20 Fun Things to do in Prairie du Chien
Present right at the very borders of the city of Milwaukee and Minneapolis, this charming city of Prairie du Chien is one which happens to be the second oldest city in the state, with its regional axis within the Mississippi River Valley.
Characterized by its historical significance and the perception of the people that call it home, there’s actually nothing to dislike about this very city, most especially since it is one that do offers so much opportunity for self-sustainability.
A brief overview of the historic significance of this city shows it began with The French settlers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, both whom at first instance created the town in the late 1600s, of which Prairie du Chien was incorporated into a city centuries later in in 1872.
Fun Things to do in Prairie du Chien
Basically, there should be no doubting the fact that there are present quite some fun things to do in Prairie du Chien, WI, one which is evident in the fact that it is a city with huge historical significance; and also do holds the bragging rights of having nine sites on the National Register of Historic Places and five National Historic Landmarks.
That aside, the city is also blessed and endowed with places of attractions, that are considered fascinating by tourists, with most of its attractions designated for Learning, relaxing, and having a fun time in this beautiful city.
Should you still be having doubt’s about visiting this wonderful city, below have been outlined for you, some of the top things to do and places to be at in Prairie du Chien, WI.
1. Visit The Dousman Hotel
The Dousman hotel is one of few historic landmarks in Prairie du Chien,NWisconsin, with an edifice of Mid-Victorian-styled three- story brick building, designed at first to house steamboat and railroad travelers passing through Wisconsin.
Having experienced some sorts of renovations in the early 21st century, this very accommodation facilities has now being transformed into an event center, one which do come with a restaurant as well.
What purpose does this attraction serve?
The Dousman hotel now serves as a premier event center of Souhwest Wisconsin, for mostly hosting wedding ceremonies.
Address: 230 N Water St, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, USA.
2. Tour the historic Villa Louis
Occupying a land mass of over 25 acres, the villa Louis is one situated and present on the beautiful banks of the mighty Mississippi River; a venue that do also best some sort of historic significance, having been the only place where the War of 1812 battle took place, is Villa Louis, taking a spot in the places of National Historic Landmark.
Touring this historic villa is also one of the top things to do in Prairie du Chien, WI, offering a panorama of Wisconsin history, one which was built in the 1840s by Hercules L. Dousman, a land sculptor, fur trader, and entrepreneur.
That aside, visitors are also welcomed to come explore its Victorian Italianate architecture of the Fur Trade Museum, Brisbois House, Roulette House, Preserve House, Stable, Blockhouse and more.
What do they offer
The historic Villa Louis do offer guided tours for some moment of exploration of its landmark’s beautiful gardens, lawns, and ponds.
Address: 521 North Villa Louis Road, Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin 53821, USA.
3. Visit the La Riviere Park
Situated On the Southern edge of Prairie du Chien, this place of attraction is inarguably the biggest city park of this very region measuring at a staggering length of over 300, one which also is blessed with abundance of wildlife.
Talking about being blessed with abundance of wildlife, the La Riviere park has got several habitats, of rasslands, remnant prairies, wildlife edge, and hardwood forests; few which do serves as campground at subsequent time.
Its habitats also do comes with hiking trails, biking trails, a toboggan slope, restrooms, picnic shelters, an archery range, a sledding hill, chimney swift towers, educational signages, a bird bath watering area and so forth.
Why you should visit
Here, visitors gets to enjoy its various adventures of mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, bird watching, berry and nut picking, nature viewing, horse riding, and so on.
Address: 62048 Vineyard Coulee Road, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, USA.
4. Explore the Mississippi River Sculpture Park
The Mississippi River Sculpture Park is the second oldest park in the whole of Wisconsin community; one very park dedicated to prompting as well as showing the prehistory and history of the region.
Unlike other parks you might have come to know about of which most of them are characterized by their fun and thrilling activities, the Mississippi river sculpture park is one of its kind which is void of play facilities; but dominated and surrounded around with life-sized bronze statues.
With each one of those statues taking about 6 to 8 months to create, and destined to last a lifetime.
Why you should visit
Here, you get to explore its collection of excellent sculptures that revolves around the regions historic significance.
Address: 419 5th St, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, USA.
