Holy Hill - Hubertus, Wisconsin - A Fall Destination Worth Taking Time For
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Holy Hill Cathedral - Hubertus, Wisconsin
When I think of my favorite Wisconsin fall destinations, Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine, located on the highest elevation in Southeastern Wisconsin, comes to mind. I hope to persuade you that no matter what your religious affiliation is, Holy Hill is an incredible place where you will enjoy visiting, especially in the fall.
When I think of my favorite Wisconsin fall destinations, Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine, located on the highest elevation in Southeastern Wisconsin, comes to mind. I hope to persuade you that no matter what your religious affiliation is, Holy Hill is an incredible place where you will enjoy visiting, especially in the fall.
Scenic Fall Road, Canopy of Trees, Hubertus, WI
Taking a very scenic road trip through the Kettle Moraine, you may be surprised upon arriving in Hubertus, Wisconsin to come across this magnificent cathedral high upon a hill. You really can't miss it if you find yourself in Hubertus. It's also a place you don't want to pass by. Make sure to spend a couple hours here at least or an overnight stay. You won't regret it.
In Psalms 121 of the Holy Bible, the Psalmist writes, "I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth."
As I read in my research about a man named Erin, who in 1855 built an enormous wooden cross and placed it on top of this hill for all to see, I picture him thinking of these verses from Psalms. All through the Bible, hills are associated with places of worship. In the book of Matthew, chapter 14, verse 23, we read that Jesus himself, "After he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone..."
I believe that is the reason that over half a million people come to Hubertus, Wisconsin every year to enjoy the 435 acres that is home to this gorgeous cathedral. There is a longing within each of us to seek our help from God from a high place. While I believe we can pray and seek God anywhere, there is something to be said for retreating to a mountain or hill in the example of Jesus himself to seek peace, restoration, beauty, prayer, and renewed vision in our relationship with God.
As you enter into this neo-Romanesque church, built in 1926, you will encounter a tower that's 178 stairs to the top, and see the most beautiful, aerial, panoramic views of the surrounding Kettle Moraine area, seeing even as far as to Milwaukee on a clear day. To do this in the peak of autumn, will be a delight for your eyes as the abundant fall colors emerge from the tops of all the trees in the surrounding forest.
This is where I come to feel small. I think it's really important for all of us to visit places that remind us how small we are and how big God is. We take up such a small space on this earth and yet we are loved by the One who made it all.
In Psalm 65:12 we are told that, "the hills are clothed with gladness." This is a place that makes that verse come alive. You cannot look out at all of this and feel anything but gladness.
The architecture of this massive church, high on the hill, mixed with the earth below is such a reminder to me of my own mission in life to have beautiful feet, like the Bible says in Isaiah 52:7. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation..." My vision is always renewed when visiting Holy Hill.
For architecture lovers, you will find plenty to explore. Architectural details are around every corner. You could spend all day here and not discover them all. I like to think of the people long ago who worked so hard to erect such a place of splendor and beauty. I wonder if they could envision just how many people would flock here, year after year, to enjoy all of their hard work.
If you are planning a trip to visit Holy Hill or are planning a holy pilgrimage, as many do, it may be helpful for you to know that Holy Hill has simple, very affordable, overnight accomodations in their guest house so that you can plan to spend a longer amount of time at this beautiful location.
As you descend the tower, be sure to tour the chapel of Saint Therese. It is an architectural display of ornate beauty and biblical stories depicted in stunning stained glass windows. Each time I have entered this chapel, I am overcome with a feeling of awe and wonder. You are instantly transported to a feeling of being meditative.
The stained glass windows tell the stories of the visitation of the angel to Mary, the betrothal of Joseph and Mary, the nativity, the presentation of Jesus as an infant, the flight into Egypt, the return to Nazareth, and other windows that depict important events in Catholicism history.
Interior of Cathedral at Holy Hill
The chapel seats 400 people and depending on when you visit, you may take part in a traditional mass or observe people simply praying.
Off the right hand side of this chapel, you will find an entrance to the Shrine Chapel, a place where pilgrims come to seek healing. The entrance to the shrine holds many pairs of crutches and other items that visitors have left behind after leaving the chapel. Many people claim to have received healing here.
One thing I have always appreciated about the Catholic church, is their love for art and beauty. It seems as though whether you are a musician, a painter, an architect, a sculpturer, a gardener, worker of stained glass, whatever your gift of art is, the Catholic church finds a way for you to use that gift and nurture it for the glory of God. Outside the church is no exception. Embark upon one of the most beautiful "Stations of the Cross," beginning at the secondary parking lot by this beautiful arched entrance. You will walk uphill through the beautiful scenic forest and pass all twelve of the stations, ending at the foot of the basilica.
