Things to Do in Prairie du Chien, WI
Prairie du Chien is always bustling with exciting community-wide events that span the entire calendar year. Residents and visitors alike come together to participate in a wide variety of activities.
In February, fishermen test their ice fishing skills during the two-day Fisheree event that takes place on waters near Prairie du Chien. Prizes are awarded.
Bald Eagle Appreciation Day also takes place in February, celebrating America’s National Emblem through various programs and exhibits, discussions with birding experts, outdoor viewing, activities and more.
Join the residents of Prairie du Chien and the thousands of visitors who participate in the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration held in March, boasting the area’s largest parade of the green.
The popular St. Feriole Island is home to a number of much-anticipated annual events in Prairie du Chien. Summertime kicks off with the Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous. Recognized as the largest reenactment in the Midwest, this four-day event is held the third weekend in June and features a re-creation of life as it was back in the 1840s.
Three annual events happen in July. The first is the Chamber of Commerce Fireworks. Next up is the historic War of 1812 in Wisconsin: The Battle of Prairie du Chien at the Villa Louis Historic Site. On July 17, 1814, the current-day grounds of Villa Louis served as the site of a clash between U.S. and British-Canadian soldiers during the War of 1812. The two-day affair interprets the historic event through a living history camp and a narrated battle. Following the historic celebration is the exciting Prairie Dog Blues Festival, where guests from all over the U.S. come to enjoy the sounds of regional, national and international blues bands. Two stages are set up in a park-like setting at the event that features plenty of food and beverages, unique handmade crafts and on-site camping.
September brings about one of the largest carriage driving competitions in the U.S. The Villa Louis Carriage Classic commemorates the Dousman family’s once-famous trotting horse operation. The competition features more than 100 carriage drivers and includes tours of the Dousman family estate.
The first Friday in December begins the Prairie du Chien holiday tradition as the Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Holiday Parade.
Prairie du Chien also hosts farmers markets, craft shows, river tours, city-wide garage sales, flea markets and much, much more. Check out the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.prairieduchien.org for a complete listing of events.