Sun, 03 May 2026 04:50:50 +0000

Unbelievable Secret Hidden in Prairie du Chien’s Forgotten Past Nestled along the broad, misty waters of the Mississippi River lies Prairie du Chien — Wisconsin’s oldest permanent settlement, a hidden gem steeped in Native American history, French fur trapping, and Cold War intrigue. While most visitors marvel at its charming cobblestone streets and 19th-century architecture, few know of an unbelievable secret buried deep within its forgotten past: a clandestine Cold War underground bunker cloaked in mystery. ### Prairie du Chien: A Crossroads of History Long before European explorers arrived, Prairie du Chien was a vital trading hub for Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk and Menominee. In the 1700s, French trappers and missionaries established a foothold here, recognizing the strategic advantage of the river’s confluence. By the 1800s, the town thrived as a center of the fur trade, connecting Midwest commerce with European networks.