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Experience Villa Louis in a new, spine-tingling way! Victorians were fascinated by death and finding ways to connect with their former friends and loved ones through the "Great Beyond." Explore this paranormal proclivity in the beautiful spaces of our National Historic Landmark mansion with Black Point Estate and Gardens site director Dave Desimone. While there, you’ll enjoy a tasty cordial and hear tales of the Fox sisters, who are credited with the creation of the spiritualist movement in America. You’ll also learn about Whitewater's Morris Pratt Institute, the country's first spiritualist school. More than an occult parlor game, spiritualism was heralded as “a new religion” meant to channel the voices of the dead, linking the present with the past to help followers scry new—and sometimes supernatural—futures. Climb the stairs to the attic and experience a night of food, drinks and a special look at the spiritualist artifacts and curios once owned by the Dousman family.
$75 per person
Advance registration required. Guests must be 21+.
Society members receive a 10% discount. Please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
About the Location
Villa Louis served as a comfortable and stylish country estate for three generations of the Dousman family—a family that built its fortune from early American frontier opportunities such as land and transportation investments. Hercules L. Dousman began development of the site during the 1840s on the banks of the Mississippi River in Prairie du Chien. The property has since expanded into a 25-acre complex complete with historic structures and archaeological remains that reference the early history of the site. Upon the death of Hercules in 1868, widow Jane Dousman and son H. Louis Dousman contracted Milwaukee architect E. Townsend Mix to build the stately mansion that now rests at the heart of the property. In addition to the new residence, H. Louis expanded the site to include a farm for breeding and racing horses. After Louis’ death, Nina Dousman raised their children at Villa Louis, and the property remained under family ownership until it was given to the City of Prairie du Chien in 1935. In 1950, Villa Louis became property of the Wisconsin Historical Society, and opened to the public in 1952.
Prior to Dousman ownership, Indigenous natives lived on the Villa Louis grounds over 2000 years ago. For centuries, Native Nations of the upper Mississippi gathered upon the island to trade among themselves until the fur trade brought French-speaking traders in contact with Indigenous tribesmen and women. The trade also attracted free Black settlers to Prairie du Chien. Additionally, officers and agents of the United States brought enslaved men and women to the prairie, some of whom lived at Fort Crawford and other structures that once stood on land that is now part of Villa Louis State Historic Site. Research and restorations continue to fully expand the story of these early residents and events.
Villa Louis Historic Site
(PO Box 65)
521 Villa Louis Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821-0065
Know Before You Go & Accessibility
Check in at Villa Louis Visitor Center at least 15 minutes before event. Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact Villa Louis directly at 608-326-2721 or [email protected].
The museum store is open daily during business hours.
Guests may exit and return throughout the day to explore the grounds.
Water is the only outside food/beverage allowed. Beverages are available for purchase.
Restrooms and water fountains are available on site.
The site will remain open rain or shine.
Guests are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and to dress for the weather.
No pets are allowed. Service animals are permitted.
ADA access is available in the first floor of the mansion, restrooms, and the fur trade building.
Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible.
Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 608-326-2721 or [email protected].
Contact
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or [email protected].
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53821
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