Fort Crawford Museum, Driftless Area Travel Guide

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Discover military and medical history at this 19th-century fort turned museum in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

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Fort Crawford Museum

Explore the history of Fort Crawford, a 19th-century military outpost in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The museum features exhibits on military history, medical innovations pioneered by Dr. William Beaumont, and the story of the city's development from a fur trading village.

A brief summary to Fort Crawford Museum

717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, 53821, US
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Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fort Crawford Museum.

Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to explore all three museum buildings.
Visit between May and October when the museum is open daily.
Check the museum's website or call ahead for information on special events or guided tours.

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Explore Fort Crawford Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Fort Crawford Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From downtown Prairie du Chien, head south on S Marquette Rd, turn left onto E Wells St, and then right onto S Beaumont Rd. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 1 mile.
Car

From Highway 18 or Highway 35, follow local signs directing you to the museum, located at 717 S Beaumont Rd in Prairie du Chien. On-site parking is available and free.

Discover more about Fort Crawford Museum

Delve into the past at the Fort Crawford Museum, located in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where you can explore the site of the 19th-century Fort Crawford. The museum comprises three buildings filled with exhibits detailing the fort's history, the city's evolution, and the lives of those who passed through this strategic location.The museum's exhibits cover a range of topics, including the fort's military significance, the early research on digestion by Dr. William Beaumont at the Fort Crawford Military Hospital, and the growth of Prairie du Chien from a frontier fur trading village. See artifacts from archaeological excavations, learn about the Black Hawk War, and discover the stories of Zachary Taylor and Jefferson Davis. Exhibits also showcase local schools, historic businesses, and the arrival of the railroad.Fort Crawford played a crucial role in the early 19th century, serving as a military outpost and a site for important treaty negotiations with Native American nations. The museum stands as a reminder of this history, offering visitors a chance to connect with the past and learn about the people who shaped the region.