Named by early 19th-century French voyageurs, Prairie du Chien (duh-SHEEN) could be re-christened Prairie du Kwik-Stop or Prairie du Pabst by the modern traveler cruising along the GRR on downtown’s West Blackhawk Avenue. The town’s main attraction is the posh Villa Louis (daily May–Oct.; $8.50; 608/326-2721), which embodies the wealth that could be made in the fur trade back when every European dandy’s head sported beaver-pelt hats. Built by the state’s first millionaire, the house boasts one of the finest collections of domestic Victoriana in the country; signs point you here from all over town.
