An 1870 Victorian mansion built by the family of Hercules Dousman, an entrepreneurial frontiersman who parlayed various investments into a fortune. His son Louis and wife Nina Dousman built the Villa Louis as the centerpiece of their sprawling country estate. Today the home is restored to its British Arts-and-Crafts-style elegance during its heyday in the 1890s.
Address
521 N Villa Louis Rd
Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821
Contact Information
Voice: 608-326-2721
Email: villalouis@wisconsinhistory.org
All InterestsOn WaterDirections from Nearest Town/IntersectionLocated on St. Feriole Island on the Mississippi River (from Madison, take Highway 18 west to Prairie du Chien; from La Crosse take Highway 35 south)
Disabled AccessHours of OperationThe site's regular 2010 season ended Oct 31, but reopens for special "Servants' Supper" events Nov 13 and Dec 4, 2010. Open daily 10am-5pm Apr 30 through Oct 31, 2011 (last tour departs at 4pm). Group tours by appointment only.
History & HeritageRe-enactmentsTypeHistoric Homes / Military Heritage / Wisconsin History