Prairie du Chien
Wisconsin's second-oldest city. The region's beating heart.
Prairie du Chien sits near the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers — a location that drew French explorers, fur traders, and Native American nations for centuries before Wisconsin was a state. It's the county seat and by far the largest community in Crawford County, but what surprises most people is just how much is here for a city of 5,500.
Crossing Rivers Health provides full hospital and specialty care. There's a full-service airport. National retailers, locally owned restaurants, live music, coffee shops, breweries, boutiques, wellness services — the kind of infrastructure that most rural counties drive an hour to reach. For the Iowa side of the river and most of Crawford County, Prairie du Chien is that destination.
Quick Facts
Population
5,500
Crawford County seat and largest city
Live Music & Events Year Round
from ice fishing derbies to blues festivals to Oktoberfest
Five Historic Landmarks
More than any Wisconsin city of comparable size
What You'll Find Here
Crossing Rivers Health — full hospital, 100+ services including specialty, behavioral health, and birthing center
Walmart, TJ Maxx, Tractor Supply, Cabela's, national fast food chains, grocery, pharmacy, banking, and a full range of retail and services
Dozens of restaurants -- supper clubs, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese, pizza, fast food, coffee shops, and local bars
Indoor Olympic-sized pool and recreation center, outdoor municipal pool, skate park, and fitness centers
Two golf courses, disc golf on St. Feriole Island, baseball complex, tennis courts, go-karts, mini golf, and bumper cars
Over 600 acres of parks and open space -- riverfront parks, boat launches, marina, sculpture park, and river walk
Direct Mississippi River access -- boating, fishing, kayaking, and wide river views
Year-round events -- Prairie Dog Blues Festival, ice fishing derby, Oktoberfest, Christmas parade, and more
Villa Louis, Fort Crawford Museum, and historic St. Feriole Island
Municipal airport (KPDC) -- general aviation and corporate jet capable
Prairie du Chien School District
Regional hub for southwest Wisconsin and northeast Iowa
DDI currently leads the Connect Communities program in Prairie du Chien and serves as fiscal sponsor for the Gays Mills Connect Communities effort — supporting both communities in pursuing commercial revitalization through WEDC resources, training, and technical assistance.
DDI is committed to expanding Connect Communities support to additional Crawford County communities as local interest and capacity develop.
