Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, is a charming city in the Driftless Area. It’s known for its rolling hills, farmland, river views, and tall bluffs. This historic community has lots to offer, from history to local food and outdoor fun.
Visitors can learn about the city’s history at places like the Old Crawford County Jail and the Fort Crawford Museum. They can also enjoy tasty treats at The Local Oven. And they can see the beautiful nature of Wyalusing State Park and St. Feriole Island Park.
Whether you like history, food, or being outdoors, Prairie du Chien has something for you.
Key Takeaways
- Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is the oldest town on the Upper Mississippi River, with roots dating back to the 1600s.
- The city offers a diverse range of attractions, including historic sites, museums, outdoor recreation, and local dining options.
- Visitors can explore the Old Crawford County Jail, Fort Crawford Museum, and other historic landmarks to learn about the region’s past.
- The area is known for its scenic beauty, with Wyalusing State Park and St. Feriole Island Park providing opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Prairie du Chien hosts the annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous, one of the largest reenactment events in the Midwest.
Explore Prairie du Chien’s Historic Attractions
Prairie du Chien is a city full of history. It lets visitors see its past with many historic spots. The Old Crawford County Jail and the Fort Crawford Museum are top places to visit. They show the rich Prairie du Chien history.
Old Crawford County Jail
The Old Crawford County Jail, also called “The Dungeon,” shows Prairie du Chien’s history. It’s the oldest jail in Wisconsin still standing. Here, visitors can see the tough life of prisoners back then.
They can see heavy iron doors, leg irons, and arm chains. These were used to keep prisoners. It gives a peek into the Prairie du Chien historic attractions.
Fort Crawford Museum
The Fort Crawford Museum tells the story of the fort that protected Prairie du Chien from 1816 to 1856. It has three buildings with many exhibits. These include the military hospital, the city’s history, and a visitor center.
Visitors can dive into the community’s interesting past. They’ll learn about the Fort Crawford Museum‘s role in Prairie du Chien historic attractions.
Indulge in Local Flavors
Prairie du Chien is a food lover’s dream, full of local eateries and shops. The Local Oven is a top spot, loved for its tasty treats.
At The Local Oven, try the famous Bacon Maple donut. It’s a mix of salty and sweet that’s a hit in Prairie du Chien. They also offer ice cream, gourmet popcorn, baked goods, soups, sandwiches, and coffee.
If you want to taste Prairie du Chien local flavors, go to The Local Oven. They use top-quality, local ingredients. Their delicious Prairie du Chien treats have won many fans.
Looking for something sweet or savory? The Local Oven is the place to go. Dive into the Prairie du Chien bakery scene and enjoy the unique tastes of this lovely town.
Annual Ice Fisheree
Every February, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, turns into a winter wonderland. It hosts the Annual Ice Fisheree, a big event. Fishermen and women come from all over to show their skills in a friendly competition.
This event celebrates the area’s fishing heritage and the community’s love for nature. Participants try their luck on the frozen lakes, hoping to win prizes and bragging rights. There’s more than just fishing, though. The event has entertainment and activities for everyone.
If you love fishing or want a unique winter experience, don’t miss the Annual Ice Fisheree. It’s a chance to join the local fishing community. Enjoy a day of fun, friendship, and making memories in Prairie du Chien.
Winneshiek Bar & Grill: A Local Landmark
Along the scenic Prairie du Chien riverfront, the Winneshiek Bar & Grill is a favorite spot. It’s known as “The Winnie” and has amazing views of the Mississippi River and St. Feriole Island Park. Whether you come by car or boat, it’s a top choice for Prairie du Chien dining. They serve tasty food and drinks in a cozy place.
The Winneshiek Bar & Grill has been a key spot in Prairie du Chien for years. It welcomes both locals and visitors. Its spot by the river is perfect for enjoying meals or drinks while seeing the beautiful views. They offer classic American dishes and local craft beers for everyone.
One big draw of the Winneshiek Bar & Grill is its views of the Mississippi River and St. Feriole Island Park. You can eat inside and look at the view through big windows. Or, you can eat outside on the big patio, enjoying the air and the calm.
If you’re in Prairie du Chien, don’t miss the Winneshiek Bar & Grill. It has great Prairie du Chien dining, beautiful river views, and a friendly vibe. It’s a true Prairie du Chien gem you shouldn’t skip.
