Holy Hill: A Day Trip Guide for Trails and Tower Climbs
Updated September 2026
Rising 1,350 feet above the rolling Kettle Moraine landscape, Holy Hill is one of southeastern Wisconsin's most breathtaking destinations and one of our family's all-time favorite day trips. Whether you're coming from the North Shore, downtown Milwaukee, Waukesha County or Ozaukee County, the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians (that's the full name!) is an easy drive and delivers something for every member of the family. Come for the legendary fall colors, the 178-step tower climb, a hike on the Ice Age Trail or just a peaceful afternoon with pie at the café. Best of all, it's free to visit, with no admission charge for the church, grounds or the Scenic Tower.
We've pulled together everything you need to plan your visit, including nearby hiking, farms, restaurants and seasonal tips. If you're building a whole autumn itinerary, pair this with our Ultimate Guide to Seeing Fall Colors in Wisconsin. Grab your comfortable shoes and let's go.
🍂 Holy Hill Day Trip Map
Tower climbs, trails, pie, pumpkin patches, supper clubs and places to stay across the Kettle Moraine.
Getting to Holy Hill
Holy Hill is located at 1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI 53033, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Milwaukee in Washington County. From the North Shore, Wauwatosa or Brookfield, plan on a 30- to 45-minute drive. From Menomonee Falls, Germantown or Mequon it's closer to 20 to 30 minutes. Take I-41 North and exit onto WI-167 West, then follow the signs. The drive through the glacial hills is gorgeous, especially in autumn.
Parking is free in three main areas: the upper lot next to the Basilica at the hilltop, a lower lot at the base of the hill, and a secondary lot near the Stations of the Cross, reached via Station Way Road off Highway 167. On busy fall weekends and Sundays, attendants direct traffic. Parking along Carmel Road is prohibited.
The Basilica is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the grounds stay open until 7 p.m. Plan on 1.5 to 3 hours for a visit that includes the tower, the church, the grounds and a café stop. Add more time if you want to hike the Ice Age Trail or walk all fourteen Stations of the Cross. Groups of 15 or more are asked to call ahead.
Phone: (262) 628-1838 | Website: holyhill.com | Current hours: General Information page
A quick history of Holy Hill
The hilltop's story begins long before the twin towers were built. A French diary and parchment map dated 1676 describe a stone altar and cross dedicated to Mary at this site, corresponding with Jesuit missionary activity in the region. Irish settlers arrived around 1842, named the surrounding area Erin Township and began calling the hill "Holy Hill."
The legend that captures every kid's imagination involves François Soubrio, a French hermit who took up residence on the hilltop in the mid-1800s. According to tradition, he was partially paralyzed and was cured after a night of prayer on the hill. Inside a side chapel you can still see a wall of crutches, leg braces and canes left by pilgrims who believe they were healed. It genuinely stops you in your tracks.
Father Francis Paulhuber purchased the original 40 acres for $50 in 1855, and the first shrine was dedicated on May 24, 1863. The neo-Romanesque church you see today was completed in 1926, and the Discalced Carmelite Friars have cared for the site since 1906. Pope Benedict XVI elevated it to Minor Basilica status in 2006. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Read more on Holy Hill's history page.
Climbing the Scenic Tower
This is the part your kids will remember most. The Scenic Tower rises 192 feet from its base, and the climb covers 178 steps up a narrow spiral staircase. At the top, you're rewarded with a 360-degree view of the Kettle Moraine countryside, glacial drumlins and rolling farmland. On clear days you can spot the Milwaukee skyline about 30 miles to the southeast.
The tower is open May 1 through October 31 and closes for winter. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The entrance is on Level 2 of the Basilica. The tower closes for gusty winds, threatening weather, fog, rain, wet stairs after a storm, frost or snow, so call ahead if you're making the trip just for the climb. Want to check conditions before you leave home? The Scenic Tower page has a live camera view from the top that updates every five minutes.
