The town of Prairie du Chien is located in Crawford County, Wisconsin. It is the county seat and has a population of 5,506 people, as of the 2020 census. Visitors to the area will find a variety of attractions, including Fort Crawford Museum, La Riviere Park, Pete’s Hamburger Stand, and Prairie Fun Land.
La Riviere Park
The city of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, is located in Crawford County in the Mississippi River Valley. The city’s name translates to “dog’s prairie” in French. The town has a population of 5,605 as of the 2020 census. Founded in the late 1600s by French settlers Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette, the town was eventually incorporated into a city in 1872. Its historical significance is reflected in nine sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors to the city can enjoy bird watching at La Riviere Park. This park is home to a variety of bird species, including the Blue-winged Warbler, the Yellow Warbler, the Cerulean Warbler, and the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The area is also a wintering ground for several bird species, including the Bald Eagle.
La Riviere Park is a 300-acre park located on the southern edge of Prairie du Chien. It offers hiking trails, restored prairies, and a historic barn. There are also more than 50 miles of horse trails and hike-in camping.
The city is also home to the Mississippi River Sculpture Park, which is open year-round. This park features a number of sculptures and other pieces of art that depict the area’s prehistory. The park’s motto is “May the sun shine on our garden of dreams.”
La Riviere Park is also home to two Chimney Swift towers. This project was made necessary because the city recently demolished a farm house. The old farmhouse had two chimneys that the Chimney Swifts had been using for over 30 years. The Prairie High School Wood Technology Class, Prairie Rod and Gun Club, and Prairie du Chien Rotary Club all helped with the construction of the towers in time for nesting season. In addition, the Friends of Sherman Swift Tower, the Rotary Club of Prairie du Chien, and the Prairie du Chien Rotary Chapter donated funds for this project.
Prairie du Chien is also home to Prairie Fun Land, an amusement park with a miniature 18-hole golf course, bumper cars, water wars, and Go-Kart tracks. The park also has a restaurant and banquet room where guests can enjoy a meal.
Pete’s Hamburger Stand
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious burger, look no further than Pete’s Hamburger Stand. Open since 1908, this place focuses on serving home style burgers and chips & drinks. It has been a local favorite for many years.
In addition to hamburgers and hot dogs, Pete’s also offers an extensive menu, including a variety of sandwiches. The staff is friendly and the prices are very reasonable. The burgers and beverages are prepared fresh every day. The restaurant has been in business for 110 years, and all profits are donated to local nonprofits. The restaurant’s owners have a grand plan for the celebration of its 110th year, and they’ve got a lot in store. To celebrate, there will be a 5K fun run, co-sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation Department.
When visiting Prairie du Chien, you can’t miss Pete’s Hamburger Stand. With its simple yet delicious hamburgers, the restaurant has been a staple of Prairie du Chien’s food scene for over 100 years. Located on Blackhawk Drive, the restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Prairie du Chien. It’s convenient to Interstate 35 and U.S. 18 and Highway 60, and is close to St. Feriole Island, which makes it an excellent destination for families or groups of tourists.
If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Pete’s Hamburger Stand for a tasty burger and fries. This popular restaurant is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from late April through late October. It’s also open on two Mondays throughout the season. The restaurant’s hours are flexible, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
The Pete’s Hamburger Stand has a long history and has been a staple in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin since 1909. The original owner, Pete Gokey, used water in a flattop grill to make his burgers moist. In fact, he used water instead of oil to create a unique flavor. Today, the burgers served at Pete’s Hamburger Stand continue to improve with every new batch.
If you’re in the area for more than just delicious food, check out the local art gallery. Planted Tree Gallery and Gifts features local art by more than 40 artists. They also offer handcrafted gifts and vintage treasures.
Fort Crawford Museum
The Fort Crawford Museum is located in the historic Fort Crawford. The Fort was an outpost for the United States Army in the early 19th century. From May until October, you can visit the museum and explore the history of the area. The museum contains exhibits about the history of the fort and the city. The museum also has a gift shop.
The town of Prairie du Chien is located in the Mississippi River Valley and is one of the oldest settlements in Wisconsin. Originally, French settlers settled here near the Mississippi River. The town grew to become a flourishing outpost for the fur trade. During this time, the city was home to various elegant estate homes.
In the early nineteenth century, the town’s population was approximately 1,000. After the War of 1812, the U.S. Army established a military presence and a civilian government. In June 1816, General Thomas Smith and six companies moved to Prairie du Chien. He oversaw the construction of Fort Crawford on St. Feriole Island, near the ruins of the former Fort Shelby. In 1818, the area was named the county seat of Crawford County.
Another important historical site in the city is the Villa Louis, a 25-acre estate that is a National Historic Landmark. Its buildings are all noteworthy for their unique historical significance. The site includes the Brisbois House, the Roulette House, the Rolette House, and the Preserve House. The Villa is also home to the Fur Trade Museum. The buildings and grounds on this site are a museum in and of themselves.
In addition to the Fort Crawford Museum, the city’s other historical sites are worth visiting. A walk along the river will take you through St. Feriole Island Park, which has historical significance. The town was home to the Fort Crawford from 1816 to 1856. A museum dedicated to the city’s history is a short drive away from Windsor Place Inn.
Fort Crawford is an old fort that was built in 1816 to protect the community from invasion. It was built on the site of Fort McKay, which was burned to the ground during the War of 1812. After that, the U.S. forces returned to Prairie du Chien and ordered construction of a new fort. This one was named Fort Crawford in honor of its founder, William H. Crawford, Secretary of War under James Madison. It was constructed of wood, except for the magazine, and measured 343 feet on each side. It featured Blockhouses at the corners of the fort. The construction of Fort Crawford lasted all summer and was finished in 1816.
Prairie Fun Land
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly outing in southwestern Wisconsin, look no further than Prairie Fun Land. This unique amusement park offers bumper cars, Go-Karts, and mini golf. There are also water games and a driving range. Whether you’re looking for a day out with the kids or a weekend getaway with your family, you’ll find something to entertain everyone.
Other activities at Prairie Fun Land include 18-hole miniature golf, bumper boats, a driving range, and water wars. The park also offers a snack bar and a video arcade. The facility also hosts birthday parties and other events. Once you’ve had your fill of fun, you can head over to the arcade for some great food.