Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

The Prairie du Chien area offers a variety of attractions, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities for every visitor to enjoy in this Mississippi River region. Enjoy cruises on the Mississippi River or canoeing down the Wisconsin River, fishing on the river or at an area trout stream. Prairie du Chien's history dates back to the late 1600s. Fascinating history tours are available at the Villa Louis State Historic Site, Fort Crawford Museum, and Effigy Mounds National Monument. Birding and hiking at area parks is a must for every nature lover. Breath-taking views of the Mississippi River from the towering bluffs is a site every visitor enjoys. Also check the listing of area events on the CALENDAR OF EVENTS page of the web site.

BOATING & FISHING

Boatels Houseboat Rentals
103 Main, McGregor, IA
563-873-3718, 800-747-2628
Houseboats, pontoon boats, & fishing boats.

Captain's Cove Canoe & Kayak Rental
Hwy. 18 S
5 minutes from Prairie du Chien, WI
608-994-2860
Enjoy a relaxing canoe or kayak trip on the beautiful Wisconsin River from a couple hours to a couple days. Bait, tackle, ice, pop, beer and propane available.

Cassville Car Ferry
100 W. Amelia, Cassville, WI
608-725-5855, 877-891-8298
Fun way to cross the Mississippi River! Ferry runs Wednesday thru Sunday, Memorial Day to Labor Day. For the months of May, September and October the ferry runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday only (river conditions permitting). Hours of operation 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Great River Steamboat Co.
227 Main Street, La Crosse, WI
608-784-4882, 800-815-1005
Home of the Julia Belle Swain. Variety of cruises offered. The Julia Belle Swain is one of only 5 authentic steam-powered passenger vessels still in operation on the Mississippi River. Day trips from La Crosse to Prairie du Chien are available throughout their season. Advance registration required.

Hubbard's Fishing Float
Hwy. 35 N
Float is located just below Lock & Dam #9, 10 minutes north of Prairie du Chien, WI
608-732-1084 or 608-874-4707
The fishing float offers great fishing in a prime spot for those who do not have a boat. The float has an adjoining restaurant. Fishing tackle is available. Call for questions or reservations, reservations are not required. Special rates for groups.

Isle of Capri Marquette's Marina
Hwy 18 W, Marquette, IA.
800-496-8238
Gas & diesel, pumpout station, private slips also available. Shower facility, beer, pop & snacks, free shuttle to area attractions.

Maiden Voyage Tours
2335 Andy Mt. Lane, Harpers Ferry, IA
563-586-2123 or 563-880-8970
Experience the Mississippi River through an educational river tour on the history of commercial fishing and clamming. 49-passenger tour boat, unique hands-on experience. Available for sightseeing and group charter cruises.

Mississippi Explorer Cruises
Docking site - St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, WI
563-586-4444
The ultimate experience for "River Explorers" of all ages! Sit back, relax and enjoy the splendor of the Mississippi River ecosystem as your knowledgeable US Coast Guard licensed Captain safely navigates through the meandering channels and endless backwaters. Magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife, waterfowl and bald eagles welcome you around every bend. Our uniquely designed vessels offer passengers protection from the rain, cold, heat and inclement weather and a restroom. Our 64-passenger boat is a perfect choice for special group charter events! Bring your binoculars and camera!! Weekly cruises on Saturday at 2 p.m. - Memorial Day through Labor Day, board from St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien. "Music on the River" and other specialty cruises also available throughout the summer - see "Calendar of the Event" on this web site for listing.

S & S Houseboat Rentals, Inc.
990 S Front St, Lansing IA
800-728-0131
Houseboats, pontoon boats, fishing boat & motor rental, and full marina.

Winneshiek Marina and Bar
Three miles N on County K, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-2888 (open seasonal)
Gas, pumping, overnight & seasonal docking, bait shop, food & bar, restrooms, showers, marine radio.

Willy & Nellie's Place
St. Feriole Island, 400 W Blackhawk Ave, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-8602
Canoes, fishing boats, paddle boats, pontoons, bikes, fresh bait & fishing information, 18 hole mini golf course, The Root Beer Stand, Lucky's Bait Shop, open spring to fall.

