WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A couple sits in front of the mansion

Plan Your Visit


PLAN YOUR VISIT

Villa Louis is open daily from May to October. We offer access to the mansion through guided tours, which begin regularly from our visitor center. Check below for current hours and upcoming events.

HOURS & DIRECTIONS

VISITOR CENTER HOURS

  • Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Gift Shop:
Open daily: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

Tours:
On the hour from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week.

Visits to the mansion take place on guided tours. We suggest arriving at least 5-10 minutes before the hourly tour to purchase tickets. The guided tour lasts about one hour. Spending additional time is recommended for self-guided exploration of our grounds, outbuildings, and Fur Trade Museum.

  • From Madison

    Head west on US-151/US-18 toward Dodgeville. Where US-151 and US-18 fork, continue on US-18 west via Exit 258. US-18 becomes WI-35 at Prairie du Chien. Stay on WI-35 for about a block, then turn left on W. Washington St. Turn right on N. Villa Louis Rd.

  • From Milwaukee

    Head west on I-94 toward Madison. Merge onto I-90 east via Exit 4A. At Madison, go west on US-12 /US-18 via Exit 142A. At Exit 258, go west on US-151/US-18 toward Dodgeville. Where US-151 and US-18 fork, continue on US-18 west via Exit 258. US-18 becomes WI-35 at Prairie du Chien. Stay on WI-35 for about a block, then turn left on W. Washington St. Turn right on N. Villa Louis Rd.

  • From Chicago

    Head west on I-90 toward Rockford. Continue on I-90 west into Wisconsin. At Madison, take US-12/US-18 west via Exit 142A. At Exit 258, go west on US-151/US-18 toward Dodgeville. Where US-151 and US-18 fork, continue on US-18 west via Exit 258. US-18 becomes WI-35 at Prairie du Chien. Stay on WI-35 for about a block, then turn left on W. Washington St. Turn right on N. Villa Louis Rd.

  • Minneapolis

    Head south on US-52 toward Rochester. Merge left onto I-90 east. Take US-14/US-61 south across the Mississippi River and into Wisconsin. Stay straight onto WI-35 south. In Prairie du Chien turn right on W. Washington St. Turn right on N. Villa Louis Rd.

  • From Dubuque

    Head north on US-151 toward Platteville. In Dickeyville take US-61 north. Turn left on County Hwy. A. Turn right on County Hwy. J. Turn left on US-18 west. In Prairie du Chien US-18 turns into WI-35. Stay on WI-35 for about a block, then turn left on W. Washington St. Turn right on N. Villa Louis Rd.

ADMISSIONS

Adults (18-64):$12.50
Children (5-17): $6
Children (4 & under): FREE
Students/Seniors (65& older):$10.50
Group Tour – Adult (18-64):$10.50
Group Tour – Child (5-17):$5

Wisconsin Historical Society Members: FREE

WE ACCEPT ALL FORMS

Visitor Center front view

ACCESSIBILITY

Villa Louis is located on 25 acres of parkland along the Mississippi River. Wheelchair access is available to the Fur Trade Museum and restrooms, the first floor of the Villa Louis mansion, and the restrooms located near the mansion.

For more information regarding access to buildings, grounds and programs, please contact Villa Louis at 608-326-2721.

No pets are allowed on the grounds. Service animals are permitted for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

No guns, knives, or weapons allowed on premises.

AMENITIES

NEARBY HOTELS

  • Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

    Villa Louis is located in Prairie du Chien, a National Main Street Community just three miles above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. It is the oldest European settlement on the Upper Mississippi.

    There are many campgrounds, motels, cabins, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and unique retail stores to compliment your visit to Villa Louis.

    For more information on Prairie du Chien, please contact the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce.

  • In the Area

    Villa Louis is proud to be one of many museums along the Mississippi River who to bring river history to life as an official Great River Road Interpretive Center.

    For more information on restaurants, hotels and other attractions near Villa Louis, visit our sister site Travel Wisconsin
    For information on bed & breakfast options in the area, visit the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association.