Important family notes: The staircase is steep and narrow enough that two people can't pass each other in some sections. It's not suitable for strollers, wheelchairs or anyone uncomfortable with enclosed spaces or heights. Kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and food and drinks aren't allowed in the tower. We recommend the climb for kids about age 5 and up who are comfortable with stairs, and Holy Hill asks anyone with breathing or heart problems to skip it. During peak fall weekends the wait can be long, so weekday mornings are your best bet.
The tower is free, though a donation box at the base helps with upkeep.
Hiking the grounds and the Ice Age Trail
Holy Hill offers several ways to stretch your legs, from gentle strolls to legitimate hikes.
The Outdoor Stations of the Cross wind about half a mile up the hillside from the base to just outside the lower church. Fourteen stations feature nearly life-size figures sculpted from Bedford stone by Milwaukee artist Joseph Aszklar, completed in 1928 after 14 years of work. The path is steep with stairs, so it's not stroller-friendly, but it's doable for kids who can handle an uphill walk. It's a powerful experience even for non-religious visitors, and the forest setting is magical in autumn. Access it from the Station Way Road parking area.
The forest path at the base of the hill is the most family-friendly option for little ones. It's a gentle, shaded walk through the woods that works for strollers and wheelchairs. In October, the canopy overhead turns brilliant yellow and orange and creates a golden tunnel effect that kids (and camera rolls) love.
The Ice Age Trail's Holy Hill Segment is the big one for hiking families. This section of the 1,200-mile National Scenic Trail runs about 6.8 miles with roughly 610 feet of elevation gain and takes 2.5 to 3 hours end to end. You'll pass glacial erratics (massive boulders dropped by glaciers 12,000 years ago), dense forest and open prairie, plus classic Kettle Moraine kettles, drumlins and moraines. For a shorter outing, a roughly half-mile out-and-back from near the Holy Hill parking area takes about 30 minutes. Trailhead parking is available at Donegal Road, Shannon Road and the Holy Hill lots. Find segment maps at iceagetrail.org, and read our full Ice Age Trail family hiking guide for gear, seasonal tips and other segments near Milwaukee.
Inside the Basilica
Even if your family isn't Catholic, the Basilica interior is worth seeing. The church seats 600 and features hand-carved oak pews, terrazzo floors, hand-wrought iron and bronze metalwork, and 46 stained glass windows portraying scenes from Mary's life and the Carmelite Order. A major renovation completed in 2006 added decorative paintings, faux stone finishes and mosaics by Conrad Schmitt Studios.
The Shrine Chapel houses the ivory and gold leaf statue of Our Lady of Holy Hill, crafted in Munich and originally displayed at the 1876 Philadelphia World's Fair. The four cast-bronze entry doors, dedicated in 2013, are works of art in themselves.
New to many visitors is the Shroud of Turin Replica Exhibit in the Basilica's Oratory, open Saturdays from noon to 3:30 p.m. It's a fascinating stop for older kids interested in history and science.
Don't miss the Lourdes Grotto on the grounds, which reproduces the scene of the apparition at Lourdes, France, and the white Carrara marble Sacred Heart Statue set into a Lannon stone wall.
Accessibility note: Elevators provide access to the shrine at the top of the hill, so family members with mobility challenges can still experience the Basilica without climbing from the base.
Behavior expectations: This is an active place of worship. Dress modestly, keep voices low inside the church and skip photography during Mass. Drones aren't permitted. Dogs must be leashed and aren't allowed on the Basilica platform, inside buildings or in the café.
The Holy Hill Café and its legendary pie
The Holy Hill Café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and serves scratch-made bakery items, soups, sandwiches, salads and coffee drinks. Service is cafeteria-style, prices are budget-friendly and the atmosphere is simple and welcoming.
The star is the pie. The café's "Fruits of the Forest" pie, a mix of apple, rhubarb, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, has earned a statewide reputation, and whole pies are available to take home. The potato soup also gets consistent raves. If you're a pie family, our guide to the best pies in greater Milwaukee will keep you busy all season.
Café phone: (262) 628-4417. Outside food isn't permitted in the café.
The Gift Store sells religious articles, cards, books and Holy Hill keepsakes. It's open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: (262) 628-4735. You can also browse the online gift store.