Prairie du Chien Boat Landings

Cedar Street Landing
St. Feriole Slough Landing
Prairie du Chien Marina
Villa Louis Landing
Lawler Park
Campion Landing

Many of these boat landings are marked on the city map which is located on the Maps & Weather page of this web site.

Upper Mississippi River Navigation Charts
River maps available for download from the Rock Island District U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. River maps for the Prairie du Chien area are:
River Map #36 Prairie du Chien and North
River Map # 37 Prairie du Chien and South

Boat Launch Fees & Fishing Licenses

Boat Launch Passes
The City of Prairie du Chien has enacted boat launch fees for all boat launching areas in the City. Boat launch passes can be purchased at:

City Hall, 214 E. Blackhawk Ave., Prairie du Chien, 608-326-6406
City Police Station, 224 N. Beaumont Rd., Prairie du Chien
Holiday Station Store, 230 S. Marquette Rd., Prairie du Chien
Cabela's Retail Store, 501 E. Cliffhaven Rd., Prairie du Chien
Dick's Piggly Wiggly Supermarket, Riverside Square, Prairie du Chien

Fishing Licenses

Cabela's Retail Store, 501 E. Cliffhaven Rd., Prairie du Chien
Wal-mart Supercenter, 38020 Hwy 18 S., Prairie du Chien
Holiday Station Store, 230 S. Marquette Rd., Prairie du Chien
Crawford County Clerk's office, 220 N. Beaumont Rd., Prairie du Chien

Wisconsin Fishing Information
For fishing regulations and guide contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

CASINO

Isle of Capri Casino Marina & Hotel
Hwy 18 W, Marquette, IA
800-4-YOU-BET
Over 750 slots, table games; regional and headline entertainment in the Pink Elephant Showroom, Calypso's Buffet's all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch and dinner; 25 room hotel overlooking the Mississippi; open 7 days a week.

GOLF

Barnyard 9
Three miles north on County K, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-4941
32 par golf course, open to public, rentals for golf clubs & carts.

Prairie Fun Land
La Pointe St., Prairie du Chien, WI
(Hwy 18 to Culver's intersection, west on La Pointe St.)
608-326-0888
Open Seasonally. Go-karts, bumper cars, 18 hole miniature golf, video arcade, refreshments, driving range. Summer hours 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.

Prairie du Chien Country Club
Hwy 18/35 S, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-6707
18 hole scenic golf course open to the public, par 71, power carts, full service bar & grill.

Prairie Motel Miniature Golf
Hwy 18/35 S, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-6461
18 hole mini golf course open to the public, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. during the summer.

Willy & Nellie's Place
St. Feriole Island
400 W Blackhawk Ave, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-8602
Canoes, fishing boats, paddle boats, pontoons, bikes, fresh bait & fishing information, 18 hole mini golf course, The Root Beer Stand, Lucky's Bait Shop, open spring to fall.

PARKS

The Prairie du Chien area includes an abundance of unique parks offering something delightful for almost any outdoor enthusiast during all four seasons. Scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River, birding, hiking trail, historic information and more can be found at many of these parks.

Effigy Mounds National Monument
3 miles N of Marquette, IA off Highway 76, Harpers Ferry, IA
563-873-3491

The monument is open year-round. It was established to preserve outstanding examples of a prehistoric American Indian mound building culture that regularly constructed mounds in the shape of mammals, birds, or reptiles. The monument contains 2,526 acres with 206 mounds of which 31 are effigies. The visitor center contains museum exhibits, a video presentation, and book sales outlet. Visitors may look at the mounds, spectacular views from bluffs along the Mississippi River and experience more than 100 acres of prairie by walking along 14 miles of hiking trails. Three conical mounds are accessible to disabled visitors via a boardwalk trail. In the summer months ranger led programs are available. Special summer and evening hikes - call the park after June 1 for specific information. Admission charged. A winter film festival is held January through March with films shown each Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

La Riviere Park
62036 Vineyard Coulee Road, SE of Prairie du Chien, WI

A 300 acre city park managed for it's natural beauty and wildlife. The park is a mix of hardwood forest, grasslands, and native prairie. Provides 6 miles of hiking trails, nature viewing, bird watching, cross-country skiing, 50+ miles of horse trails (miles include links to other trails), archery area, picnic area, shelter house, and free primitive and horse camping. Water and electrical hookups available in horse camp on first come first serve basis. No reservations taken. For horse trail conditions call Ivan Hoffland at 608-326-0005.

