This summer, Prairie du Chien and Crawford County will once again pay tribute to a pair of adventurers who changed the course of history with their travels.
From June 16-18, visitors to the area can experience a voyageur encampment, Native American performances, and numerous other events designed to illustrate the region’s rich history.
More than 350 years ago, in May of 1673, Father Jacques Marquette and explorer Louis Jolliet set out from the Great Lakes and traveled along waterways through Wisconsin to the Mississippi River. This expedition opened commerce and transportation routes still used today, as well as impacting European colonization and the lives of indigenous people.
Among the planned activities for attendees are a medalion hunt, flea and farmers markets, carriage rides, ax throwing, flint knapping, historic walking tour, and a parade. There will also be the 48th Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous (starting June 15), providing a peek at life in the 1840s; a carnival by Enticing Entertainment of Minneapolis; old-time photo opportunities; a beard and mustache contest; an arrowhead display; sculpture park tours; and voyageur canoe rides.
Food trucks will be parked next to the Potosi Beer Trolley and Branches Winery Wine Garden. Live music will be featured all weekend long, with performances located downtown near the food and beverage vendors or on St. Feriole Island.
For more information on this year’s 350th Expedition Celebration, please visit www.expedition350.com or the event’s Facebook page.