Lost Dauphin State Park
Wisconsin’s Royal Mystery Park — The Lost Dauphin of France Legend, Fox River Overlook, Historical Marker, CCC-Era Shelter & Hiking Trails Near De Pere
Lost Dauphin State Park is a 19-acre historical park along the Fox River in the Town of Lawrence, Brown County, Wisconsin, just south of De Pere. The park features a scenic Fox River overlook, rolling hiking trails, a historical marker commemorating the “Lost Dauphin” legend, the flagstone foundation ruins of Eleazer Williams’s home, a shelter, a playground, and a bench at the river overlook.
The park preserves one of Wisconsin’s most unusual historical stories. In 1823, Episcopal missionary Eleazer Williams married Mary Hobart Williams (Marie Madeline Jourdain), a French-Menominee Métis woman who held this land along the Fox River from her Menominee relatives. Williams later claimed to be the “Lost Dauphin” — the son of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette of France, who had supposedly survived the French Revolution. While his royal claims were eventually disproven, the story captivated 19th-century America and gave this small riverside park its evocative name. The park became a state park in 1947 and is now locally managed by the Town of Lawrence. No vehicle admission sticker is required.
Things to Do
Historical Exploration
- Historical marker: Commemorates Eleazer Williams and the Lost Dauphin legend
- Foundation ruins: Flagstone foundation of Williams’s former home visible on the grounds
- French-Menominee history: Mary Hobart Williams held the land from her Menominee relatives since the 1820s
Hiking & Nature
- Rolling trails: Through 19 acres of wooded terrain
- Fox River overlook: Scenic viewpoint with bench
- Birding and wildlife observation
Recreation
- Playground
- Shelter
- Picnic area
The Lost Dauphin Legend
Eleazer Williams (1787–1858) was an Episcopal missionary of Mohawk descent who worked among Native American communities in Wisconsin. In the 1850s, Williams publicly claimed to be Louis XVII, the “Lost Dauphin” of France — the son of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, who was believed to have died in prison during the French Revolution in 1795. Williams asserted that he had been secretly spirited out of France as a child and raised in America. The claim generated enormous public fascination during the 19th century, though it was eventually disproven. The park preserves the land where Williams lived with his wife Mary along the Fox River, and a historical marker tells the full story.
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 19 acres |
| Admission | FREE — no vehicle sticker required |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset, year-round |
| Camping | Not available |
| Management | Town of Lawrence (state-owned land) |
| Address | Lost Dauphin Rd, De Pere, WI 54115 |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Lush trails; Fox River views; playground; long days; warm hiking | Mosquitoes; humid; thunderstorms |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Fall foliage along Fox River; comfortable hiking; photography; quiet | Shorter days; cooling |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; birding migration; green-up; uncrowded | Muddy trails; variable weather; cool |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Snowshoeing; winter Fox River scenery; solitude | Cold (Wisconsin winter); icy trails; short days |
Visitor Tips
- Free admission: Lost Dauphin State Park requires no vehicle admission sticker — just drive up and park.
- Quick visit: At 19 acres, this park is ideal for a 1–2 hour visit — read the historical marker, explore the trails, and enjoy the Fox River overlook.
- History buffs: The Lost Dauphin legend is one of the most fascinating stories in Wisconsin history — read up before visiting for full appreciation.
- Foundation ruins: Look for the flagstone foundation of Eleazer Williams’s home — it’s a tangible connection to the 1820s.
- Near De Pere: The park is minutes from De Pere and Green Bay — easy to combine with other Fox River Valley attractions.
- No camping: This is a day-use park only. For nearby camping, consider Peninsula State Park or other Brown County options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lost Dauphin legend at Lost Dauphin State Park?
Lost Dauphin State Park in De Pere, Wisconsin, is named after Eleazer Williams (1787–1858), an Episcopal missionary of Mohawk descent who publicly claimed to be Louis XVII, the “Lost Dauphin” of France — the son of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Williams asserted that he had survived the French Revolution and been secretly raised in America. He lived on this Fox River property with his wife Mary Hobart Williams, a French-Menominee Métis woman who held the land from her Menominee relatives. While the claim was eventually disproven, the story fascinated 19th-century America and gave the park its unique name. Visitors can see the historical marker and the flagstone foundation ruins of Williams’s home.
Is Lost Dauphin State Park free to visit?
Yes — Lost Dauphin State Park in De Pere, Wisconsin, is free to visit. No vehicle admission sticker is required. The 19-acre park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset and features rolling hiking trails, a scenic Fox River overlook with a bench, a historical marker about the Lost Dauphin legend, a playground, and a shelter. It is a day-use park with no camping facilities, managed by the Town of Lawrence on state-owned land.
Last updated: May 2026
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