Lawler Park
West on Blackhawk Ave., downtown Prairie du Chien

The recently improved riverfront park on St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien is the city’s Grand Excursion 2004 Legacy Project. It features the Walk of History detailing earliest periods of Wisconsin’s Second Oldest Community. Named for John Lawler, builder of the pontoon bridge and the city’s greatest philanthropist. Has excellent facilities for family picnics. Boat landing and public restrooms.

Mount Hosmer

A 25-acre, wooded, city park atop a majestic bluff overlooking the Mississippi River at Lansing, Iowa. Spectacular views of the river and its backwaters as well as vistas of three states seen from two overlooks. The Lansing bridge, 30 miles north of the Marquette-Jolliet Bridge in Prairie du Chien is the northern gateway to Crawford County.

Nelson Dewey State Park
Located across from Stonefield Village in Cassville, WI
Park Info 608-725-5374, Camping Reservations 888-947-2757

Part of the original estate of Wisconsin's first governor, Nelson Dewey. Features a panoramic overlook of the Mississippi. Indian mounds, camping, hiking, picnicking, playground, bird and wildlife observation area. Weekend and holiday tours of the home and grounds. Admission charge.

Pikes Peak State Park
McGregor, IA
563-873-2341

One of Iowa's most beautiful state parks. Popular recently constructed scenic overlook. A favorite spot of photographers who take majestic shots of two great rivers in any season or weather. Also contains campsites, picnic grounds, waterfall, hiking and nature trails. Named for Lt. Zebulon Pike, army surveyor of the Mississippi River in 1805 who suggested a fort be built on this site.

St. Feriole Island
Two approaches to the island, at Blackhawk Ave entrance and at Washington Street, Prairie du Chien, WI

Area of earliest settlement and activity in Prairie du Chien. 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. 4th Ward residential neighborhood until it was relocated following the record flood of 1965. Home of the Villa Louis, the Dousman family estate built on the site of Fort Crawford. Contains Lawler Park on the riverfront and the Mississippi River Sculpture Park. Home of WPRE/WQPC, the only radio station broadcasting from the middle of major floods. Host to annual events including the Prairie Villa Rendezvous, Prairie Dog Blues Fest and the Villa Louis Carriage Classic. Ideal for walking and biking. Good location for watching ducks and eagles in season. Boat landings, picnic areas. Also home of St. Feriole Island Ball Park, site of softball and baseball games throughout the summer.

"Upper Miss" Refuge
McGregor District Office located along Business Hwy 18 between Marquette and McGregor, IA
563-873-3423

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge provides many opportunities to hunt, fish, camp, watch wildlife or enjoy a lazy afternoon. Highlights in the Prairie du Chien area include the Sturgeon Slough Hiking Trail (one mile trail) accessed from the rest stop located on Highway 18 between Prairie du Chien and Marquette, IA. Displays and information at the District Office.

Wacouta Aquatic Park & Fort Fun
1401 East Wells, Prairie du Chien
608-326-8071

A Prairie du Chien residential park featuring an outdoor swimming pool complete with waterslide and Fort Fun play area. Picnic areas. A perfect spot for the entire family. Pool open May through Labor Day.

Yellow River State Forest
N of Marquette, IA, off Hwy 76
563-586-2254

One of the nation's most picturesque regions, with 5,800 acres of timbered hills and valleys. Has 25 miles of hiking trails, 13 miles of equestrian trails, plus many miles of snowmobile and cross-country ski trails. Stocked trout streams and marsh areas. Picnic and camping areas. Open for hunting and fishing. Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. No admission charge. Groups welcome.

Wyalusing State Park
10 miles S of Prairie du Chien, WI
608-996-2261

Features views of the historic junction of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers where the first Europeans, Marquette and Jolliet landed in 1673. Has 110 family campsites, group camping facilities, picnic facilities, 22 miles of hiking and nature trails, and a year round naturalist. Naturalists’ programs held throughout the year. Astronomy education programs held the second and fourth Saturdays, weather and moon phase permitting, contact the park for details. Admission charge.

