Light the woodstove, tighten your apron and cook up your own history during this special workshop at Villa Louis! Use the foods, utensils and technology of the Victorian era as you craft a family-style breakfast together in a mansion kitchen. After enjoying the fruits—and other treats, sweets and eats—of your labor, enjoy a tour of the National Historic Landmark 1871 Italianate-style mansion, which features countless relics from the famous Dousman family and their kin.
COST
$85 per person
Advanced registration is required. Guests must be 13+ to attend.
Society members receive a 10% discount
Book Tickets:
https://wihist.org/4njq8ov
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
This workshop is designed for adults. Meet at the Visitor Center across the street from the Villa Louis Mansion.
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
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Contact
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or
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