Tea with Madame Dousman
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Event Details
Sat–Sun, June 27–June 28, 2026 | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM – CANCELED
Sat–Sun, Aug 8–Aug 9, 2026 | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Sat–Sun, Sep 19–Sep 20, 2026 | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Sat–Sun, Nov 14–Nov 15, 2026 | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Sip Tea and Explore Women’s History at Villa Louis
Join us for a special day of tea and history at Villa Louis as you explore the rich lives of the women who lived and worked at the iconic estate. Sip hot tea in the Brisbois Warehouse, enjoy refreshments inspired by French Canadian fur trade culture, learn about the Dousmans and other important women of Villa Louis during a presentation, take a guided Brisbois House tour and learn about special objects from the estate collection. The talk will be led by public historian Mary Elise Antoine, author of the newly published An Elegant Edifice: The Women Who Forged a Legacy at Villa Louis.
Please note that due to its nature as a historic site, not all areas of Villa Louis are ADA accessible. Guests must climb stairs to enter and exit the Brisbois House.
What You’ll Experience
The stories of the Dousman women who helped preserve, restore and protect Villa Louis, securing its future as a historic site
A special guided tour of the 1837 Brisbois House featuring objects from the Villa Louis collection related to the women featured in An Elegant Edifice
A French-themed refreshment menu including tea, champagne, baguette finger sandwiches, quiche and a rotating list of sweet treats—from Tarte au Sucre in early summer to Gateau de Pommes Grad-mere in fall
A new way to explore Villa Louis history that centers Jane, Nina, Violet and Virginia Dousman
Cost
Adult (18-64): $60
Teen (13-17): $60
Senior (65+): $60
Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
Advanced registration is required
Guests must be 13+
About the Location
Villa Louis served as a comfortable and stylish country estate for three generations of the Dousman family—a family that built its fortune from early American frontier opportunities such as land and transportation investments. Hercules L. Dousman began development of the site during the 1840s on the banks of the Mississippi River in Prairie du Chien. The property has since expanded into a 25-acre complex complete with historic structures and archaeological remains that reference the early history of the site. Upon the death of Hercules in 1868, widow Jane Dousman and son H. Louis Dousman contracted Milwaukee architect E. Townsend Mix to build the stately mansion that now rests at the heart of the property. In addition to the new residence, H. Louis expanded the site to include a farm for breeding and racing horses. After Louis’ death, Nina Dousman raised their children at Villa Louis, and the property remained under family ownership until it was given to the City of Prairie du Chien in 1935. In 1950, Villa Louis became property of the Wisconsin Historical Society and opened to the public in 1952.
Prior to Dousman ownership, Indigenous natives lived on the Villa Louis grounds over 2000 years ago. For centuries, Native Nations of the upper Mississippi gathered upon the island to trade among themselves until the fur trade brought French-speaking traders in contact with Indigenous tribesmen and women. The trade also attracted free Black settlers to Prairie du Chien. Additionally, officers and agents of the United States brought enslaved men and women to the prairie, some of whom lived at Fort Crawford and other structures that once stood on land that is now part of Villa Louis State Historic Site. Research and restorations continue to fully expand the story of these early residents and events.
Villa Louis Historic Site
(PO Box 65)
521 Villa Louis Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821-0065
Know Before You Go & Accessibility
For guests interested in touring the Villa Louis mansion, tickets will be available at an additional cost.
The museum store is open daily during business hours.
Guests may exit and return throughout the day to explore the grounds.
Water is the only outside food/beverage allowed. Beverages are available for purchase.
Restrooms and water fountains are available on site.
The site will remain open rain or shine.
Guests are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and to dress for the weather.
Service animals are welcome. For the safety of all guests and animals on site, pets are not allowed.
ADA access is available on the first floor of the mansion, restrooms, and the fur trade building.
Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible. Guests must climb stairs to enter and exit the Brisbois Warehouse.
Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 608-326-2721 or [email protected].
Have Questions?
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or [email protected]