Prairie du Chien, WI. – Villa Louis, one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums, will host the 40th Carriage Classic from Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12, 2021. The Carriage Classic will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day and will feature carriage-driving competitions showcasing some of the region’s finest horses, over 120 new and restored carriages, and a new carriage exhibit. Tickets for daily and weekend admission will be available for purchase at the gate.
“The Carriage Classic is an annual fall tradition rooted in Villa Louis’ equestrian history,” said Samantha Matern, southwest sites interpretation manager for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “We’re excited to welcome visitors back to enjoy this event since it was last held in 2019. There is no better way to experience the bygone age of horse-drawn carriages than at the Villa Louis Carriage Classic.”
Villa Louis grounds were once the site of an “Artesian Stock Farm,” a premier standard-bred horse training facility that established a reputation as one of the Midwest’s finest racehorse farms. The Carriage Classic celebrates the site’s equestrian history and attracts visitors from across the state and beyond. Admission to the family-friendly event includes access to the Villa Louis grounds and carriage exhibit.
The daily admission rate for the Villa Louis Carriage Classic is $10 (ages 13+) and $5 for children. The weekend admission rate is $15 and $7.50 for children. Children 4 and under are admitted free. Attendees can add on an optional tour of the mansion for an additional fee ($8 for adults and $4 for ages 5-12). Society members attending the event will receive a tour of the mansion at no charge. To learn more about Villa Louis, visit villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org.
