15 Best Things to do in Prairie du Chien (WI)

Prairie du Chien serves as the county seat of Crawford County in Wisconsin, USA. Prairie du Chien is frequently referred to as “Wisconsin’s second-oldest city” and was founded as a European town by French explorers in the late seventeenth century. 

Musicians, journalists, actors, writers, media workers, scholars, and other professionals reside in Prairie du Chien. This town is home to natural and artificial tourist attractions, including parks, grand theaters, art galleries, museums, restaurants, and unique shops.

You will discover lots of fun things to do in Prairie du Chien. It is a great place to explore because it has many attractions that showcase the region’s rich and significant history. You will enjoy learning, unwinding, and having fun in this stunning city.

Here is a guide to the 15 Best Things to do in Prairie Du Chien

1. Visit Shihata’s Orchard

You should visit the charming Shihata’s Orchard, a family-run orchard in the center of the Mississippi River Valley’s enticing bluffs. This Orchard boasts a pumpkin patch that comes to life in the fall. It has a 50-year history of assisting numerous families in establishing heirloom family traditions. 

Shihata’s Orchard is the ideal place for apple picking because the season begins in early August and lasts through the fall. The Orchard offers wonderful specialty things, including cider, cheeses, jams, honey, pickled foods, and apple harvesting. 

Apple picking at Shihata’s Orchard is one of the best things to do in Prairie du Chien. Shihata’s Orchard will provide you with a unique family experience. It is a great place to bring your family and enjoy the Orchard.

Address: Lemery Road, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, United States.

2. Pay a visit to Villa Louis

The Villa Louis is a National Historic Landmark in Prairie du Chien managed by the Wisconsin Historical Society as a historical museum. In the 19th century, it belonged to the illustrious H. Louis Dousman’s family.

Villa Louis is a magnificent mansion with a rich past. It has been restored and preserved incredibly well using original pieces from the Dousman family. You can take a tour led by guides around the mansion’s rooms for a few hours. Many rooms have been decorated to look like old photographs, and the entire setting transports you back in time. 

In addition to the buildings, you can stroll with your lover through the landmark’s lovely gardens, meadows, and ponds which is a beautiful sight to behold. Touring Villa Louis is unquestionably worthwhile, and it is one of the best things to do in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

Address: Villa Louis Road, in St. Feriole Island Park, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

3. Learn about the history of Prairie du Chien at Fort Crawford Museum

In the nineteenth century, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, was home to the American Army outpost known as Fort Crawford. Fort Crawford was the name of the forts that the army used during its occupation of Prairie du Chien. The first was inhabited between 1816 and 1832, and the second between 1832 and 1856.

From May through October, the Fort Crawford Museum is accessible and self-guided tours take one to two hours. Additionally, you can schedule a group tour by appointment at any time of the year.

Fort Crawford Museum has a fascinating history from settlers’ time to the current account. It is an excellent place to take your family to learn about the history of Prairie du Chien.

Address: 717 Beaumont Road, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States.

Click here to learn more

4. Shop at The Planted Tree

The Planted Tree is in the heart of downtown Prairie du Chien. It is owned and operated by Teresa Champion. The Planted Tree is more than just a gift shop. It is a place for local artisans to showcase their talents and wares. 

The Planted Tree is a perfect place to shop for unique items and presents. It is one of the best gift stores to be. When you step inside, you’ll discover a variety of locally produced crafts and artwork. Browse everything from original artwork and prints to pottery, fiber arts, metalwork, leatherwork, wood, and jewelry. 

It is the most fantastic modest store with one-of-a-kind presents for every taste and budget. Shopping at the Planted Tree is one of the best things to do in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

Address: Blackhawk Avenue, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, United States.

5. Have fun at St. Feriole Island Park

This Park is the busiest in the neighborhood. It is home to several attractions. The Park contains the Fourth Ward area, the Villa Louis, the Dousman House, the Dousman Hotel, the Depot, the St. Feriole Island BallPark, and the President Trees. 

St. Feriole Island Park is spacious and hosts various yearly events, such as the Prairie Dog Blues Fest, Villa Louis Carriage Classic, Mud Run, and many others.

