Villa Louis to Reopen on May 28
For Immediate Release (May 26, 2022)
Prairie du Chien, WI – Villa Louis, one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s historic sites and museums, will reopen for the season on May 28, 2022. The site will be open through October 30, 2022, with tours offered Wednesday through Sunday at the start of each hour from 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. General admission and special experience tickets are available for sale online.
“We are excited to welcome guests back for another exciting season at Villa Louis. Our daily experience includes a guided tour of the Victorian National Historic Landmark mansion, transporting visitors back in time to life as it would have been for the Dousman family in the 1890s,” said Susan Caya-Slusser, site director for Villa Louis. “Visitors can also explore the grounds, outbuildings, and the 1850 Brisbois Fur Trade Building featuring an exhibit that will be open through June.”
On Saturday, May 28, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Villa Louis will host guests for a daylong celebration in recognition of its 70th year as a Wisconsin historic site as well as the 150th anniversary of Prairie du Chien’s incorporation. The family-friendly event will feature games of yesteryear on the west lawn and historically inspired refreshments in the Villa Louis kitchen. The site will also offer immersive behind-the-scenes tours throughout the season and will host an engaging speaker series spanning a variety of topics.
Later this season, Villa Louis will host its 30th annual War of 1812 Battle for Prairie du Chien Reenactment on July 16-17, 2022. The weekend event explores the site’s connection to the battle, delves into 1814 military life and offers guests a chance to tour the historic encampment on site.
The traveling exhibit to be featured in the 1850 Brisbois Fur Trade Building, entitled “Great Lakes Small Streams,” will be open to visitors June 2-30, 2022. For more information about Villa Louis and a complete listing of special experiences taking place on site this season, visit villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org.
About Villa Louis
The Historic National Landmark 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 underwent a top-to-bottom restoration to return the Dousman home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, with interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris. Visit villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org for more information or call 608-264-4848.
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.