Prairie du Chien Historical Society

06/13/2026

Looking for something to do this weekend? Event admission is free, the weather is beautiful, and the grounds of the Prairie du Chien Historical Society are alive with history! Explore military encampments, artillery displays, museum exhibits, and demonstrations today and tomorrow. Come spend a few minutes or hours with us!

06/13/2026

All set up for a terrific weekend as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Prairie du Chien Historical Society!

The cannons are in place, the camps are established, and the soldiers of the 3rd Independent Battery, Iowa Light Artillery have arrived at Fort Crawford Museum. Join us for a weekend of living history, demonstrations, exhibits, and special activities as we mark three decades of preserving and sharing Prairie du Chien’s rich heritage.

It’s going to be a blast… and a bang… and a boom! 💥

📍 Fort Crawford Museum
🎉 Celebrating 30 Years of the Prairie du Chien Historical Society
🇺🇸 Fun for the whole family!

06/12/2026

Don’t let the road construction fool you—we’re still open and ready for a great weekend at Cannons at the Fort! Conveniently located just off the Highway 18 bypass and Beaumont Road, the Fort Crawford Museum is easy to access. Come experience cannon firings, living history demonstrations, historical presentations, and family-friendly activities. Make Cannons at the Fort part of your Prairie du Chien weekend!

06/10/2026

🎶 Celebrate 30 Years with Us! 🎶

As part of the Prairie du Chien Historical Society’s 30th Anniversary celebration, join us this Saturday at Fort Crawford Museum for a free community concert featuring Reegan Benzing and her band from Waukon, Iowa!

Reegan is a rising country artist with a passion for music and experience performing at venues throughout Iowa. Bring your lawn chairs, gather your family and friends, and enjoy a relaxing summer evening filled with great music and community spirit.

📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026
🕡 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Fort Crawford Museum, 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
🎟 FREE Admission

Come help us celebrate 30 years of preserving and sharing Prairie du Chien’s rich history while enjoying an evening of live country music!

06/09/2026

🎆 Celebrate 30 Years of the Prairie du Chien Historical Society! 🎆

Join us June 13–14 at the Fort Crawford Museum for Cannons at the Fort, a weekend of living history, cannon firings, historical talks, children’s activities, food, ice cream, live music, and a spectacular night cannon firing at dusk!

Best of all, admission for this event is FREE as we celebrate 30 years of preserving and sharing Prairie du Chien’s rich history.

Bring the family and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the past brought to life!

📍 Fort Crawford Museum
📅 June 13–14, 2026
🎟️ Free Admission

06/01/2026

Mark your calendars!!!

05/21/2026

We had a wonderful group of young visitors explore the museums this week! It’s always exciting to see the next generation discovering the rich history of Prairie du Chien.

Did you know the roots of history run especially deep here when it comes to the Catholic Church? St. Gabriel’s Church, built in 1839, is recognized as Wisconsin’s oldest church — a remarkable reminder of the community’s early heritage and enduring faith.

05/20/2026

Prairie du Chien is full of fascinating connections to the past — and it’s always wonderful when descendants and family stories find their way back home. Thank you for stopping by and sharing this special piece of local history!

It was great to have Doug Appel from Conroe, Texas stop by the Welcome Center today. Doug's father was cousin to Mayme Cornelius. In 1979 Mayme donated the parcel of land on which the Welcome Center and Chamber of Commerce now sit.

05/16/2026

Today is opening day for the 2026 season at the Prairie du Chien Historical Society!

This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Society's founding. We are excited to welcome guests back to explore our updated museums, browse the refreshed gift shop, and experience the rich history of Prairie du Chien.

Join us this season and help celebrate three decades of preserving and sharing our community’s remarkable story!

The museums located at 717 South Beaumont Road in Prairie du Chien will be opened daily Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays) 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

05/12/2026