Victorian America is alive and well in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Prairie du Chien is in the southwest corner of Wisconsin, and is home to Villa Louis, which is a typical Victorian country estate that has been completely restored. It is found at 521 North Villa Louis Road. Visitors to Villa Louis get the chance to step back in time and see what life was really like in the 1890′s. Villa Louis is definitely one of the most faithfully restored Victorian houses in the U.S.
Villa Louis was the home of Hercules Dousman, a fur trader who rose to wealth. The home passed down through the family, until it was given to the city of Prairie du Chien in 1950 by two of Hercules’ granddaughters, Virginia Dousman Bigelow and Violet Dousman Young. They had restored the house to its former glory in the British Arts and Crafts style that Nina Dousman, the matriarch of the family had used to decorate the interior of the house in 1885. The house also boasts the use of William Morris inspired patterns on the fabrics and finishes in the house. This was very popular at the time, and the Villa Louis has been restored as authentically as possible to the era.
In addition to the beautiful and bold interior design, the Villa Louis offers period furniture, family heirlooms and attractive artwork.
Villa Louis is open seasonally, from May 6 to October 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $8.50, and children ages 5-12 are $4.50. Senior citizens are $7.50, and there is a family rate for parents with two or more children of $23. Of course, members of the Wisconsin Historical Society get a 50% discount on their tickets.
One exciting event that happens in the late summer every year is the Villa Louis Carriage Classic. This is an annual event that is held the weekend after Labor Day. It is held in honor of H. Louis Dousman, one of the family members who briefly turned Villa Louis into an Artesian Stock Farm to raise Standardbred trotting horses. Today, carriage drivers, groomsmen and stable hands compete in different events. The sight of elegant restored carriages driven by men in full Victorian riding regalia is a sight to see, and is an event that is well attended every summer.
There are a variety of other summer events and activities that Villa Louis plays host to. For instance, visitors can experience Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen, where they get the chance to prepare and consume a traditional Victorian breakfast. Visitors can also see a reenactment of the War of 1812 on the lawn of Villa Louis, and several other exciting events during the summer.
No related posts.