Is Prairie du Chien Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Prairie du Chien is a border town in southwest Wisconsin, across the Mississippi River from Iowa.

As the name might hint, the name comes from the French traders that first interacted with the Indigenous people.

It is pronounced “Prairie due Shane,” which means “dog’s meadow,” but was a tribute to the Fox Indians Chief who went by the Indigenous name for “dog.”

At first, the Mississippi River and its nearby confluence with the Wisconsin River helped with transportation, but the advent of the railroad caused issues getting across the waterways.

Prairie du Chien was able to thrive as a supply stop, and then a tourist destination before and after the West was fully explored.

As the second-oldest city in Wisconsin and the oldest in the Upper Mississippi Valley, history abounds here with extensive access to waterways.

Considering how much this area floods, it’s amazing Prarie du Chien is still thriving.

The scars of weather history ended up creating some unique outdoor activities to consider, including Mississippi backwaters and river islands.

Prairie du Chien is also part of the Driftless Area, a region untouched by Ice Age glacial activity, giving it a unique landscape compared to other sections of the state.

With a population of 5,500, this small town still offers big potential for adventure seekers and history buffs.

Warnings & Dangers in Prairie du Chien

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Prairie du Chien, but you will need to have a certain affinity for outdoor activities to really enjoy your time here.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Southwest Wisconsin has the Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit system to get between different cities. That name refers to the Mississippi River, not the state of Mississippi. Taxis and rideshares will be found sparingly, but a rental car offers the most flexibility.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

One purse snatching has been reported in the past five years, which gives this a low risk. Shoplifting is the biggest type of theft across Wisconsin, so don't let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This is a medium risk, especially if there's any kind of weather that could lead to flooding. That includes spring runoff, ice jams, heavy rain, or rain events upstream that cause delayed aerial flooding in the region. Spring brings a severe storm season with the potential for tornadoes, large hail, and dangerous lightning.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robberies are few and far between in Prairie du Chien, meaning you can consider this another low-risk. None have been reported in the past five years.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk. As a small town that isn't alongside a major interstate, you have to really want to be in Prairie du Chein to get there. Plus, there are no potential targets nearby.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. I found that the Crawford County Sheriff has a website section titled "Common Types of Fraud Scams," which you should view before you visit.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The risk is low for women, including those traveling alone, elderly women, or moms traveling with kids. Again, you'll need to know about outdoor wilderness, wildlife and weather safety, but beyond basic safety steps, you should have no issues here.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report for Prairie du Chien shows full compliance and no violations, giving this a full list of low risks.

Safest Places to Visit in Prairie du Chien

The tourism website for this region is PrairieduChien.org.

You can also follow the tourism bureau on Facebook @prairieduchientourism for updated information on events and specials.

To get a broader look at Driftless Area cities, check out Driftlesswisconsin.com.

One thing I would caution is that several attractions listed on the tourism websites are no longer open, which is likely due to the pandemic that shuttered too many businesses nationwide.

All the places listed here are still open, but always check before you visit.

I count almost 30 historical sites to visit, but here are some of the highlights.

On St. Feriole Island, there’s a sense of place that history buffs will love.

This island was the heart of early Prairie du Chien, including the first Fort Crawford and the location of the 1814 Battle of Prairie du Chien.

During the third week in June, the Indigenous Rendezvous Festival is held on the island annually.

Also on the island is Villa Louis, a perfectly restored Victorian estate on St. Feriole Island.

Built in the early 1800s, the Brisbois House is one of Wisconsin’s oldest structures.

Though it’s currently only viewable from the outside, the Brisbois House is a physical remnant of early Prairie du Chien.

For something a bit more unexpected, Mississippi River Sculpture Park blends art and history in an open-air setting.

Life-sized bronze statues of regional figures—like Native American leaders, explorers, and early settlers—dot the landscape.

Back on the mainland, Fort Crawford Museum takes you further into the town’s storied past for a taste of frontier life.

Originally a military outpost, Fort Crawford played a role in conflicts, peace treaties, and even medical advances.

When you’re ready to explore the river and the great outdoors, consider starting at Wyalusing State Park, just south of town.

This park includes trails where the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers meet.

It’s a good spot for bird-watching, especially if you’re hoping to spot a bald eagle.

Across the river, Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves prehistoric mounds shaped like animals.

It’s a unique place to learn about Native American history and enjoy some scenic trails.

Look on both sides of the Mississippi River for seasonal boat rides, some with music, others with narrated history, that allow a more immersive experience on the water.

Downtown Prairie du Chien spans four blocks, but it’s filled with unique places to eat or shop.

Be sure to try the famous Wisconsin Cheese Curds while you’re there.

Places to Avoid in Prairie du Chien

As far as the bad parts of town, there aren’t any to avoid in Prairie du Chien.

Of course, you want to stay away from any private areas where you don’t know anyone.

Stick to the main roads and tourist attractions.

You have to understand the power of the Mississippi River and respect the flood potential here.

Check weather forecasts, flood stage levels, and any public land advisories before you head out.

With so much standing water, especially when the temperatures are warm, expect an onslaught of mosquitoes and take steps ahead of time to prepare yourself with bug spray, mosquito netting for your head, and a citrus-based cologne or perfume.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Prairie du Chien

So... How Safe Is Prairie du Chien Really?

With a population of fewer than 6,000 people, it’s better to look at raw crime data than crime rates.

That’s because the rates are determined per 100,000 residents, and numbers can easily get skewed when blowing them up to such a large size compared to the population.

In 2023, there were 16 violent crimes.

Four were rapes, and 12 were aggravated assaults.

The safety numbers become even more impressive when you know that, over the past five years, just one stranger has been a victim of a violent crime.

During those same five years, just 12% of thefts were related to car break-ins, which is about half the national average.

The largest theft category in Prairie du Chien is “Other,” which can mean anything from a stolen ATV or campsite supplies taken to construction site thefts.

In general, safety isn’t a concern here and common sense, situational awareness, and outdoor safety education go a long way.

How Does Prairie du Chien Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Prairie du Chien gets four seasons, with summers a bit cooler than the national average and winters longer and colder than you might prefer. Annually, it receives around 33 inches of snowfall, while rainfall totals average about 34 inches. Summer temperatures often reach the high 80s, while winter lows can dip below freezing, making seasonal variety significant.

Airports

The nearest commercial airports to Prairie du Chien are Dubuque Regional Airport, about 60 miles south, and La Crosse Regional Airport, around 65 miles north.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Prairie du Chien Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City