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 through the splendor of the Victorian era.
Experienced interpreters will take you on a journey through time as you tour the stunning 1871 Italianate style mansion the Dousmans called home for more than four decades, and the surrounding estate. The 25-acre site includes over a dozen historic structures including the Dousman Office Building, Ice House, Preserve House, Blockhouse, the foundations of the first Fort Crawford, and the state’s only War of 1812 battlefield.
MORE TIME FOR FUN!
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Behind the Scenes Tours!
Fridays Once A Month | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Take a peek behind the velvet ropes of this National Historic Landmark. This tour presents a more in-depth look at the Dousman family and their home and gives a glimpse into the day-to-day inner workings of this restored Victorian mansion. Each round of behind-the-scenes tours features a different object and visits to the nooks and crannies of this restored mansion!
Best Deal in History!
Becoming a member is the best way to explore Wisconsin history. Members get free admission to our historic sites and discounts on special events!
Make sure to check out what is happening down the river in Cassville at Stonefield Historic Site this Saturday, August 13th! Stonefield is open from 10am until 4pm!Join HH Bennett Studio & Museum director Dave Rambow this Saturday in the Stonefield Village to learn about historic wet plate photography! Dave is one of only a few people in the United States who regularly use the authentic "wet plate" photographic technique to produce fine art ambrotypes and tintypes. Dave's work has been seen in several movies, including "True Grit" and "A Million Ways to Die in the West." He will be joined by family folk duo "Snow on the Mountain," and hat maker Simone Mauser. ... See MoreSee Less
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Did you know we change the dining room table settings several times a year? The current table focuses on Company Dinner -- the most complex and refined of all Victorian social customs. For this meal, the Villa Louis dinner table is set for a party of eight embracing four couples. This would have been considered a small dinner party and is therefore somewhat less complicated with a smaller number of dishes served than would be for a party of 10 or more.
For guidance as to how to serve such a meal, we have turned to Mrs. Seeley’s Cook Book. It is an excellent source of late Victorian dining information – and well reflects the style and customs experienced by the Dousman family.
Successful dinner-giving had two chief requirements: good company (guests) and well trained, competent staff. Table decorations should be low and simple so as not to impede table conversation.
The best dining table is a round extension table to which leaves can be added as needed. The best table cover is a white damask cloth - with all creases ironed out. Under this cloth is placed a silencing cloth of felt or Canton flannel. Napkins are simply folded with the monograms visible on top and with a piece of bread tucked inside but still visible. Mrs. Seely warns that “elaborate devices (folds) for napkins are entirely out of date!” ... See MoreSee Less
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Beautiful place settings and I love all the silver.
Loved touring this estate.
Love this attention to detail!
my favourite is the girls' birthday party with parasols, streamers, pink - so pretty!
Check out how pretty the morning glories looks! These flowering vines are located on the south side of the mansion's ice house. ... See MoreSee Less
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