5. Spend time on Saint Feriole Island
This Saint Feriole Island is one of the calm and quiet spaces of Prairie du Chien, measuring at a staggering length of 240 acres; surrounded and dominated with the presence of the Various habitats of grassland, beach, and floodplain forest.
Since it is situated in a calm and peaceful environ, its trail which leads away from the parking lot to a floodplain hardwood forest is the perfect spot to come for sightseeing of its various flight creatures of warblers, peregrine falcon and other migrant songbirds while taking a stroll, walking or perhaps biking.
Why you should visit
The Saint Feriole island also offers boat landings and picnic areas; should that be activities that interests you.
Address: 600 W Blackhawk Ave – Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821, USA.
6. Enjoy your Leisure Time Sportsbar & Bowl
Another place of attraction to enjoy your leisure time at the city of Prairie du Chien is the Sportsbar & bowl; just as its name insinuate, this is more like a sport arena with plenty of facilities of Bowling alley with ten lanes and automatic scoring for visitors of all age group to come enjoy the game of bowling.
Basically, the doors of this very sport arena are fully open to both amateur and professional players of this game; while for those who haven’t venture into the game of bowling before, they are presented with a lifetime opportunity to do so
Finally, since this very destination has also got a sports bar, there’s present as well a Banquet room with special services such as Friday Night Fish Fry, Daily Homemade Lunch Special, Drink Specials; for some amazing dining experience.
Why you should visit
The time sportsbar & bowl offers a blend of sports and entertainment experiences include live music performances on special weekends.
Address: 1618 South Marquette Road Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, USA.
7. Go golfing at the Barnyard 9 Golf Course
Golfing is an exciting sport adventures that captivates the interests of citizens in the whole of united states as a whole, an experience which you might just consider yourself to be part of at the Barnyard 9 Golf Course on the edge of the Mississippi River, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
The fun and thrills that comes with enjoying and being part of its 9-hole Golf Course spread across 1,900 yards of golf lawn surrounded by long tees is indeed a beautiful experience to behold.
What other adventure holds here
The Barnyard 9 Golf Course has also got a scenic view of captivating interest to visitors of which they do come over at for sight seeing.
Address: 32800 County Rd K Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, USA.
8. Enjoy the apple harvest of Shihata’s Orchard
The shihata orchard is one bustling with is a small region made up of an apple house retail store, a bakery barn, and a country fun park; one very place bustling with fun and recreation, of which visitors do make their way into to grab a bite of its already picked apples.
With over over 20,000 apple trees present within its vicinity producing a wide varieties of apples, there’s no better place to appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy the nourishment that comes from its harvest than the shihata orchard.
Finally, with its door widely open every day of the month of August down to that of October, this particular orchard is the perfect spot to come partake in the adventure of apple picking.
What do they offer
The Shihata orchard do offer apple varieties, unique jams, jellies, and apple butter, local cheese & sausages and fresh cider all for sale.
Address: 61543 Limery Road, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 53821, USA.
9. Enjoy the music festival of Prairie Dog Blues Fest
The music festival of Prairie Dog Blues Fest is one of huge historical significance as well, having been running concurrently for about 24 years. A festival to honor your presence with, should you be a lover of the Blue’s genres of music, with its day blues/rock music party held annually.
Right over at this festival, visitors gets to be entertained with the presence of 12 top regional and international blues bands in the whole of United States, with the most notable of these music bands of The Ghost Town Blues Band, The Steep water Band, Eddie Turner, Dirty Red & the Soul Shakers, Caleb Johnson, Mama’s worry, Joanna Connor, and many more.
Why you should visit
Here, visitors gets to be part of its festivity characterized by lots of delectable foods, beverages, and beers accompanied by the fun activities of volleyball and bean bag tournaments under an atmosphere of blues music.
Address: 100 Water Street, Prairie du Chien WI 53821, USA.
10. Visit the fish store of Valley Fish and Cheese
The Valley Fish and Cheese is a fish store in the city of Prairie Du Chien that is into the business venture to transporting aquatic creatures from their natural habitat of the river to the table of its customers, for them to enjoy the dining experience that comes from the consumption of seafoods.
Right over here at this fish store, you get to lay your hands on its various seafood commodities of hickory-smoked fish, fresh fish, pickled fish, shrimp, turtle, frog legs, chicken, catfish jerky, beef, alligator, and pork it has got to offer.