There's also a picnic area with tables and restrooms northeast of the Basilica, down the hill, accessed via Station Way Road off Highway 167. It's a lovely spot for lunch after a hike. Alcohol isn't allowed anywhere on the property.
Fall at Holy Hill
Holy Hill is famous across Wisconsin every October. The Basilica sits atop a glacial kame surrounded by 435 acres of deciduous forest, and from the Scenic Tower you look out across a sea of red, orange, yellow and gold stretching to the horizon.
Peak color around Holy Hill typically lands in mid- to late October, though it shifts every year. Check the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report before you go. Note that the tower closes for the season after October 31, so don't wait too long if the climb is on your list.
The practical reality: fall weekends are packed. If you can visit on a weekday in October, do it. If you must go on a weekend, arrive before 9 a.m. and expect long waits at the tower.
Each season brings something different. Winter turns the hilltop into a quiet, snow-covered landscape with small crowds; the Basilica stays open even though the tower closes. Spring brings wildflowers along the Ice Age Trail, and summer is prime time for hiking and the tower.
Making it a weekend? Our Expedia Travel Shop has a curated collection of stays for Wisconsin fall foliage trips.
The Arts and Crafts Fair and other events
The biggest annual event is the Holy Hill Arts and Crafts Fair, typically held the third Saturday in September. The 52nd annual fair took place September 19, 2026, so mark your calendar for next September. Expect hundreds of juried artists and crafters, live entertainment, food and a silent auction, with free shuttle service from designated lots. Check the fair page for admission and parking details as the date approaches.
Throughout the year, the friars host First Saturday Days of Recollection, Christmas Masses and concerts, and Carmelite feast day celebrations. See the full events calendar.
For families attending Mass: Saturday Vigil is at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday Masses are at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon in the Basilica. A Spanish Mass is offered Sundays at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Thérèse. Daily Mass is at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Confessions are heard Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. Check the Mass schedule page for holiday changes.
Pike Lake: the perfect companion stop
To extend the day, the Pike Lake Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest sits about five miles north of Holy Hill.
Address: 3544 Kettle Moraine Road, Hartford, WI 53027 | Website: Pike Lake Unit (Wisconsin DNR) | Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
A Wisconsin state park vehicle admission pass is required. For Wisconsin plates, a daily pass is $13 and a 12-month pass is $28. Out-of-state vehicles pay more, and the nonresident 12-month pass is now $50. See current rates on the DNR admission page. New this year, Wisconsin residents can add a park pass when they renew their vehicle registration online or at a DMV service center.
The park's spring-fed, 522-acre lake has a sandy beach with a playground, picnic tables and grills, plus good fishing for panfish, bass, northern pike and walleye. The Powder Hill Trail is a half-mile climb to an observation tower at one of the highest points in southeastern Wisconsin, and from the top you can see Holy Hill's twin spires in the distance. The half-mile Astronomy Trail walks you through a scale model of the solar system, and the accessible Boardwalk Trail along the lakeshore is great for strollers.
Pike Lake also has a family campground open spring through fall; book through the DNR reservation system. For more parks within easy reach of the city, see our guide to state parks within 90 minutes of Milwaukee's North Shore and our roundup of the best family camping in Wisconsin.
Kettle Moraine's Northern Unit
For bigger outdoor adventures, the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit stretches across thousands of acres of glacial landscape north of Holy Hill.
Forest Headquarters: N2875 State Highway 67, Campbellsport, WI 53010 | Phone: (262) 626-2116 | Website: Kettle Moraine Northern Unit (Wisconsin DNR)
Start at the Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center on Highway 67 near Dundee, with free exhibits on Wisconsin's glacial history, a short Ice Age film and a back deck overlooking Dundee Mountain. Confirm current hours before you go.
The best family-friendly trails here include the Moraine Self-Guided Nature Trail, an easy loop from the Visitor Center, and the Spruce Lake Bog Trail, a short boardwalk through a rare bog where you can spot carnivorous sundews and pitcher plants. The Lake-to-Lake Bike Trail connects Mauthe Lake and Long Lake on crushed limestone that's gentle enough for family cycling.
