Prairie du Chien, the oldest Euro-American settlement established on the Upper Mississippi River, was a rendezvous point for early commerce and trade. The rich history of this second oldest town in Wisconsin is the focus of the PdC Main Street volunteers as they work to re-establish downtown as the social and economic heart of the community and promote the Downtown District.
Nestled between bluffs and the Mississippi River, the Downtown District is a shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment destination for sightseers, recreationalists and regional residents. The 20-block district begins on the west side at St. Feriole Island, running straight east to Blackhawk Junction and includes businesses one block north and south of Blackhawk Avenue. Architecture in the District reflects the history and dates back to the 1840s with many buildings restored to their unique charm and character. Local businesses include professional services, restaurants, bars, a bakery, specialty retail shops and public services.
Ten years ago, PdC was designated a Wisconsin Main Street community which has helped spur downtown revitalization. Improvements include new streetscapes, period streetlights, benches and planters and landscaped flower beds. There are many locations to host street music, family movie night or art festivals and seasonal farmer markets. Throughout the year, the downtown shopping district hosts several unique events for tourists and locals to enjoy – including PdC Palette featuring Zen Doodle and art events that involve an evening of painting and sipping at local dining establishments.
Downtown is the social and economic heart of our city and it reflects how our community sees itself. The Prairie du Chien Main Street program will champion the historic preservation of downtown to create a unique and aesthetically rich environment that is a lively and friendly destination for both consumers and businesses.
Prairie du Chien had its beginnings on this island. It was the first location of Fort Crawford, which was involved in the War of 1812, and is the home of the historic Villa Louis mansion, the origin of which goes back to Joseph “King” Rolette and Hercules Dousman, who made fortunes in fur trading and land dealings. The mansion already had some “natural” flood protection since it had been built on a large Indian mound. Through the years a variety of industrial and
commercial operations developed on the island. The four-story Dousman Hotel thrived in the heydays of the railroad and served a variety of other uses, including a stint as an Oscar Mayer packing plant in the 1930s and 1940s. The building is now classified as a historic structure and is being restored.
The site of the Battle of Prairie du Chien during the War of 1812 and of the First Fort Crawford where three important Indian treaties were signed. Home of the Villa Louis Historic Site. Ideal for walking and biking, watching ducks and eagles, boat landings, and picnic areas.
Engineers spent $500,000 to relocate the residents after the record Flood of 1965. Today St. Feriole Island hosts several major annual attractions and many small family outings. The third week in June is when the Prairie Villa Rendezvous is held. In July the Chamber of Commerce Fireworks, War of 1812, and the Prairie Dog Blues Fest draws crowds. The Carriage Classic brings an elegant equestrian style to the island in September.
Hoffman Hall Recreation Center is a 42,000 sq. ft. the facility built in 1962 as part of Campion High School Campus and it is named after the legendary Coach William Hoffman. In November of 2012 with the financial help of many community-minded individuals, organizations, businesses and the City of Prairie du Chien, it saw a $1.89 million dollar Phase 1 renovation. Because of these upgrades, the Parks and Recreation Department is able to provide a variety of program offerings and special events for all ages and ability levels at a quality facility.