MISCELLANEOUS ATTRACTIONS

Bear Foot Bay Indoor Water Park
1801 Cabela's Lane, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-5700
Located inside Country Inn & Suites, the water park includes body slide, waterfall spa, activity pool with water basketball, children's pool with water geysers, kid's slide, and prehistoric fish. Daily individual passes and group passes available. Arrangements can be made for group parties. Call for hours and rates.

Eagles Landing Winery
82 and 127 North Street, Marquette, IA
563-873-2509
Bottled under "Marquette Maid," Eagles Landing Winery produces dry red, dry white, semi-dry red, semi-sweet such as blush, white, cranberry and dessert wines. Wine production, from the 975 vines planted on the family's farm, is located at 127 North Street, along with a tasting room and gift shop. Free wine tasting daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

SIGHTSEEING & TOURS

Cabela's
Hwy 35 N, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-5600
This 40,000 sq. ft. retail showroom offers the latest in hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. Adding to the natural motif of the store are hundreds of trophy game animals, many recreated in lifelike settings that provide an interactive, educational backdrop for your shopping experience. Plus, there's an 8,000-gallon aquarium stocked with fish native to the Wisconsin area. Open Monday thru Saturday, 8 a.m. -9 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cassville Car Ferry
100 W. Amelia, Cassville, WI
877-891-8298 or 608-725-5855
Fun way to cross the Mississippi River! Ferry runs Wednesday thru Sunday, Memorial Day to Labor Day. For the months of May, September and October the ferry runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday only (river conditions permitting). Hours of operation 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Effigy Mounds National Monument
3 miles N of Marquette, IA off Highway 76, Harpers Ferry, IA
563-873-3491
The monument is open year-round. It was established to preserve outstanding examples of a prehistoric American Indian mound building culture that regularly constructed mounds in the shape of mammals, birds, or reptiles. The monument contains 2,526 acres with 206 mounds of which 31 are effigies. The visitor center contains museum exhibits, a video presentation, and book sales outlet. Visitors may look at the mounds, spectacular views from bluffs along the Mississippi River and experience more than 100 acres of prairie by walking along 14 miles of hiking trails. Three conical mounds are accessible to disabled visitors via a boardwalk trail. In the summer months ranger led programs are available. Special summer and evening hikes - call the park after June 1 for specific information. Admission charged. A winter film festival is held January through March with films shown each Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Fort Crawford Museum
717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-6960
Many people who were prominent in national history actually walked the grounds of Fort Crawford and participated in significant events that helped shape the growth of our nation. Because of its importance, Fort Crawford has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Fort Crawford Museum. Self guided tour, please allow 1 1/2 hours to tour all three buildings, open daily May 1 - October 31, special rates for groups, senior citizens, families & students, gift shop, picnic area, children's play area.

Kickapoo Indian Caverns
Hwy 60, Rhein Hollow Road, Wauzeka, Wi, 15 miles SE of Prairie du Chien
608-875-7723
Largest show cave in the Midwest, centuries old Indian shelter carved by underground river, maze of chambers created by water flowing through bedrock limestone over thousands of years. Ceiling and walls are covered with onyx and draped with onyx formations. Native American Museum also on grounds. Open Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend Thursdays thru Mondays. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. First tour is at 10 a.m. and the last tour leaves at 4 p.m. After Labor Day weekend the cavern is open on weekends only. Call for tour hours.

Lynxville Lock & Dam #9
Hwy 35 N, Lynxville, WI
608-874-4311
Largest federally managed pool on the Mississippi River, holds back largest expanse of the reservoir known as Lake Winneshiek, 6,000 lockages annually, observation deck, boat landing, popular spot for fishing and viewing eagles.

Marquette Depot Museum
216 Egar St., Marquette, IA
563-873-1200
Railroad history, gift shop, and tourist information. Open May -October.

Mississippi River Sculpture Park
St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien, WI
City historic sculpture park, open year round, various life size bronze sculptures including a sculpture of Chief Black Hawk and fire circle with bronze cultural symbols, park is under development, plans are for approximately 24 life size bronze historical figures.

Pikes Peak State Park
McGregor, IA
563-873-2341
One of Iowa's most beautiful state parks. Popular recently constructed scenic overlook. A favorite spot of photographers who take majestic shots of two great rivers in any season or weather. Also contains campsites, picnic grounds, waterfall, and hiking and nature trails. Named for Lt. Zebulon Pike, army surveyor of the Mississippi in 1805 who suggested a fort be built on this site.

