Quick Summary:

  • Where is Prairie Du Chien located?
    • Prairie Du Chien is a small town in Wisconsin and is the second oldest city in the state.
  • Who established Prairie Du Chien?
    • The town was first established in the late 1600s by French settlers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, near the Mississippi River and the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway.
  • What does the name Prairie Du Chien mean?
    • The name Prairie Du Chien means “Dog’s Prairie” and comes from Fox Indian Chief Alim, which translated to Chien in French (dog in English).
  • Why is Prairie Du Chien historically significant?
    • The city has a deep historic significance to Wisconsin with five National Historic Landmarks and nine sites on the National Register of Historic Places.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Villa Louis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Villa Louis | Things to Do in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
© Villa Louis

2. Fort Crawford Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Fort Crawford Museum | Things to Do in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
© Fort Crawford Museum

3. Prairie Fun Land

Prairie Fun Land | Things to Do in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
© renatsadykov/stock.adobe.com

4. Mississippi River Sculpture Park

Category: Activities
Mississippi River Sculpture Park | Things to Do in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
© Sergey Peterman/stock.adobe.com

5. Fort Mulligan’s Grill Pub

Category: Activities
Fort Mulligan’s Grill Pub | Things to Do in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
© klaikungwon/stock.adobe.com

6. Pete’s Hamburger Stand

Pete’s Hamburger Stand | Things to Do in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
© Pete’s Hamburger Stand

7. Winneshiek Bar and Grill

Category: Food & Drink
Winneshiek Bar and Grill | Things to Do in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
© Winneshiek Bar and Grill

8. Villa Louis Carriage Classic

Villa Louis Carriage Classic | Things to Do in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
© Villa Louis Carriage Classic

9. The Cannery

The Cannery | Things to Do in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
© The Cannery

10. Shihata's Orchard

Category: Activities
Shihata's Orchard | Things to Do in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
© hansenn/stock.adobe.com

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