Climb 178 Steps to the Best Fall Views in Wisconsin at Holy Hill
Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians offers stunning views and is a must-visit spot in Wisconsin, especially during the fall.
One of the most incredible vistas in Wisconsin is tucked away in the southeast corner of the state. The site is known as the Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. It's a Roman Catholic shrine, considered one of the most beautiful churches in Wisconsin. Most camera-toting visitors simply call it "Holy Hill." The basilica itself is a wondrous sight, and the view from its tower is also pretty incredible. If you're looking for the best time to visit Holy Hill, it doesn't get much better than when the leaves start to change. This is one of the most picturesque spots in the state. If you haven't visited Holy Hill, you should - here's why:
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Holy Hill is located in Washington County in the town of Erin, not far from Hubertus. It's about 40 minutes away from Milwaukee.
The shrine is located on top of a large kame – a hill containing sand and gravel that was left by a retreating glacier. The hill is more than 1,300 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest spots in this part of the state.
The shrine is extremely popular, drawing more than 300,000 visitors a year. When you see the view, you'll understand why so many people come here - it's amazing.
While there's a legend that the site was discovered in 1673 by Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, the account is contested by historians. It is possible that Catholic priests were the first Europeans to discover this magnificent hill.
When you're driving towards the shrine, you'll probably be tempted to pull over and take some photos, but keep going. The climb up the tower provides even better views!
It's quite the climb, and you'll have 178 steps to ascend. However, the effort is more than worth it, especially in the fall. From the tower window, you can see for miles, giving you one of the best views of fall foliage in Wisconsin.
Where can you find the best fall foliage in Wisconsin? Honestly, easy - we're surrounded by absolutely awesome woods and all sorts of trees known for turning brilliant in the fall. Lucky us! But if you're looking for specifics, you should definitely check out any (or all) of Wisconsin's 51 state park or state park-affiliated locales. Typically, fall colors are in full bloom (so to speak) by mid-October, and by late October it's already past peak - so you gotta time your trip right!
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Know Before You Go
Considering that this is an active place of prayer, please be respectful during your time here. It's a place of quiet and tranquility, so please do your best to maintain this - it's great for your spirit! There are no entry fees - the only cost is respect.
Need somewhere to stay? No worries - check out this amazing nearby cabin surrounded by autumn color on Airbnb!
A very long time ago, there were mountains that towered above Wisconsin. Today the Blue Hills is one of Wisconsin’s best kept secrets; the weathered remains of these old mountains still offer plenty of wild and rugged beauty. It’s a perfect destination for a Wisconsin adventure and there are miles of trails just waiting to be explored. Here’s what you need to know about Wisconsin’s Blue Hills.
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The Blue Hills can be found in an area of northwestern Wisconsin that includes portions of Rusk, Sawyer, and Barron Counties. When you approach the hills from the distance, you’ll understand the name.
Long ago, the Woodland Sioux called this place "Paja Toyela," which means the "Blue Hills." As you drive toward the hills early in the morning, you’ll still see that they take on a bluish cast.
While the Blue Hills are the remains of an ancient mountain range, you won’t mistake this area for the Rockies. It is rugged country though, and steep wooded hills rise up from the surrounding countryside and forestland.
The Blue Hills are a popular place for outdoor recreation, and it’s home to natural areas, lakes, campgrounds, and many miles of trails, and scenic forest roads.
The hills are laced with trails and there are trails for just about every type user. There’s an extensive ATV/UTV trail system, miles of snowmobile trails, and trails for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking.
Learn more about the Blue Hills and the trail options in the forest on the Rusk County website. There are a lot of wonderful hiking spots in Northern Wisconsin. This place will reminfd you of the Boundary Waters.
