"Wisconsin's second oldest community, Prairie du Chien retains the attraction that drew the first explorers to its shores. " -From "Prairie du Chien" by Mary Elise Antoine.
Located in southwest Wisconsin along the Great River Road, a winding 250-mile long scenic byway on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, Prairie du Chien is a town of great scenic beauty and is the oldest community on the Upper Mississippi River (the second oldest in Wisconsin). Named from the French words for "Prairie of the Dog," an early Fox chief who lived there, the town's history began in June of 1673, when French explorers Marquette and Jolliet came down the Wisconsin River and became the first Europeans to see the Mississippi River. Located near the confluence of these two great rivers, the town is at a strategic point along the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway that connects the Great Lakes with the Mississippi. Thinking about giving Prairie du Chien a try? Read on for more information on how to make this notable town your home.
You will find a variety of options as you search for places to rent in Prairie du Chien (or "PDC" as the locals like to call it)
"Wisconsin's second oldest community, Prairie du Chien retains the attraction that drew the first explorers to its shores. " -From "Prairie du Chien" by Mary Elise Antoine.
Located in southwest Wisconsin along the Great River Road, a winding 250-mile long scenic byway on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, Prairie du Chien is a town of great scenic beauty and is the oldest community on the Upper Mississippi River (the second oldest in Wisconsin). Named from the French words for "Prairie of the Dog," an early Fox chief who lived there, the town's history began in June of 1673, when French explorers Marquette and Jolliet came down the Wisconsin River and became the first Europeans to see the Mississippi River. Located near the confluence of these two great rivers, the town is at a strategic point along the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway that connects the Great Lakes with the Mississippi. Thinking about giving Prairie du Chien a try? Read on for more information on how to make this notable town your home.
Moving to Prairie du Chien
You will find a variety of options as you search for places to rent in Prairie du Chien (or "PDC" as the locals like to call it). The town has a handful of small apartment complexes scattered throughout, and for an unbeatable "walk to the River" location, several of the town's quaint downtown businesses have charming apartments for rent directly above them. In addition, many vintage homes have been converted to rental housing, and there you might find an apartment that not only is filled with character but comes with all utilities paid. Homes for rent, from cozy cabins to sprawling farm properties, can also be found in and around Prairie du Chien. One of the best sources for available rental properties is the classified section of PDC's weekly newspaper, "The Courier Press," which is available both in print and on line. You may also want to consider checking with local realtors if you are looking for homes for rent. When is the best time to move to Prairie du Chien? Well we ARE talking Wisconsin here, and moving in the winter can be pretty unpleasant on a bitterly cold day. Best to begin your search in early spring for summer openings, or in the summer to see what is available in the fall. Once you find a place you like, don't forget to bring all of the usual paperwork and security deposit, make sure you have good credit, and be prepared to pay extra if you have pets.
Neighborhoods and Communities
Prairie du Chien doesn't have "neighborhoods," per se, but it is surrounded by several small communities, such as Marquette and McGregor, Iowa (right across the river), that are only minutes away. While these small communities have their own identities, they are also considered part of the "greater Prairie du Chien area." And don't let the small size of these communities fool you. They are stops for the many travelers who make their way along the Great River Road that runs directly through the area, and are therefore home to the many businesses and attractions that cater to them. The larger town of Boscobel, Wisconsin has the advantages of a regional airport, and the River itself is a busy shipping channel, with barge captains and others who work on the river finding apartments for rent and plenty of services in these surrounding communities. In fact, the vitality of the area in the areas of shipping and transport is even apparent in the winter, and lends itself to a word of advice: try not to get a place by the railroad tracks, they are in use all year long.
Living in Prairie du Chien
With a history that dates as far back as the late 1600's, the town's heritage is evident by its five National Historic Landmarks and nine sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of Prairie du Chien's activities revolve around its history and is celebrated by visitors and local residents alike in special events and reenactments such its annual Fur Trapper Rendezvous. But Prairie du Chien isn't just for history buffs, it is also an ideal place to live for outdoorsmen and women, with its spectacular setting providing ample opportunity for wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, hiking and water sports of all kinds.
Outdoor Life
If you love to explore the great outdoors, then the Prairie du Chien area is ideal. During every season, the wooded bluffs and the mighty river provides endless opportunities to enjoy nature. Like birding? There is probably no better place in the Midwest, where spring floodwaters create ideal stopping points for migrating shorebirds and hardwood forests welcome songbirds. And if you enjoy watching Bald Eagles, living in Prairie du Chien is for you! Prairie du Chien is along the migration route and, is a normal wintering area for these birds in the Mississippi River valley. Sportsmen fish the Mississippi River for its excellent pan fish, large and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern, sauger and all species of catfish. Houseboat, canoe, and fishing boat rentals are available. The nearby Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge offers excellent camping, and around every bend are scenic overlooks of the Mississippi that will inspire you. The mixed habitats of La Rivere Park, a 240-acre island on the east channel of the Mississippi River, are an ideal spot to hike and is the site of most community festivals. Last but not least, Prairie du Chien offers two public golf courses ranging from 9 to 18 holes nestled against wooded bluffs providing a peaceful scenic backdrop.
An Active Community
Despite its scenic beauty, take one look at Prairie du Chien's community calendar and you would never know you were in rural Wisconsin by the wide variety things there are to do here. The locals find ways to pursue innovative and exciting interests all year round. Film festivals, cook-offs and ice-fishing competitions dot the calendar in the winter. Come spring, "fun runs" and farmers markets begin to appear throughout the region, along with historic tours and indoor flea markets. In the summer, the nearby Huser Astronomy center hosts special programs, there are movies in the park, and the entire region gears up for the Fur Trappers Rendezvous and other events centered around PDC's rich history. And on summer nights everyone lines up, as they have for over 100 years, at "Pete's" for one of his famous hamburgers. Fall brings art festivals and wine celebrations, the town sparkles for the holidays, and wraps up the year with Carp Fest, a week-long series of family oriented activities including a lighted sledding hill, torchlight hikes, skating parties and snow football.
What's not to love?