More ambitious hikers can take the Parnell Tower Trail loop to a 60-foot observation tower at the forest's highest point, or the Long Lake Summit Trail up Dundee Mountain, which ends with a steep climb and big panoramic views.
Summer swimming beaches at Mauthe Lake, Long Lake and Greenbush provide cool-off spots. The forest also offers mountain biking, camping and groomed cross-country ski trails in winter; see our cross-country skiing guide for more.
Apple orchards, pumpkin patches and farm stops nearby
A Holy Hill day trip practically demands a farm stop, especially in fall. For a wider look at options across the metro, see our guides to apple picking near Milwaukee and Milwaukee-area pumpkin festivals.
Pine Hill Orchard's retail stand sits just half a mile from Holy Hill on Highway 167, making it the easiest stop of the day. This family-owned orchard has been growing since 1977 and sells more than 45 apple varieties along with fresh cider, caramel apples, raw local honey and its Pine Hill Crunch apple pie. Note that it's a farm stand rather than pick-your-own; the family picks the apples at their small orchard in Richfield so you don't have to. The stand is open early August through the weekend before Thanksgiving, generally Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesday). Address: 5682 State Highway 167, Hubertus, WI 53033. Website: pinehillorchard.com
Basse's Taste of Country in Colgate, about 10 minutes south, is the area's biggest fall farm experience. Pumpkin Fest runs through October 31 with hayrides to the pumpkin patch, an 8-acre corn maze, giant slides, animals and dozens of other activities. This year the farm is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during Pumpkin Fest, and Monday and Thursday tickets are discounted. Weekends bring live shows, including lumberjacks, a stunt show and BMX riders on select October weekends. Basse's is cashless, and buying tickets online saves time. Earlier in the year, the farm is our top pick for u-pick strawberries. Address: 3190 County Road Q, Colgate, WI 53017. Phone: (262) 628-2626. Website: bassesfarms.com
Barthel Fruit Farm in Mequon, about 25 minutes east, has been a family farm since 1839 and offers pick-your-own apples in September and October, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze and a bakery with apple cider donuts. Low-hanging trees make it great for small children. Get the full story in our Barthel Fruit Farm guide. Address: 12246 N. Farmdale Road, Mequon, WI 53097. Phone: (262) 242-2737.
Homestead Animal Farm on Highway 83 in Hartland is designed for families, with miniature donkeys, alpacas, goats, a corn maze, hayrides and a pumpkin patch during fall. Website: homesteadanimalfarm.com
Glacier Rock Farms in Lebanon offers more than 100 acres with a petting zoo, pony rides and hayrides past kettle ponds and pine forest. Check the website for public days. Website: glacierrockfarms.com
Where to eat near Holy Hill with kids
Beyond the Holy Hill Café, the surrounding area has an impressive range of family dining. Menus and hours change often in small towns, so call ahead before making a special trip.
For the ultimate kid-friendly stop, head to The Mineshaft in Hartford (22 N. Main Street; 262-673-5416). This mining-themed restaurant has a massive second-floor game room, and kids 5 and under eat free from the kids menu Sunday through Thursday. It's known for an all-you-can-eat fish fry on Wednesdays and Fridays, buy-one-get-one pizza deals and free private party rooms for birthdays.
For BBQ, try Sloppy Joe's Saloon and Spoon in Hubertus (3723 Hubertus Road; 262-628-1800), with house-smoked brisket, pulled pork and ribs, homemade chips and a family-friendly patio.
For a classic Wisconsin supper club, the Alpine Retreat in Hubertus (1380 Friess Lake Road; 262-628-3995) has more than 125 years of history, German specialties and a Friday fish fry with potato pancakes. It opens in the late afternoon Tuesday through Saturday. Explore more options in our Wisconsin supper clubs near Milwaukee guide.
The Fox & Hounds Restaurant & Tavern (1298 Friess Lake Road, Hubertus; 262-628-1111) is a historic spot dating to 1933 with a chalet-style building on a wooded hill, fireplaces and a popular Sunday brunch buffet. It's open for dinner daily, with lunch service on Saturdays and brunch on Sundays.
