A book launch, series of author teas, archaeology tour and special semiquincetennial programming highlight 2026 season
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. – Villa Louis will reopen for the 2026 season on May 20, featuring “America 250” programming, the debut of historian Mary Elise Antoine’s new book “An Elegant Edifice: The Women Who Foraged a Legacy at Villa Louis,” and a series of author teas highlighting the women who helped preserve this National Historic Landmark. During this anniversary year, the Wisconsin Historical Society site will be open seven days a week through Nov. 2. It will also host “250 Tuesdays,” a rotating series of talks, object showcases and family scavenger hunts.
Located in Prairie du Chien, Villa Louis offers an up-close look at the Gilded Age lifestyle of the Dousman family. The Italianate-style mansion, built in 1871 along the Upper Mississippi River, sits on a 25-acre estate that includes more than a dozen historic structures. These range from trade-era buildings to the foundations of Fort Crawford, the site of Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield.
“With such a strong national focus on U.S. history in 2026, we’re excited to mark this milestone year with expanded daily programming and the release of a new book highlighting the women of Villa Louis,” said Susan Caya Slusser, southwest sites director for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “We look forward to welcoming guests to a dynamic season that includes our ‘Tea with Madame Dousman’ series, featuring author Mary Elise Antoine, as well as an 1812 Battlefield walking tour.”
The stories of three generations of Dousman women – Jane, Nina, Virginia and Violet – will be explored during a May 23 book signing and talk by Antoine. The “Tea with Madame Dousman” author tea series will take place on select dates in May, August, September and November.
Also on May 23, Wisconsin State Archaeologist Amy Rosebrough will present “What’s Under Villa Louis,” a guided walking tour that explores hidden layers of history. This program invites guests to examine what lies beneath the estate’s grounds, uncovering stories that span thousands of years. This free event recognizes National Historic Preservation Month.
Villa Louis is open from May 20 through Nov. 2, with hours of admission from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tours will take place on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and teens, $13 for seniors (65+), $8 for children (five to 12) and free for children under five. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission and 10% off ticketed events and store merchandise. Parking is included in admission.
For further information or to purchase tickets, visit villalouis.org. The address is 521 N. Villa Louis Road, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 53821.
Note: The Exterior Restoration Project continues with ornamental pieces, brackets and balustrades being removed and taken to the contractor’s workshop for restoration and repairs. Work on the roofs began in early April along with the continued repair and restoration of the internal gutter system. The project timeline has moved with additional funding being made available to include restoration of the mansion back porch. The work on the porch and foundation will continue into spring of 2027.
Upcoming Events at Villa Louis:
250 Tuesdays –Tuesday,weekly from May 20 – Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, Villa Louis will be open seven days a week and will host a weekly “250 Tuesdays” series. Held in the Brisbois Fur Trade Warehouse, this special program will feature rotating, history-inspired talks highlighting the Upper Mississippi River region, along with spotlights on curious objects from the mansion’s collections. New topics are introduced each week, allowing visitors to choose when to attend based on their interests. Families can also enjoy special programming, including a scavenger hunt. For details on weekly topics, guests are encouraged to visit the Villa Louis Facebook page.
War of 1812: Battlefield Walking Tour – Saturday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The grounds of Villa Louis mark the site of Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield. As part of this commemorative year, Villa Louis will offer an educational walking tour of this historical site. During the tour, visitors will learn how British forces, alongside their Native American allies, captured the American-held Fort Shelby. This special walking tour, with canon demonstrations, will delve into what brought this war to Prairie du Chien. The cost is $15 for adults, teens and seniors, $10 for children (ages 5-10) and free under age five.
Tea & Tales: The Women Behind Villa Louis – Saturday, May 23, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Join Historian Mary Elise Antoine for afternoon tea and conversation, as she introduces her new book, “An Elegant Edifice: The Women Who Foraged a Legacy at Villa Louis” at the Dousman House Hotel, named after the prominent Villa Louis owners and located on the neighboring grounds. Learn about the three generations of Dousman women whose lives contributed greatly to the preservation of this grand Gilded Age estate. Books will be available for purchase and signing at this free event.
What’s Under Villa Louis – Saturday, May 23, 10:30 a.m. to noon
During National Historic Preservation Month, dive into the underground world of Villa Louis with Wisconsin State Archaeologist Amy Rosebrough. This program will detail 14,000 years of “hidden” history that can be found on the Villa Louis grounds. Learn about battles, French colonies, ancient campsites and more during this intriguing property tour. This is a free event.
Tea with Madame Dousman – Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, Aug. 8 and 9, Sept. 19 and 20 and Nov. 14 and 15, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sip tea and enjoy refreshments, inspired by the French-Canadian fur trade culture, while learning about the Dousman’s and other important women of Villa Louis during a presentation. Held at the Brisbois Warehouse, the National Historic Landmark located on the grounds of the estate, this series of weekend tea events will feature historian and author Mary Elise Antoine who will discuss her new book, “An Elegant Edifice: The Women Who Forged a Legacy at Villa Louis.” The event will also include a guided tour of the Brisbois House with a special display of objects from the estate’s collection. The cost is $60 per person for ages 13+.
Behind the Scenes Tour – Friday, July 10 and Sept. 11 and Saturday, Aug. 15 and Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Journey behind the scenes at the Dousman family estate. See how the family’s objects were cared for, visit restored sections of the historic manor and tour the attic and basement, usually excluded from public visits. Part of this tour is only accessible via stairs. Tours are recommended for ages 13+. The cost of this tour is $30 per person with advance registration required.
About Villa Louis
Villa Louis is one the of Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. A National Historic Landmark located in Prairie du Chien, the historic Villa Louis mansion is the centerpiece of a grand Victorian estate built by the family of Hercules Dousman, a frontier entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in the fur trade and other frontier investments. The mansion received a top-to-bottom restoration that has returned the home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, using British Arts and Crafts interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris. Visit villalouis.org or call (608) 326-2721 for more information and a list of upcoming events. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.
About Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.
