Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is a small city situated on the Mississippi River in the southwest corner of the state. The city is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers which flow together just south of the city. Four hundred foot tall, wooded bluffs rise along each side of the Mississippi. Enjoy the wonderful drives and views and also take in some very interesting attractions. Here are some of the best attractions that this gem of a city has to offer:
Wyalusing State Park: located 10 miles south of Prairie du Chien, this is one of Wisconsin’s largest state parks. It includes more than 2600 acres of valley and bluff land that borders both great rivers. There are more than 100 campsites, 22 miles of hiking trails, canoe and kayak rentals.
Effigy Mounds National Monument: Operated by the National Park Service, Effigy Mounds lies just across the Mississippi River and five miles north. It offers 2500 acres of land, splendid bluff top hiking trails, and a rich Native American history. More than 200 burial mounds have been identified here and the visitor center contains museum exhibits and a wonderful video detailing the history of the area’s earliest inhabitants. A unique boardwalk takes you almost one mile through backwaters of the Yellow River that flows through the park on its way to the Mississippi.
Villa Louis: Prairie du Chien is Wisconsin’s second oldest city, founded in the 1600′s by Joliet and Marquette at the end of their pathfinding travels from Hudson Bay to the Mississippi River. The Villa Louis was home to Wisconsin’s first millionaire family, the Dousmans. Now owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society this house is beautifully restored and excellent educational tours are offered. Many great events happen throughout the year on the grounds of this estate.
Fort Crawford Museum: This National Historic Landmark sits on the site of the second fort built at Prairie du Chien. Fort Crawford guarded America’s western frontier beginning in the 1700′s. A minor battle in the War of 1812 was fought there and is commemorated yet today.
To the above you must add Mississippi River cruises, orchards, cave tours, a marina, a Mississippi River lock and dam, a winery, a micro brewery, good lodging and dining options, and interesting shopping. This part of Wisconsin is definitely worth a few days of exploration.
Tags: Effigy Mounds National Monument, Fort Crawford Museum, mississippi river, Prairie du Chien, Villa Louis, Wisconsin day trips, Wyalusing State Park
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