
Step Back In Time
Experience the Victorian Era on a captivating tour of the exquisite mansion and estate of the Dousman family.

EXPLORE THE ESTATE
Villa Louis is much more than a mansion. The 25 acre site includes over a dozen historic structures, including the Rolette House, Brisbois House, Dousman Office Building, Ice House, Preserve House, Laundry, Stable, Blockhouse, Bath House, Pump House, and the foundations of Fort Crawford. You can also explore the site’s beautiful lawn, ponds, and gardens.

STEP ON A BATTLEFIELD
The lawn of what would become Villa Louis was the site of Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield. In June 1814, an American force led by William Clark arrived at Prairie du Chien and selected the site to construct a fort, which was named Fort Shelby. On July 17, a British force laid siege to the fort. The Americans surrendered on July 20 and the fort was renamed Fort McKay. The British held Prairie du Chien until May 1815, razing Fort McKay to the ground as they left.