Couple Pausing at Stations of the Cross
Each of the stations is enclosed in a beautiful stone hill and each sculpture is a beautiful, artistic, depiction of the Passion of the Christ. Surrounded by the peaceful, quiet forest, with the melodic birds chirping, it is an excellent way to reflect on the journey Jesus followed on his way to the cross. It is an opportunity to pray, remember, reflect, and offer your thanks for the great sacrifice He made on our behalf.
Each of the stations is enclosed in a beautiful stone hill and each sculpture is a beautiful, artistic, depiction of the Passion of the Christ. Surrounded by the peaceful, quiet forest, with the melodic birds chirping, it is an excellent way to reflect on the journey Jesus followed on his way to the cross. It is an opportunity to pray, remember, reflect, and offer your thanks for the great sacrifice He made on our behalf.
The natural beauty surrounding the stations compells you to take your time, to linger, to explore the creative, natural world, alongside the artistic, man-made sculptures. If you go during autumn, the golden hues and crunchy leaves along the path just leave your soul feeling at peace.
One cannot help but stop, ponder, capture and preserve the moment. It is a place that you want to remember forever. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, the spiritual journey all work together to renew your mind and spirit, preparing you to enter back into your everyday life.
When I came upon this cross with the sun shining through the forest, the lyrics to "Lead Me To The Cross" by Hillsong United, came to my mind.
"Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross"
The way the sun shines through the forest is a dazzling display of the light of God's love shining down on His glorious creation and on the lives of you and I. Be ready to feel "all the feels" here.
As you leave this beautiful place, be sure to check out its beauty from different scenic locations around Hubertus. It's a photographer's delight.
What You Should Know Before You Go
Holy Hill is located at 1525 Carmel Road in Hubertus, WI.
The scenic tower is only open May through October and only on days that have agreeable weather. The tower is closed during any inclimate weather. The higher you climb, the windier and cooler it gets, so be prepared to be a bit chilly.
If you visit on a weekend during peak fall season, it will be very busy with tourists and photographers with tripods, doing senior portraits and family portraits. If you are looking for a more peaceful setting, I would recommend visiting during the week.
Holy Hill is completely free to visit and welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds to enjoy their church and grounds.
If you visit on a weekend during peak fall season, it will be very busy with tourists and photographers with tripods, doing senior portraits and family portraits. If you are looking for a more peaceful setting, I would recommend visiting during the week.
Holy Hill is completely free to visit and welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds to enjoy their church and grounds.
They do have a gift shop and a cafe on the grounds where you can get coffee, latte's, and a variety of soups and sandwiches plus some treats.
It may be helpful to read about the history before you go, in order to get the most out of your visit.
Peak fall season only lasts a couple of weeks in Wisconsin. You should check the Wisconsin Fall Color Report to make sure you visit during peak colors. You can also visit at other times during the year, but if you're wanting fall views, this is the way to experience that.
Enrichment Ideas For When You Come Home
Holy Hill: A Photographic Essay by Patrick Blasius contains a series of photographs taken over an eight year period at Holy Hill.
If you find that you especially enjoyed the architectural details of this church, you may find Sacred Spaces: The Awe-Inspiring Architecture of Churches and Cathedrals by de Laubier Guillaume to be a stunning architectural tour of some of the best cathedrals around the world.
The Scriptural Stations of the Cross for Kids by Susan Minton is a fully illustrated book that follows the gospel account through the resurrection, complete with actual Bible verses.
Pray - Relax - Color Beautiful Christian Images Stained Glass Window & The Stations of the Cross to Color would be a fun, relaxing, prayerful and reflective way to remember your journey both through the stations and also the beauty of the stained glass windows that you saw on your travels.
If you happen to visit Holy Hill, I would love to hear about your time there in the comments below.
Until next time, always choose the scenic life.
Hannah Babiak is a stock photographer and travel blogger. For writing assignments or ideas for future posts, please contact her at alwayschoosethesceniclife@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
Hannah Babiak is a stock photographer and travel blogger. For writing assignments or ideas for future posts, please contact her at alwayschoosethesceniclife@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
Wonderful place! Have you ever climbed the tower at Lapham Peak State Park near Delafield? From there you get another panoramic vista, especially gorgeous in the fall, AND you can even see Holy Hill to the north! :)
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