 10 Jul, 2026 at 10:30 am to Fri, 10 Jul, 2026 at 12:30 pm at 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53821.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Behind the Scenes Tour?
  - **A:** Behind the Scenes Tour is organized by Villa Louis Historic Site.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Behind the Scenes Tour is ideal for art lovers, trade professionals, collectors, and exhibition enthusiasts exploring the latest in their field. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Prairie Du Chien, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Behind the Scenes Tour sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

## Structured Data (JSON-LD)

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        "description": "𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁\nInterested 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 tour",
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