Sinsinawa Mound - Sinsinawa, Wis.

(Observer photo by Tony Carton)

Destination: Sinsinawa Mound, located in southwest Wisconsin, is home to more than 600 Dominican Sisters who are dedicated to preaching and teaching the Gospel. While visiting, attend Sunday Mass at 10:30 a.m. with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters in Queen of the Rosary Chapel.

Why to go: Located on 450 acres of lush woodlands, orchards, vineyards, fields, gardens, and a walking labyrinth, Sinsinawa Mound offers an ideal atmosphere for personal reflection, group retreats, and more.

Since its founding in 1847 by Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, over 3,200 women have taken vows as Sinsinawa Dominicans before departing their Mound home, inspired, to preach and teach the Gospel in the United States and throughout the world.

The Mound houses the Mazzuchelli Exhibit, a display of Mazzuchelli artifacts, including his writing desk, chalice, chasuble, and penance chain. Pope John Paul II declared Mazzuchelli venerable in 1993, beginning a process that may lead to declaring Father Samuel a saint.

Every day, Sinsinawa Kitchens bakes hundreds of loaves of cinnamon bread, caramel rolls, and dinner rolls, zucchini bread, white, wheat, raisin, and health breads. Most are sold to customers visiting Sinsinawa Mound or shipped nationwide from www.sinsinawa.org

There is also a bookshop and art gallery.

Walk the labyrinth and discover a new, yet ancient way to pray and meditate.

Special events: On Sept. 25, celebrate the 25th Annual Women’s Awareness Day featuring breakout sessions, meals, and the keynote, “Comedy Sportz,” stand up improv comedy.

Side trip: Consider a guided scooter Pie Ride. Depart Fever River Outfitters at 525 S. Main, Galena, any Friday at 10:30 a.m. on a 50cc motor scooter and arrive at The Mound when the fresh baked pies are coming hot from the ovens at Sinsinawa Kitchens. Learn more at www.feverriveroutfitters.com or call 815/776-9425.

Access: Accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

(Grand) Kid friendly: Yes, with plenty of room for exploring.

Info: Address: 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824-9701. Phone: 608/748-4411 Web site: www.sinsinawa.org

-- Tony Carton
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