Holy Hill Shrine - Hubertus, Wis.

(Photo provided)

Destination: Holy Hill Shrine in Hubertus, Wis., is a peaceful, great place to visit for a day-trip or as a side-trip during a stay at Milwaukee. Daily Mass is at 11 a.m.

Why to go: This Shrine of Mary Help of Christians offers opportunities and settings for prayer and for walking or hiking on 435 acres. It is located on the highest elevation in southeast Wisconsin, so the view is great. A long-time tradition at Holy Hill has been to walk and pray the Stations of the Cross, winding up a paved (with stairs) path from the bottom of the hill to the second level chapel.

The shrine was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 2006. Its newly-renovated upper church is bright and filled with stained glass windows portraying Mary’s life and her charisms. Mosaics of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, above the two side altars, point to the shrine’s relationship with the Discalced Carmelite friars who came to the Hill in 1906 at the invitation of Milwaukee’s Archbishop Messmer.

Even before the building of the hill’s first log chapel, pilgrims left crutches, leg braces and canes at Holy Hill, and the practice is continued today by pilgrims who believe that God has healed them through the power of intercessory prayer.

Special event: The 34th annual Arts and Crafts Fair will be Sept. 20, 2008, when more than 200 artists and craftsmen will participate. Admission is $4 for adults (children 12 and younger may attend for free).

Amenities:  The Holy Hill Café is open every day for lunch from May 1-Oct. 31 and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the rest of the year. Sunday brunch buffet is served year-round from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Simple, overnight accommodations are available in the retreat facilities.

Access: An elevator makes the church accessible. Enter through the front glass doors that lead to the shrine gift shop and go to the right to the elevators. But the retreat facilities are not accessible.

(Grand)Kid friendly: Yes. A picnic area is located at the beginning of the stations — walk down or drive to Station Way Road just east of the shrine’s main entrance on Rte. 167.

Info: Address: 1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI 53033. Phone: 262/628-1838 Web site: www.holyhill.com

-- Amanda Hudson
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