The Park is ideal for walking and biking, and it has five reservable picnic tables and shelters in case of rain. At the shelter, you can relax with your family and friends and get a lovely view of the river. It is also an excellent spot to watch ducks and eagles in the season.

Address: 4th St, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States

You can check out:

• 15 Best Things to do in Brooksville (FL)
• 17 Best Things to do in Spring (TX)
• 18 Best Things to do in Heber Springs (AR)

6. Grab a Beer at Jim’s bar

Jim’s bar is a friendly, family-owned business that has been running for a few years. It has a super friendly atmosphere but isn’t conducive for children. You can grab a beer at Jim’s bar and relax with your friends.

The only food you can get at Jim’s bar is frozen pizza and some snacks hanging from the ceiling (chips, pretzels, and nuts). They have very friendly bartenders that are always ready to assist you with your order. You can also enjoy one of their unique brews while watching a football match. 

Grabbing a beer at Jim’s bar is one of the best things to do in Prairie du Chien. It is open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Address: 201 Blackhawk Avenue, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States.

7. Shop at The Cannery Home Decor and Gifts

The Cannery is a specialty shop in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin’s second-oldest city. It is located in a gorgeous 30,000-square-foot brick building that was first constructed in 1912. 

This shop, always loaded with fantastic bargains, is ideal for shoppers looking for deals and unusually difficult-to-find things. The Cannery is like a treasure trove of great deals. Still, it’s also where you’ll find delicious gourmet delicacies that are hard to get in conventional stores.

The Cannery has everything you could want for home furnishings, original gifts, magnificent antiques, or collectibles. 

Address: 300N Marquette Road, Prairie du Chien, WI.

8. Have fun at Prairie Fun Land

Prairie Fun Land is situated in the beautiful Driftless region of Western Wisconsin. It was founded in 2006 to provide Prairie du Chien residents and visitors with something special. Due to all the great family activities offered, Prairie Fun Land is also known as Family Fun Land.

Prairie Fun Land is conducive for both adults and children. 18-hole mini-golf course, arcade, bumper boats, trampoline jump shot, bounce house, driving range, video arcade, snack bar, and many other fantastic activities are available at Prairie fun land. The enormous Go-Kart track will entertain everyone. 

The vibrant, energetic environment of Prairie Fun Land makes it ideal for your group outings and celebrations. One of the best things to do in Prairie du Chien is visiting Prairie Fun Land. 

Address: 515 E Paquette Street, Prairie du Chien, WI.

9. Dine at The Twilight Lounge

Twilight Lounge is a terrific place to relax and eat. They have an original build-your-own-burger, ice cream, and milkshake menu at their unique American interactive food restaurant. 

They make their deep-fried chips by hand and use fresh, local ingredients. They also make homemade puddings, freshly made milkshakes, and their special fried chicken recipe. They provide cuisine challenges and half-and-half combos so that you may get the best of both worlds and much more. 

It is a fabulous place to quench your appetite for delicious foods. You can come to unwind in the vintage-inspired bar and lounge, which is one of the best things to do in Prairie du Chien.

Address: 205 N Michigan Street, Prairie Du Chien, WI.

10. Shop at Mac’s Stuff

The premier gift and collectibles store serving Prairie du Chen, McGregor, Marquette, and nearby areas is Mac’s Stuff in Prairie du Chien. At Mac’s Stuff, you’ll find weighty products, including race vehicles, crystal glass, racing jackets, blue glass, Star Wars memorabilia, movies, jewelry, and toys. 

It would be best to visit Mac’s Stuff in Prairie du Chien for all your resale, gift shop, and collectible necessities. When you visit Macs, you will undoubtedly discover something you can afford because everything is offered at a fair price. 

Merchandise is available for every event, including picnics, weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. Do not be reluctant to visit Prairie du Chien Mac’s Stuff if you enjoy shopping or are looking to purchase a gift for someone special.

It is open on Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Address: U.S. Highway 18, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States. 