Finally, it also offer and dishes variety of its flavored cheese of Horseradish Cheddar and Beer Cheddar, to help complement satisfying your seafood craving.
What do they offer
Just as aforementioned, the valley fish and cheese store do offer hickory smoked fish, shrimp, and frog legs; alongside homemade bolognas and sausages; not forgetting its variety of Wisconsin cheeses as well
Address: 304 S. Prairie Street, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 53821, USA.
11. Visit the fast food restaurant of Dairy Queen Grill and Chill
The Dairy Queen Grill and Chill is one delightful restaurant in Prairie du chien that do serve as a fast food outlets of which both visitor’s and tourists of this region can come satisfy their appetizing urge with its ice cream alongside its signature shakes of classic burger & fries fast-food chain it has got to offer.
Also serving the purpose of a confectionery store, since the expertise of this very brand is based on the production of ice cream and cakes; making it as well a one time stop to come enjoy its sweet treats of food, and drinks.
Finally, it has also got a confection menu for kids of which they get food and drinks delectable.
What do they offer
The Dairy queen grill and chill meal menu are made up of homestyle burgers, mushroom & swiss, flamethrower sandwich, Chicken Strip baskets, grilled chicken sandwich and more.
Address: 1212 S Marquette Prairie du Chien WI 53821, USA.
12. Enjoy the fresh delicacies of Fort Mulligan’s Grill Pub
The Fort Milligan’s Grill Pub is one of historic significance as well, having been built in the year 1855 and has remain in existence ever since then; a place which visitors can come over at to come explore its several historical features of its building edifice, most especially its exposed limestone walls, tin ceiling, and a window with a steel shutter behind the pub.
Since the Fort Mulligan grill pub actually happens to be a French store, here both visitors and tourists alike gets to enjoy the vast number of French delicacies on its ever appetizing and delicious meal menu.
Finally, it is also the ideal location for a perfect date night, family hangouts and gatherings.
What do they offer
The Fort Mulligan’s Grill Pub has got its meal menus made up of tasty Salads, Seafood, Cajun foods, Sandwiches, Pasta, Fajitas, Steaks, and appetizers; all to complement its perfect dining experience.
Address: 214 West Blackhawk Ave, Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin 53821, USA.
13. Take part in the festival of Prairie Villa Rendezvous
Making yourself available for the festival of Prairie Villa Rendezvous also makes our list of one of the fun things to do in Prairie du Chien, WI, of which you get to be part of its recreated scenes as far back as the 1840s when it was acclaimed to be the center of fur trading.
Held annually, you might just be lucky to be visiting the city of Prairie du chien at the very time interval of which this event is held, one which is characterized by old bow shoot, black powder shoot, primitive cooking contest, and more.
Finally, the festival is dominated by vendors offering well favored meal for sale, one of which you can catch its wonderful aroma as it is being prepared across campfires.
What should one expect
Here, visitors gets to enjoy its contest in primitive bow shoot, black powder, knife & hawk, and flint & steel competitions at no charge.
Address: 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, USA.
14. Enjoy shopping for collectibles at Mac’s Stuff
In a city dominated by the presence of gift shops designated for picking up collectible items of personal interest, the retail store of Mac’s stuff is one of few very such places to check out in Prairie du Chien and its neighboring regions.
This particular gift and collectibles shops is one of immerse value and loved by visitors who had one point or the other might have visited its stores. With most of its items coming at a much more affordable rate when placed in comparison with that of other gift shops, there’s is little or nothing to debate about as to why you shouldn’t buy your gift items here.
What do they offer
The Mac’s stuff gift shop do offer for sale gift items of Star Wars collectibles, movies, crystal glass, jewelry, raging jackets, toys, blue glass and so on
Address: 37434 US Highway 18, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821-8411, USA.
15. Enjoy the adventures of Prairie Fun Land
The Prairie Fun Land is an amusement park and family entertainment center in southwestern Wisconsin, an ideal location to enjoy hanging out in the company of family and close relatives, more specifically kids who are guaranteed to surely enjoy their stay at this very venue.
Talking about the importance of this very venue as it concerns family hangouts and gatherings, the Prairie fun land has got a perfect setting to host parties and outings, most especially during the weekends.