Wyalusing State Park: Outdoor Adventure Awaits
Wyalusing State Park sits by the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. It’s a place full of nature, calling out to those who love the outdoors. With over 14 miles of trails, it’s perfect for exploring the beautiful nature of Prairie du Chien.
The park has 109 campsites for families, split between two areas. There’s also a group camp for bigger groups. It has a lodge with a kitchen, dining area, and a room for fun activities.
Visitors can enjoy picnics, boat ramps, and canoe trails. These trails let you see the park’s wildlife and waterfowl up close. You can fish for many types of fish in the rivers.
In winter, the park turns into a snowy wonderland. There are trails for cross-country skiing. You can also see frozen waterfalls in caves.
Wisconsin has even more outdoor fun outside Wyalusing State Park. There’s the Ice Age Trail, Pattison State Park’s waterfalls, and Devil’s Lake. Whether you like hiking, camping, or skiing, there’s something for you in this area.
Things to do in Prairie du Chien: St. Feriole Island Park
St. Feriole Island Park sits at the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers’ meeting point. It’s in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin’s oldest European settlement. The island was once the city’s heart. Now, it hosts many Prairie du Chien events and festivals all year.
At St. Feriole Island Park, there’s much to do and see. You can watch baseball games on the island’s diamond. Learn about its history, like its role in the War of 1812 and the fur trade.
The park is known for its amazing views. You can enjoy the rivers and bluffs while having picnics, going for walks, or just relaxing. It’s perfect for taking in nature’s beauty.
If you love history, nature, or just want to have fun outside, St. Feriole Island Park is for you. It’s a key spot in Prairie du Chien parks. Spend a day learning about its history, enjoying the views, and joining in the Prairie du Chien community spirit.
Pete’s Hamburger Stand: A Prairie du Chien Icon
Since 1908, Pete’s Hamburger Stand has been a favorite spot in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. It started as a simple street-corner booth. Now, it’s a top spot for those who love Wisconsin’s best burgers.
The secret to Pete’s tasty burgers is how they cook them. They add water to the pan and simmer the patties. This keeps the burgers hot, juicy, and just right. You can enjoy these Prairie du Chien treats from April to October.
Pete’s Hamburger Stand is a key Prairie du Chien landmark. It celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2019. Pete Gokey started it in 1909, and the Gokey family has kept it going. They serve up to 65 burgers at a time on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Customers can pick to add simmered onions to their burger. The stand also has potato chips, soda, bottled water, and Pete’s Hamburger Stand gear like t-shirts and caps.
To celebrate 110 years, the owners are hosting a fun run and walk. The money raised will help make a fishing dock better for everyone. Pete’s Hamburger Stand is a big part of Prairie du Chien. It gives people a taste of the town’s history and great food.
Shihata’s Apple Orchard: Fall Fun
In the heart of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Shihata’s Apple Orchard is a top spot for fall fun. It’s a family place with lots to do, like picking your own apples. You can also try homemade cider, cheese, sausage, jams, and jellies.
There’s more than just the bakery and store at Shihata’s. They have games like horseshoes, tetherball, checkers, and bags. You can enjoy these while looking at the beautiful Mississippi River valley.
They’ve added a corn maze, a GIANT hamster wheel, a hay mountain, and a scenic overlook deck. These make Shihata’s a top choice for fall fun in Prairie du Chien.
The Bakery Barn is open Thursday to Sunday. It offers yummy apple turnovers, cookies, pies, and more. Shihata’s Apple Orchard is perfect for family fun or enjoying seasonal flavors. Don’t miss out on visiting this Prairie du Chien agritourism spot for Prairie du Chien fall activities.
Conclusion
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, is a place full of exciting things to do. It has a rich history, tasty local food, and outdoor fun. There’s something for everyone in this charming town.
History buffs, food lovers, and nature fans will find lots to enjoy. Prairie du Chien mixes history, food, and nature perfectly. It makes for unforgettable memories.
This town has historic sites, unique foods, and lots of outdoor fun. You can visit the Villa Louis estate and learn about Fort Crawford Museum. Or, try the famous food at Pete’s Hamburger Stand and see Wyalusing State Park’s beauty.
Prairie du Chien is great for a weekend trip or a longer vacation. It’s a place that makes you appreciate the area’s history, culture, and nature. So, start planning your trip to Prairie du Chien today.
