Prairie du Chien - A River Town

Prairie du Chien is a small riverfront community located in the southwest corner of Wisconsin where the Wisconsin River and Mississippi River intersect.  This is one of our favorite drives because not only is Prairie du Chien a fun destination - the drive to and from is filled with many hidden treasures. 

From Madison take Hwy 151/18 to Dodgeville then Hwy 18 to Prairie du Chien.  Along the way you pass by or through several small towns that are destinations in themselves.  If you have time visit the trolls of Mt Horeb, Blue Mound State Park in Blue Mounds, and don’t forget a popcorn stop at Rural Route Popcorn in Montfort.  Be sure to keep your eyes out for buggies once you leave Montfort – its Amish country.  

So what do you do when you reach Prairie du Chien? 

The area is a haven for any history buff.  Prairie du Chien was a fur trading mega, the home of the first Wisconsin millionaire Hercules Dousman, there is the Villa Louie, Fort Crawford, and much, much more. 

If you like antiquing and/or just shopping visit the Cannery in Prairie du Chien or cross the bridge over the Mississippi and find shops galore in the riverfront towns of Marquette and Mac Gregor, Iowa.  

The area also home to two great state parks. In Wisconsin there is Wyalusing State Park overlooking Prairie du Chien, and in Iowa you will find Pike’s Peak State Park overlooking Mac Gregor.  Both have hiking trails, panoramic views, and camping.

View from Wyalusing State Park

View from Pikes Peak State Park

Along the riverfront you will also find many seasonal events – art fairs, a Rendezvous, and the Carriage classic.  The latter is a must see at least once.  People in period costume compete in horse drawn carriages.  There are races, obstacle courses, and precision control competitions.  You will find regular flea markets held by the Mississippi Bridge, and think about taking a river boat tour (very relaxing way to soak in the history of the area).  Here is a link for more detailed info.   http://www.prairieduchien.org/

And for you who have some gambling in your blood – check out the Lucky Lady Casino in Marquette.   It’s a converted paddle boat that is docked along the Mississippi shoreline.

If you need some nourishment while you there you will find many, many places to eat but I have a few recommendations.  

A MUST stop is Pete’s – a 100-year-old Prairie du Chien tradition.  The Gokey family started making burgers on Main St in 1909.  This is a food stand (actually a hut) – not a restaurant.  You can order burgers with or without onions, chips, a drink, and if your inclined a Pete’s postcard or T-shirt.   The burgers are uniquely made in batches (don’t know the #) so depending on the season and the day you may be waiting in line.  The burgers are worth the wait and a great way to enjoy them is grab your Pete’s bag and head to the riverside park just a few blocks away.  You may as well enjoy the river while you are enjoying the food.  Pete’s is open from early May to mid October (this can vary) and only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.   For more about the Pete’s follow this link.  http://peteshamburgers.com

If you’re in the area during the dinner hour check out Jones Black Angus.  This is a throwback to an old supper club.  The salad plates are chilled and the salad bar offers pickled herring, chivied cottage cheese, and pickled beets.  The rest of the food of course is excellent.  As you can tell from the name – you may want to try a steak.  

For something in between there is the Hungry House Cafe – large menu selection for the whole family, and a Sunday breakfast buffet that while small in size is enormous in flavor.  

Slip across to Iowa you will find the Marquette Bar.  OK this place doesn’t look like much but the food is really good.  Homemade soups, and pies and a very good bar burger.

It's always hard to leave but the routes home to Madison are as interesting as the roads from.   Pick-up Hwy 60 going east and follow the Wisconsin River.  You have the option of  staying on 60 to Hwy 14 or you can veer off onto Hwy 133 outside of Boscobel and follow that to Hwy 14 back to Madison.    Both routes are scenic and pass through other interesting little communities and unique sites.   

Be sure to plan your own route to Prairie du Chien.  I am sure once you have been there – just like chips – one visit won’t be enough.