Mississippi River Sculpture Park

Imagine walking among and touching life-sized bronze sculptures of people who have also been visitors to Prairie du Chien, WI. The Mississippi River Sculpture Park is located on St. Feriole Island adjacent to the Villa Louis. This city-owned park is open year round free of charge. Five life-size bronze statues are currently in the park: Chief Black Hawk; Dr. William Beaumont, father of gastroenterology; the Victorian Lady, representing tourists, many from Europe, who flocked to the area; Julian Coryer, a voyageur; and Emma Big Bear, who earned her living in the mid-20th Century with traditional Ho-Chunk crafts and is remembered by elderly residents who visited her when they were young. A fire circle with bronze cultural symbols ties together the five current and 19 planned historic figures who shaped our area. Walk along smooth, flat paths. Picnic in the Leamy Shelter with water and electricity available, or on the lawn among the statues. St. Feriole Island is located on the west side of Prairie du Chien. Travel West on Blackhawk Avenue, then North when you reach the island.