Shihata Orchards
Six miles NE on Hwy 27, left on Limery Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-2785
Scenic apple orchard, over 20,000 apple trees producing 16 varieties of apples, open during the season, first weekend of September through last weekend of October. Visit the Apple House featuring apple varieties, unique jams, jellies, and apple butter, local cheese & sausages and fresh cider. Pumpkin patch and weekend wagon rides.

Spook Cave & Campground
Hwys 18 & 52, 7 miles W of McGregor, IA on Spook Cave Rd.
563-873-2144
Underground guided boat tours tell about the discovery and development of the cave, group rates available, open daily May through October, camping, lake swimming and fishing.

St. Feriole Island
Two approaches to the island, at the newly renovated Blackhawk Ave entrance and at Washington Street, Prairie du Chien, WI
Area of earliest settlement and activity in Prairie du Chien. 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. 4th Ward residential neighborhood until it was relocated following the record flood of 1965. Home of the Villa Louis, the Dousman family estate built on the site of Fort Crawford. Contains Lawler Park on the riverfront. Home of WPRE/WQPC, the only radio station broadcasting from the middle of major floods. Host to annual events including the Prairie Villa Rendezvous, Town and Country Jamboree, the Rodeo, Prairie Dog Blues Fest and the Villa Louis Carriage Classic. Ideal for walking and biking. Good location for watching ducks and eagles in season. Boat landings, picnic areas.

St. Feriole Gardens
200 N Fourth St., Prairie du Chien, WI
Gardens are under planning and planting development.

1800s Jail
Crawford County Courthouse
220 N. Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI
The old Crawford County Jail, often referred to as the "Dungeon", is located in the lower level of the Crawford County Courthouse. The Jail was constructed in 1867, nineteen years after Wisconsin became a state. It replaced a log structure that was inadequate to contain prisoners. The jail was operational from that point on until the present jail was erected in 1896. The cells of the dungeon measure 7 ft. long by 5 ft. wide by 7 ft. high. The solitary confinement area consisted of two cells within which it is not possible to stand up. Leg irons and arm chains attached to the wall completed the security measures. The cell doors were almost completely covered with 1/4” thick steel plate. The present, 1896 Crawford County Jail is located within the confines of the newly remodeled jail, attached to and to the north of the County Court House. The Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available May thru October on Mondays at 10 a.m. only. Call the Fort Crawford Museum, 608-326-6960 for reservations. Special group tours can also be arranged through the museum.

Villa Louis Historic Site
Located on St. Feriole Island, Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-2721
National historic landmark site owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Tour six historic structures including the Villa Louis mansion, open daily May - October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (last tour 4 p.m.) Admission charge.

Wisconsin Great River Road
Highway 35 along the Mississippi River
800-658-9480
National Scenic Byway covers 250 miles of adventure with thousands of points of interest, includes the Wisconsin counties of: Pierce, Pepin, Buffalo, Trempealeau, LaCrosse, Vernon, Crawford, & Grant.

Wyalusing State Park
10 miles S of Prairie du Chien, WI
608-996-2261
Features views of the historic junction of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers where the first Europeans, Marquette and Jolliet landed in 1673. Has 110 family campsites, group camping facilities, picnic facilities, 22 miles of hiking and nature trails, and a year round naturalist. Naturalists’ programs held throughout the year. Astronomy education programs held the second and fourth Saturdays, weather and moon phase permitting, contact the park for details. Admission charge.

SWIMMING

Hoffman Hall Sports Complex
1600 S Wacouta, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-2985
The whole family can enjoy this facility with a full court basketball gymnasium and heated Olympic size indoor swimming pool.

Wacouta Aquatic Park & Fort Fun
1401 E Wells, Prairie du Chien, WI
608-326-8071
Outdoor swimming pool complete with waterslide, open May through Labor Day, picnic area and Fort Fun play area.

THEATER

STAR CINEMA
Hwy 18/35 S, Prairie du Chien, WI
1-800-636-STAR or 608-326-4541
Six- plex movie theater, matinees and evening shows daily. Call for features and showtimes.

	Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce, 211 S. Main, PO Box 326, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 \| info@prairieduchien.org \| 1-800-732-1673
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