With the arrival of Fall and the fiery colors of the leaves adorning the trees before falling to carpet the sidewalks, I've been reminiscing about a quick day trip we took a few years ago to Holy Hill, Wisconsin. Holy Hill is about 120 miles from Chicago, and worth the drive for its spectacular views and peaceful environs. Adorning Holy Hill is the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary. According to the Basilica's website, popular belief has it that in the late 1600's, Jesuit priests erected crosses on the site where the basilica now stands. This idea is supported by the Native American folklore that “[t]he Potawatomis and their chief, Kewaskum, camped near Pike Lake and often spoke of the black robe chief who wore a crucifix and rosary at his belt.” The site was later discovered by a French hermit named Francois Soubrio. A humble chapel dedicated to Mary was built in 1863, but the current basilica wasn't completed until 1931.Whether or not the history of the place is of any interest, Holy Hill offers a nice break from the city; you can walk the grounds (there are life sized stations of the cross) and climb the nearly two hundred stair tower for fantastic views of the fall foliage.Practicalities:The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill 1525 Carmel RoadHubertus, Wisconsin 53033*The scenic tower is open until October 31; there is an outdoor café serving regional fare (brats and hamburgers), weather permitting.
