Holy Hill: A Day Trip Guide for Trails and Tower Climbs

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 from Milwaukee's North Shore. The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians (that's the full name!) sits atop a glacial kame surrounded by 435 acres of woods, and whether you come for the legendary fall colors, the 178-step tower climb, or just a peaceful afternoon with pie at the café, this place delivers something special for every member of the family. Best of all, it's completely free to visit — no admission fees for the church, grounds, or even the Scenic Tower.

We've pulled together everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit, including nearby hiking, farms, restaurants, and seasonal tips. Grab your comfortable shoes and let's go.

Getting there is half the fun

Holy Hill is located at 1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI 53033, approximately 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee. From the North Shore, you're looking at a 30- to 45-minute drive depending on traffic. Take I-41 North and merge onto WI-167 West, following signs for Holy Hill. The drive itself is gorgeous, especially in autumn, as you wind through the glacial hills of Washington County.

Parking is free and available 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 accessible via Station Way Road off Highway 167. On busy fall weekends and Sundays, parking attendants direct traffic. Note that parking along Carmel Road is prohibited. For the annual Arts and Crafts Fair in September, free shuttle service runs from designated lots.

The grounds and Basilica are open daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Plan for 1.5 to 3 hours for a general visit that includes the tower climb, exploring the church, walking the grounds, and a café stop. Add time if you plan to hike the Ice Age Trail or walk all fourteen Stations of the Cross.

Phone: (262) 628-1838 Website: holyhill.com

A quick history

The hilltop's story begins long before the striking 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 miraculously cured after a night of prayer on the hill. You can still see a wall of abandoned crutches, leg braces, and canes left by pilgrims who believe they were healed — it's tucked inside a side chapel and it genuinely stops you in your tracks.

Father Francis Paulhuber purchased the original 40 acres from the U.S. government for just $50 in 1855, and the first shrine was dedicated on May 24, 1863. The stunning 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, making it one of roughly 85 minor basilicas in the entire United States. The site is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and draws 300,000 to 500,000 visitors annually.

The Scenic Tower climb

Let's be honest — this is the part your kids will remember most. The Scenic Tower rises 192 feet from its base, and the climb involves 178 steps up a narrow spiral staircase. At the top, you're rewarded with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Kettle Moraine countryside, glacial drumlins, and rolling farmland. On clear days, you can spot the Milwaukee skyline roughly 30 miles to the southeast.

The tower is open May 1 through October 31 only — it closes for the winter season. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Sunday from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. It's weather-dependent, so high winds or storms will shut it down even on otherwise beautiful days. Call ahead if you're making a special trip just for the tower.

Important family notes: The staircase is steep and narrow enough that two people cannot pass each other in some sections. It's not suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone uncomfortable with enclosed spaces or heights. We recommend the climb for kids age 5 and up who are comfortable with stairs. The official guidance says to skip it if you have breathing or heart problems. And here's the biggest practical tip: during peak fall weekends, the wait can be extremely long. Weekday mornings are your best bet for a crowd-free climb.

There is no charge for the tower — it's completely free.

Hiking the grounds and the Ice Age Trail

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 approximately 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 — not stroller-friendly, but doable for kids who can handle an uphill walk. It's a powerful experience even for non-religious visitors, and the forest setting is absolutely magical in autumn. The Stations are open from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily and accessible 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 walking trail through the woods that is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible. In October, this path becomes what one visitor described as a "golden enchanted forest" — the canopy overhead turns brilliant yellow and orange and it's just breathtaking.

The Ice Age Trail — Holy Hill Segment is the big one for hiking families. This section of the 1,200-mile National Scenic Trail runs 6.8 miles from Donegal Road south to County Highway E north, with approximately 610 feet of elevation gain. It's rated moderate and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours for the full segment. The terrain is genuinely exciting — you'll pass glacial erratics (massive boulders dropped by glaciers 12,000 years ago), walk through dense forests and open prairies, and cross classic Kettle Moraine landscape with kettles, drumlins, and moraines.

For families who don't want the full 6.8-mile commitment, a shorter out-and-back option of about 0.6 miles starts near the Holy Hill parking area and takes roughly 30 minutes. Trailhead parking is available at Donegal Road, Shannon Road, and the Holy Hill lots. Trail maps are available at iceagetrail.org and on AllTrails, where this segment earns a stellar 4.7 stars from over 1,200 reviews.

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 $6.1 million renovation completed between 2002 and 2006 added stunning decorative paintings, faux stone finishes, and mosaics by Conrad Schmitt Studios depicting the founders of the Discalced Carmelite Order.