11. Visit Fur Trade Museum

Fur Trade Museum is a small self-guided Museum with artifacts and information about the North American fur trade and other aspects of the frontier in early American history.

It also has some fantastic outdoor exhibits, and there is much to see at this excellently organized, charming little museum. It is ideal for little kids because it presents western history in an exciting and informative way.

At the museum, used books on various subjects are sold, and a wide variety of literature about the history of fur trading is available in the gift store. Museum of the Fur Trade is open: Sun-Sat 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Address: 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI

Also, check out:

• 15 Best Things to do in Redlands (CA)
• 15 Best Things to do in Odessa (TX)
• 15 Best Things to do in White Plains (NY)

12. Visit Mississippi River Sculpture Park

Prairie du Chien’s Mississippi River Sculpture Park was established in 2005. It is a park where you can find life-size bronze sculptures depicting Chief Black Hawk, Emma Big Bear, a Victorian woman, and Dr. William Beaumont and his son. Each statue honors a figure connected to Prairie Du Chien’s past.

You can visit Mississippi River Sculpture Park for free, but note that there are no play areas in this sculpture park. Instead, the Park is full of extraordinary bronze statues; because they are handmade, no two figures are alike. One bronze statue is made to endure a lifetime and takes the artisan roughly 6 to 8 months to complete. 

One of the best things to do in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, is a visit to this Mississippi River Sculpture Park, where you marvel at beautiful sculptures made by people.

Address: St. Feriole Island, close to the Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien. 

13. Tickle your taste buds at Pete’s Hamburger Stand, Prairie Du Chien

At the turn of the 20th century, a man started selling pan-fried hamburgers at street fairs, carnivals, and auctions, which is how Pete’s Hamburger Stand began. With his well-known method of boiling the burgers and onions in water, he could cook numerous burgers at once and keep them hot. 

In the 1940s, Pete’s Hamburger Stand relocated to a trailer before settling on Blackhawk Avenue. Pete’s is still run by the original owner’s family, and the simmering hamburger recipe hasn’t changed. It still maintains its extraordinary quality.

The incredible hamburgers served here are not to be missed. Having a taste of this delicious Hamburger is undoubtedly worth it. Along with burgers, Pete’s also offers drinks and chips. So, stop by while you’re at Prairie du Chien. 

Address: 118 W Blackhawk Ave, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States. 

14. Have fun at La Riviere Park

This Park is the busiest in the neighborhood. It is home to several attractions. The Park contains the Fourth Ward area, the Villa Louis, the Dousman House, the Dousman Hotel, the Depot, the St. Feriole Island BallPark, and the President Trees.

More than 50 miles of horse trails and connecting rails are available. So, among many other activities, you can go horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, bird watching, nut gathering, and more.

Camping at La Riviere Park is one of the best things to do in Prairie du Chien. The Park also has pit toilets, running water, and electricity in some areas of the Park. The restrooms and many sites are accessible to those with disabilities.

Address: 62036 Vineyard Road, Prairie du Chien, United States.

15. Relax at Leisure Time Sports Bar & Bowl

If you’ve ever played bowling, this might be your chance. Leisure Time Sports Bar & Bowl is a lively, active location in Prairie du Chien for children and adults. You can take advantage of many attractions at Leisure Time Sports Bar & Bowl. Ten-lane bowling alley with automatic scoring is available at Leisure Time. 

Delicious food is served at the Sportsbar and Grill at Leisure Time. Teenagers can enjoy the video arcades, and there are bumpers for little ones. There is also a banquet room with specific services at the location. 

On some weekends, live music concerts are also held at the Sportsbar. Leisure Time Sports Bar & Bowl is a great place to grab a bite to eat, shoot some pool, and listen to music.

Address: South Marquette Road, Prairie du Chien, WI, USA. 

Plan a Trip to  Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

It isn’t easy to pick a favorite attraction in a city as lovely and gorgeous as Prairie du Chien. Outdoor activities, historical places, studying arts, cultural festivals, and many other opportunities are available to visitors in Prairie du Chien.

The city is never short of intriguing activities that teach you about history and culture while also allowing you to appreciate nature. Make the trip there today a priority.

Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.