Johnny Manhattan's Italian Steakhouse (3718 Hubertus Road; 262-628-7700) serves steaks and homemade Italian dishes including lasagna and spiedini. Reservations are recommended.
For breakfast or lunch, The Sawmill Inn in Richfield is known for French toast with cream cheese and Door County cherries in a cozy, cabin-like setting. For Mexican food, La Cabaña Mexican Grill in Hubertus (3052 Hubertus Road) is a family-owned favorite for fajitas and sopes.
Planning a Friday visit? Our greater Milwaukee fish fry guide covers dozens more options on the drive home.
Ice cream, pizza and quick bites
Scoop DeVille in downtown Hartford (65 N. Main Street; 262-673-1957) is a 1950s-style ice cream parlor, candy shop and soda fountain with homemade ice cream, house-made waffle cones, root beer floats and nostalgic candy. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and a single scoop starts around $2.61. Website: scoopdevillehartford.com
Sal's Pizza (1524 E. Sumner Street, Hartford) serves New York-style pizza by the slice. Angee B'z Subs (625 W. Sumner Street, Hartford; 262-670-6996) has been making subs, paninis, wraps and soups since 1997.
For gastropub vibes, The Stillery in Richfield (W204 N14025 W. Fond du Lac Avenue; 262-674-2033) serves burgers, pizza, wings, cheese curds and a Wednesday and Friday fish fry, with a kids menu and patio. Bibinger's in downtown Slinger occupies a 170-year-old building and is known for its cheese curds; compare them against the rest in our Wisconsin's best cheese curds guide.
Belshire Brewing Co. in Richfield and Brewed Omen in Hartford's historic Millstream Building offer family-friendly daytime taprooms with outdoor space.
More nearby adventures
The Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford (147 N. Rural Street) houses more than 100 vehicles, including the world's largest collection of Hartford-built Kissel automobiles, a Soo Line steam locomotive and a large model train layout that train-loving kids adore.
In summer, the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Hartford (777 S. Main Street) has a lazy river, waterslides and a sand play area.
Monches Flower Farm in Colgate, just a few miles from Holy Hill, is a specialty perennial nursery set in scenic rocky hills with garden art, ponds and a gift shop.
For winter visitors, Little Switzerland in Slinger offers family-friendly skiing and snowboarding close to Holy Hill. The Bugline Trail provides about 16 miles of paved, mostly level path from Menomonee Falls to Merton, perfect for family biking or stroller walks.
What to pack and practical tips
Sturdy shoes are essential, since the tower stairs, Stations of the Cross and Ice Age Trail all involve real walking. Dress in layers, because the hilltop can be breezy, and bring a light jacket in fall even on warm days. Pack water and snacks for hiking (remember food isn't allowed in the tower or café), sunscreen in summer and binoculars for the tower views. A baby carrier works better than a stroller beyond the base-level forest path. If you're hiking the Ice Age Trail from September through May, blaze orange is a smart precaution during hunting seasons.
For the best fall visit, arrive before 9 a.m. on a weekday if you can. On weekends, Saturday morning beats Sunday afternoon. Climb the tower first, since lines build all day, then explore the Basilica, walk the grounds, grab pie at the café and finish with the forest path or a stop at Pine Hill Orchard.
For a full-day itinerary, pair Holy Hill in the morning with Pike Lake's beach or Basse's Pumpkin Fest in the afternoon and finish with dinner at The Mineshaft or Sloppy Joe's. In fall, swap the beach for apple shopping at Pine Hill and add Scoop DeVille for ice cream in Hartford.
Dress modestly for the Basilica. Shorts and T-shirts are fine on the trails, but have something with sleeves for entering the church.
For families with babies and toddlers, the base-level forest path, café, picnic area and Basilica (by elevator) all work with a stroller. Skip the tower and Stations with little ones. The grounds, a slice of pie and a farm stop still make a wonderful outing.
Where to stay for fall foliage near Holy Hill
Holy Hill works perfectly as a day trip from anywhere in greater Milwaukee. Staying overnight, though, lets you catch the tower when it opens, watch the morning fog lift off the Kettle Moraine and beat the weekend crowds. October is the busiest month of the year for lodging around here, so book early if you're aiming for peak color.
