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Villa Louis Historic Site
The Villa Louis mansion complex sits atop a mound on St. Feriole
Island in Prairie du Chien. The Villa Louis mansion was built by the Hercules
Dousman family. Dousman amassed a fortune in the fur trade, land speculation, steamboats,
railroads, and other frontier investments. The Dousmans furnished and
decorated the mansion in the Victorian tradition. You will find a great percentage of
the family's original heirlooms arranged just as the Dousmans had them,
making the Villa Louis one of the most authentically furnished Victorian
houses in the nation. The mansion was, at one time, the centerpiece for a lavish standardbred breeding farm - The Artesian Stock Farm. The estate included stables, paddocks, and a 1/4 mile race track on site. 
Several original buildings now exhibit other eras in this river city's history, including the Fur Trade Museum and the Museum of Prairie du Chien where you will discover a treasure trove of Wisconsin history stretching back to the 17th century.
For more information on the Mansion and available tours see the Villa Louis website.
Spectator Information
Saturday, September 8, 2012 - Sunday, September 9, 2012 8 am-4 pm (mansion tours 10 am-4 pm).
The brief heyday of the Dousman family's famed trotting horse operation, the Artesian Stock Farm, will be recalled during this elegant event, one of the largest carriage driving competitions in the nation. More than 100 drivers hitch finely trained horses of many breeds to new and restored carriages. Events take place in a fenced arena as well as on the lawns and grounds surrounding the Villa Louis country estate. Visitors may also tour the Dousman family home and enjoy full food and beverages service on the mansion lawn.
Ticket Info:
Adults - $10.00
Children (5-17) - $5.00
Family (two adults and two or more dependent children 5-17) - $27.00
Location Info:
The historic Villa Louis mansion is the centerpiece of a grand Victorian estate built by the family of Hercules Dousman, a frontier entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in the fur trade and other frontier investments. The mansion has just undergone a top-to-bottom documentary restoration that has returned the Dousman home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, using British Arts and Crafts interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris.
521 North Villa Louis Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Contact Info:
Phone: 608-326-2721
Fax: 608-326-5507
Facilities
Food and beverage service are also available on the grounds. Carry-ins are welcomed. Pets are also welcomed, provided they are well-behaved around other animals.
A variety of seating options exist, guests are welcome to bring along their favorite lawn chair, or may opt utilize the bleachers, bench seats, and folding chairs that are provided. Several tables are also available for picnic use. Restrooms, including diaper-changing stations are situated on site.
