See You in Spring 2026! 

Thanks for another great season! We reopen for general admission in May 2026.

Help preserve Villa Louis! Your donation supports the conservation of this historic mansion, ensuring that its unique architecture and rich history continue to inspire future generations. Donate today!

See You in Spring 2026! 

Thanks for another great season! We reopen for general admission in May 2026.

Help preserve Villa Louis! Your donation supports the conservation of this historic mansion, ensuring that its unique architecture and rich history continue to inspire future generations. Donate today!

Four people in casual clothing stroll on a brick walkway, with greenery on both sides, towards Villa Louis.

Step into the Lives of a
Wisconsin Dynasty

When you walk through the doors of Villa Louis, you step into the life of one of Wisconsin’s most historic families – The Dousmans. Located on the beautiful banks of the mighty Mississippi River, this National Historic Landmark offers a panorama of Wisconsin history, from the advent of the first fur traders, to the War of 1812, through the splendor of the Victorian era. 

The National Historic Landmark home of the H. Louis Dousman family.


MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Make Your Next Event Historic

Villa Louis’s picturesque settings for an elegant Wisconsin wedding or a unique private event offer plentiful opportunities for a historic event. Make your day historic and create a story that will be remembered for generations.

Get the Best Deal in History

All Wisconsin Historical Society members enjoy unlimited free admission to our 11 historic sites and museums, exclusive merchandise and special event discounts, a complimentary annual subscription to the Wisconsin Magazine of History and more. Join at the Family level and above for added benefits and discounts at over 1,200 organizations nationwide! 


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Villa Louis Historic Site

Villa Louis Historic Site

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Villa Louis is a Wisconsin State Historic Site. We are an immaculately restored Victorian house museum on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River.

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"It is a fine thing to visit the Villa Louis. There are endless reasons why. The whole place has a convincing air of sustainability, of having endured. A symbol of an old family held firmly together by strong principles firmly adhered to. There are memories connected with the situation historically dating a century or more back.
Those are fortunate who have partaken in the hospitality of Villas Louis, it has been the most enduring pleasure of my life. May it ever retain its nobility."
- Edward Warburton Durant Jr., December, 1900.

Today is the last day of the 2025 regular tour season. We enjoy our time with each of our guests and we look forward to sharing the stories of the Dousman family with you again in 2026.

Photograph of Virginia Dousman and Louis de Vierville Dousman, 1900 seated on the Villa Louis veranda.
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5 days ago
It is a fine thing to visit the Villa Louis.  There are endless reasons why.  The  whole place has a convincing air of sustainability, of having endured.  A symbol of an old family held firmly together by strong principles firmly adhered to.  There are memories connected with the situation historically dating a century or more back.
Those are fortunate who have partaken in the hospitality of Villas Louis, it has been the most enduring pleasure of my life.  May it ever retain its nobility.
- Edward Warburton Durant Jr., December, 1900.

Today is the last day of the 2025 regular tour season. We enjoy our time with each of our guests and we look forward to sharing the stories of the Dousman family with you again in 2026. 

Photograph of Virginia Dousman and Louis de Vierville Dousman, 1900 seated on the Villa Louis veranda.

Comment on Facebook

My dad's mother used to volunteer there in the 30s.

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2 weeks ago

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