What do they offer
The Prairie fun land do offer facilities of 18-hole golf course, jump shot basketball, bumper cars, water wars, a Go-Kart track, arcade, driving range and so forth; meaning there is no running out of options of fun activities to engage yourself with.
Address: 515 East Paquette Street, Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin 53821, USA.
16. Enjoy Burgers at the Pete’s Hamburger Stand
Another place of attractions of huge historical significance in Prairie du Chien is the Pete’s Hamburger Stand, one which has been in existence for over a century now, having commenced its operation as far back as the year 1908.
What better food item to chew and have a bite of during your summer holidays than that being offered by Pete’s hamburger stand, off its technique of cooking onions and burgers in water at low heat, with its hamburger end product mostly found in street fairs, auctions, and carnivals.
What do they offer
The Pete’s hamburger stand do offer original and quality burgers, alongside some other chips and drinks.
Address: 118 West Blackhawk Avenue, Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin 53821, USA.
17. Enjoy the lunches and dinners at Winneshiek Bar and Grill
Looking for a place to enjoy top notch dining experience in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, then paying a visit to the Winneshiek Bar and Grill should come top of your priority list since you get to enjoy Lunch & dinner in its great rustic atmosphere.
The Winneshiek Bar and Grill according to those who had in previous time visited do offer outstanding meal menu complemented by a ever tasteful glass of beer according to visitors special request; with few of them being nachos, burgers, cheese curds, wings, sandwiches, and onion rings.
Finally, it has also got a picturesque environment of which visitors can come for sight seeing of its great view of the Upper Mississippi River backwaters.
What else do they offer
The Winneshiek Bar and Grill has also got a designated kid’s menu of hamburgers, Chicken strips, Grilled cheese, fries, and a small drink.
Address: 32785 County Road K, Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin 53821, USA.
Also, Read 20 Fun Things To Do In Downtown Orlando on Your Next Visit
18. Stop by at the Planted Tree Gallery & Gifts
This Prairie du Chien local artisan of the planted tree gallery & gifts just as the name insinuate is a gift shop. Unlike Every other gift shops of which visitors get to pick up collectible items for their loved ones, here they get to shop for Local arts piece from the crafts of its over 40 local artists.
Fully functional and operational from the month of May all through to December, this Venue is a one time stop for all things hand-crafted gifts and vintage items in their different forms of photography, original fine folk art and fiber art.
Why you should visit
The Planted Tree Gallery & Gifts store is a super artisan gallery to pick up local art items to gift your loved ones.
Address: 109 W Blackhawk Ave, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, USA.
19. Shop for collectibles at The Market at Blackhawk
The Market at Blackhawk is one designed to serve an entirely different purpose since it is a gift shop in Prairie Du Chien, where both visitors and tourists alike can walk in to shop for collectibles of unique gift items.
According to the reviews of visitors who had previously visited, there’s an assurance you’ll get to find a suitable gift package for any of their family members and friends; perhaps a boss at work, a partner, or a spouse as well.
Finally, there’s also a retail outlet right within this very market designed for baby item and commodities in their different forms of shower gift, baby sweaters, kids’ hats, and baby clothes.
What other items do they offer
The Market at Blackhawk do also offer nonperishable food items in different forms of meat, cheese & baked goods.
Address: 109 E Blackhawk Ave, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821-1528 , United States.
20. Enjoy the guided tours of Mississippi Explorer Cruises
Joining the guided tours of Mississippi Explorer Cruises comes with another memorable experience to be part of in Prairie du Chien, one which has got to do with enjoying boat cruises all throughout your stay in the city.
Here is what this experience is about; visitors get to enjoy a fully-guided riverboat cruise on the backwaters of the Mississippi River’s Wildlife refuge, as they keep moving from place to place of other riverine areas of beaver lodges, eagle nests, turtle logs, water lilies, and blooming lotus.
Finally, on this very boat cruise as well, you also get to be part of the learning process of the historic significance of its rivers, wildlife, and barges.
What do they offer
The Mississippi Explorer Cruises offers guided boat tours featuring live music and storytelling.
Address: Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, should you bear in mind or have got Intentions of embarking on an holiday trip to Prairie Du Chien, this article is designed to guide you on the top things to do in this very small city, one which has got a lot to offer tourists.
Right over here, visitors are guaranteed on an excellent vacation experience with a whole list of activities that should interest you, ensuring you of a memorable stay in the city.
