Villa Louis Historic Mansion | Wisconsin Historical Society

WELCOME BACK

This season, we are excited to welcome visitors to Villa Louis for general admission and special events like the Carriage Classic, and Victorian Home for the Holidays.

Open for General Admission | Fri. – Sun. | 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Tickets available for purchase when you arrive!

The Wisconsin Historical Society is committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our guests, members, and staff. Read the information below to learn about our 2021 health and safety protocols.

Save the Date!

A woman drives a carriage lead by 4 energetic brown horses. She wears period clothing and stands focused on her task. Behind her is a green field with spectators and tents slightly blurred.

40th Carriage Classic

Sept. 10 – 12 | 8 AM – 4 PM

See the Midwest’s most elegant and lavishly-appointed equine sport driving event at the beautiful lawns of Villa Louis, the historic location of H. Louis Dousman’s Artesian Stock Farm. The event will host the region’s finest horses and over 100 new and restored carriages will compete in a variety of arena and cross-country events.

Learn More

A table set for Christmas dinner in a wealthy Victorian household. Red taper candles, holiday greenery, and festive fruit filled center piece sit at the middle, surrounded by plates filled with delicacies.

Victorian Home for the Holidays

Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11 | 1 – 7 PM

An afternoon at the Villa Louis Mansion will showcase the traditions and customs of Christmas and wintertime in the Dousman household. See the home decorated for a Victorian Christmas celebration and enjoy the sounds of holiday music at the Steinway grand piano and the smells and tastes of holiday treats in the historic kitchen!

Learn More

Explore the Site

2 boys looking through a window and one woman looking behind them

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 banks of the Mississippi River, this National Historic Landmark offers a panorama of Wisconsin history, beginning with the arrival of early fur traders through the heyday of the Victorian era. Costumed interpreters lead tours of the grand mansion, one of the most authentically furnished Victorian houses in America.

Learn more about its history!

Explore

For Your Health & Safety

reserve a spot. Tickets.

Advance
Registration

Advance registration is required for some events

Face Masks required. Mask.

Face Mask
Policy

Required for guests indoors if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Recommended for guests indoors if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

We're cleaning. Cleaning spray.

Daily Cleaning and Sanitizing

Daily cleaning & sanitizing enhanced at all facilities

Maintain Social Distance. Two people 6 ft apart.

Social Distancing Guidelines

Please practice social distancing while on-site

2021 Site Protocols

Effective Aug. 5, in accordance with current state guidelines

To protect your safety and ours:

If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we recommend you wear a face mask while inside on-site at our historic sites and museums.
If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 you are required to wear a face mask while inside on-site at our historic sites and museums.
Please practice social distancing at our historic sites and museums.
Disposable masks will be available on-site.
All facilities will adhere to increased daily cleaning and sanitation requirements and there will be cleaning stations in each building.
Each location will follow strict guest engagement protocols, including parking, food preparation, and the use of shared facilities such as a public restroom.
Staff and guests, per CDC guidance, are asked to stay home if they have tested positive for COVID-19, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, have COVID-19 symptoms, or if they have had close contact with a person who has tested positive for or who has symptoms of COVID-19.
As we continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 our hours and guidelines for access may change. Please continue to check our website for the most up-to-date information.

Site Accessibility

Explore Other 2021 Experiences

This season, we are excited to welcome visitors to some of our historic sites & museums for general admission and special experiences. Click the button below for more information on how you can safely explore history in a new way through our 2021 programs and events.

Explore All 2021 Events