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
Unlock incredible value for historic year-round fun!
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!
Follow Us!
Villa Louis Historic Site
Villa Louis is a Wisconsin State Historic Site. We are an immaculately restored Victorian house museum on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River.
Our Partners
As we get closer to spring we get closer to the latest book by historian Mary Elise Antoine and the Wisconsin Historical Society Press! Mark your calendar for the free, public book launch on Saturday, May 23 at the Dousman House Hotel.
Event Details:
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 1 PM – 2:30 PM
An Inviting Afternoon of Tea & Villa Louis Women’s History
Join us for a delightful afternoon of tea and conversation as author Mary Elise Antoine discusses her new book, An Elegant Edifice: The Women Who Forged a Legacy at Villa Louis. Enter the Dousman House Hotel—named after the prominent Villa Louis owners who shaped the lives of many Prairie du Chien residents—and learn more about the three generations of Dousman women—Jane, Nina, Virginia, and Violet—whose lives contributed greatly to the preservation of this grand Gilded Age estate. Enjoy tea and sweet treats as you learn more about the historic estate and its inhabitants.
Tea & Tales will take place at the Dousman Hotel. Guests interested in exploring Villa Louis can purchase a General Admission ticket to tour the site. Books will be available for sale with a chance for Mary Elise to autograph your book after her talk.
Interested in more Villa Louis History? Join us before Tea & Tales for another free experience, What’s Under the Villa Louis, where Wisconsin State Archaeologist Amy Rosebrough takes guests on a millennia-spanning journey covering 14,000 years of history beneath one of the Badger State’s most treasured sites. What’s Under the Villa Louis occurs from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM on Saturday, May 23. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
I loved going through this place. It was very eye opening as to how people lived in that Era.
So beautiful
Oh my gosh, this all sounds amazing! Jenna Hazen Savannah Hazen Hailey Ann Seitz we should goooooo!
Such a gorgeous place, it's has been fun living by this place for sure.
Sarah Dousman Allen!!
Trevor Hanson
Great
Thank goodness someone finally wrote their story!!! We are so lucky it was written by my favorite author!!! I can’t wait to get my copy!!! ❤️❤️
View more comments
... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Gorgeous
Beautiful
Great news for our sister site, First Capitol! 🥳Yesterday First Capitol and Wisconsin Historical Society facilities staff went to the state capitol building to represent the site at the State Building Commission meeting. The Commission approved a $2.6 million restoration project of the First Capitol site.
Project design will continue to move forward through the spring and restoration work will start sometime in early summer 2026. All restoration work will follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
We are grateful to all those who have worked to move this project forward to ensure preservation of this important historical asset in Wisconsin's history! Follow along for more updates as we continue this project. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Great çxx