Prairie du Chien, the oldest Euro-American settlement established on the Upper Mississippi River, was a rendezvous point for early commerce and trade. The rich history of this second oldest town in Wisconsin is the focus of the PdC Main Street volunteers as they work to re-establish downtown as the social and economic heart of the community and promote the Downtown District. Nestled between bluffs and the Mississippi River, the Downtown District is a shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment destination for sightseers, recreationalists and regional residents. Architecture in the District reflects the history and dates back to the 1840s with many buildings restored to their unique charm and character.