Flood Waters Rising, A New Chloe Ellefson Mystery
November 1 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Event Details
Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 1:30 PM – 3 PM
Celebrate The Newest Book in the Chloe Ellefson Series Set at the Elegant Villa Louis
Join us for an afternoon filled with mystery as Kathleen Ernst releases Flood Waters Rising, the 12th book in the Chloe Ellefson historic mystery series. In her most recent adventure, Chloe travels to southwest Wisconsin and the Villa Louis to help protect vulnerable collections from a flood. The elegant Villa Louis is not in danger, but the nearby Fur Trade Museum will certainly be submerged. Before the work begins, the discovery of a body in the Museum jeopardizes the entire artifact rescue plan.
The book launch for Flood Wates Rising will take place in the Brisbois Fur Warehouse. Guests interested in exploring Villa Louis can purchase a General Admission ticket to tour the site. Books will be available for sale with a chance for Kathleen Ernst to autograph your book after her talk.
What You’ll Experience
- A special author event with Kathleen Ernst to launch the 12th book in the Chloe Ellefson series, Flood Waters Rising
- A chance to purchase a copy of the book and have it signed by Kathleen Ernst
- Tea and French Canadian treats will be served
Cost
Free and open to the public
Guests must be 13+
About the Location
Villa Louis served as a comfortable and stylish country estate for three generations of the Dousman family—a family that built its fortune from early American frontier opportunities such as land and transportation investments. Hercules L. Dousman began development of the site during the 1840s on the banks of the Mississippi River in Prairie du Chien. The property has since expanded into a 25-acre complex complete with historic structures and archaeological remains that reference the early history of the site. Upon the death of Hercules in 1868, widow Jane Dousman and son H. Louis Dousman contracted Milwaukee architect E. Townsend Mix to build the stately mansion that now rests at the heart of the property. In addition to the new residence, H. Louis expanded the site to include a farm for breeding and racing horses. After Louis’ death, Nina Dousman raised their children at Villa Louis, and the property remained under family ownership until it was given to the City of Prairie du Chien in 1935. In 1950, Villa Louis became property of the Wisconsin Historical Society and opened to the public in 1952.
Prior to Dousman ownership, Indigenous natives lived on the Villa Louis grounds over 2000 years ago. For centuries, Native Nations of the upper Mississippi gathered upon the island to trade among themselves until the fur trade brought French-speaking traders in contact with Indigenous tribesmen and women. The trade also attracted free Black settlers to Prairie du Chien. Additionally, officers and agents of the United States brought enslaved men and women to the prairie, some of whom lived at Fort Crawford and other structures that once stood on land that is now part of Villa Louis State Historic Site. Research and restorations continue to fully expand the story of these early residents and events.
(PO Box 65)
521 Villa Louis Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821-0065
Know Before You Go
- Doors to this free experience open at 1:30 PM. The event will take place at Brisbois Fur Warehouse on the Villa Louis grounds.
- Treats, tea and water will be served from 1:30 PM to 2 PM.
- The program will begin promptly at 2 PM and last 45 minutes with 15 minutes for a Q&A period.
- Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible.
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Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 608-326-2721 or [email protected].
Have Questions?
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or [email protected]