Sleep on the hilltop. The Holy Hill Guest House offers simple overnight rooms right on the grounds. The New Guest House sits above the Gift Store, with fourteen rooms that each have two single beds and a private bath with shower, and there are more budget-friendly rooms in the Old Monastery Inn. Know before you book: this is a spiritual retreat center with a strict no-alcohol, no-smoking policy, pets aren't allowed inside, and both buildings are older and not accessible, with stairs only. It's a quiet, affordable choice for families with older kids who'd love to see the Basilica after the day-trippers leave. Call (262) 628-1838 to reserve.
Camp under the color. For outdoorsy families, nothing beats waking up in the woods. Pike Lake's family campground sits about five miles from Holy Hill and stays open into mid-October, so you can pitch a tent within sight of the Powder Hill tower. Farther north, Mauthe Lake and Long Lake in the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit put you close to the Ice Age Visitor Center and the Lake-to-Lake Bike Trail. Reserve through the Wisconsin DNR, and don't forget your state park pass. Our guide to the best family camping in Wisconsin has more campground options near Milwaukee.
A historic inn in Cedarburg. The Washington House Inn is the easiest fall getaway from Milwaukee, just 20 minutes north in historic Cedarburg. The restored 1886 cream city brick inn has fireplaces, evening wine and cheese, and the Ozaukee Interurban Trail right out the door. Covered Bridge Park and Holy Hill, one of southeastern Wisconsin's best places to hike among the fall colors, are both short drives away. Add a stop at Barthel Fruit Farm in Mequon on the way.
Lake Country boutique. The Delafield Hotel is the closest luxury stay to some of Milwaukee's best fall hikes. The Lapham Peak observation tower is five minutes away and the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit is just down the road. The boutique rooms sit in walkable downtown Delafield, about 30 minutes from Milwaukee, so it's easy to pair Holy Hill one day with Lapham Peak the next.
Easy hotel bases. Hartford, West Bend, Germantown and Menomonee Falls all have family-friendly chain hotels with pools within 20 to 30 minutes of Holy Hill. Hartford is the most convenient choice if you plan to eat at The Mineshaft and finish with Scoop DeVille.
Make it a lake weekend. The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake is the closest thing to a grand lake resort in southeastern Wisconsin, with a spa and condo-style suites with kitchenettes. The Kettle Moraine Northern Unit and the Ice Age Trail are nearby, and it's only about an hour from Milwaukee. Its fall getaway package runs October 1 through November 30, 2026, with rates starting at $199 and a $20 nightly dining credit.
Waterpark weekend. If your kids need somewhere to burn energy after a day of hiking, Blue Harbor Resort on the Sheboygan riverfront has an indoor waterpark and is an hour north of Milwaukee. Pair it with the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit, the Kohler-Andrae State Park dunes and the Old Wade House. Our Sheboygan family guide has even more to do nearby.
Chasing color beyond the Kettle Moraine. Wisconsin's color moves south through the fall. The Northwoods usually peaks first, in late September, followed by Door County and Lake Superior in early to mid October. The Driftless region and southeastern Wisconsin finish last, in mid to late October. We've gathered our favorite stays for every region, from Bayfield and Minocqua to Door County, La Crosse and Lake Geneva, in the Best Wisconsin Fall Foliage collection on our Expedia Travel Shop. For itineraries, see our Ultimate Guide to Seeing Fall Colors in Wisconsin.
Why Holy Hill belongs on your family's list
Holy Hill works on every level for families. Active kids get the tower climb and hiking trails. History lovers get a story stretching back to 1676. Nature enthusiasts get one of Wisconsin's finest fall foliage displays and direct access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Parents get the quiet beauty of a hilltop basilica, a great slice of pie and a day trip that feels restorative rather than exhausting. Pair it with the farms, trails and small-town dining across the Kettle Moraine, and you have a full day that captures the best of Milwaukee's backyard. Free admission and an easy drive from anywhere in the metro make it almost unreasonable not to go.
Looking for more autumn inspiration? Browse all of our fall guides.
Ice Age Trail