The Shrine Chapel, a 40-by-50-foot space to the right of the main sanctuary, houses the life-size ivory and gold leaf statue of Our Lady of Holy Hill, crafted in Munich, Germany, 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, designed by architect Duncan G. Stroik with sculpted scenes by artist Cody Swanson.

Don't miss the Lourdes Grotto on the grounds, which reproduces the scene of the apparition at Lourdes, France. Holy Water is available there during warmer months. The Sacred Heart Statue, carved from white Carrara Marble, is set into a Lannon stone retaining wall and dates to 1965.

Accessibility note: Elevators installed in 1962 provide access to the shrine at the top of the hill, so family members with mobility challenges can still experience the Basilica without climbing stairs 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. No drones are permitted (it's a strict no-fly zone), and dogs must be leashed and aren't allowed on the Basilica platform or inside buildings.

The Holy Hill Café serves legendary pie

Yes, there is food on-site, and it's better than you'd expect. The Holy Hill Café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM (closed Mondays) and serves scratch-made bakery items, soups, sandwiches, salads, and excellent coffee drinks. Service is cafeteria-style, the prices are budget-friendly, and the atmosphere is simple and welcoming.

The star of the show is the pie. The café bakes about a dozen pies daily, and their "Fruits of the Forest" pie — a combination of apple, rhubarb, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries — has been written up nationally as one of the best pies in Wisconsin. Whole pies are available to take home. The potato soup also gets consistent raves.

Phone: (262) 628-4417

The Gift Store sells religious articles, greeting cards, books, and Holy Hill remembrances. Hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

There's also a picnic area with tables and restrooms located northeast of the Basilica, down the hill. You can access it via Station Way Road off Highway 167 — it's a separate entrance from the main Basilica parking. It's a lovely spot to eat lunch after a hike. Note that outside food is not permitted inside the café itself, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed anywhere on the property.

Fall at Holy Hill is absolutely spectacular

Let's talk about why Holy Hill is famous across Wisconsin every October. The Basilica's elevated position atop a glacial kame, surrounded by 435 acres of deciduous forest — maples, elms, apple trees — creates one of the state's most stunning autumn panoramas. From the Scenic Tower, you look out across a sea of blazing red, orange, yellow, and gold stretching to the horizon.

Peak foliage typically arrives in mid-October, though this shifts year to year. By late October, colors are usually past peak. The forest path at the base of the hill is particularly stunning, creating that "golden tunnel" effect kids (and Instagram feeds) love.

The practical reality: fall weekends are mobbed. If you can swing a weekday visit in October, do it. Weekday mornings and late afternoons are significantly less crowded. If you must go on a weekend, arrive early — we're talking before 9:00 AM — and be prepared for long waits at the tower.

Beyond fall, each season brings something different. Winter turns the hilltop into a serene, snow-covered landscape with reduced crowds — the grounds and Basilica remain open though the tower closes. Spring brings wildflowers along the Ice Age Trail and fresh green canopy. Summer is prime time for hiking and the tower, with the café and grounds fully operational.

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 of September. Over 220 juried artists and crafters showcase pottery, paintings, woodcarving, textiles, metalwork, jewelry, stained glass, photography, and sculpture. There's live entertainment, refreshments, door prizes, and a silent auction. Admission is $6 at the gate and free for children 12 and under. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM rain or shine with free shuttle bus service. It's a wonderful family outing.

Christmas brings special holiday Mass services and Christmas concerts at the Basilica. Throughout the year, the friars host First Saturday Days of Recollection (monthly events with guest speakers), the St. Thérèse Lecture Series, and celebrations of Carmelite feast days.

For families attending Mass: The Sunday schedule includes a Saturday Vigil at 4:30 PM, and Sunday Masses at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:00 PM in the Basilica. A Spanish Mass is offered Sundays at 12:30 PM in the Chapel of St. Thérèse. Daily Mass is at 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM Monday through Saturday. Confessions are heard Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM and Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in the Mercy Chapel.

Pike Lake is the perfect companion stop

If your family wants to extend the day trip, Pike Lake Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest sits just five miles north of Holy Hill and offers a completely different kind of outdoor fun.

Address: 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford, WI 53027 Website: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/pikelake Hours: Open daily year-round, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Admission: Wisconsin State Park vehicle sticker required ($13 daily for residents, $16 for non-residents; annual stickers $28 resident, $38 non-resident)

The park's spring-fed, 522-acre lake has a large sandy beach with a playground, picnic tables, grills, and a separate dog swimming area — perfect for summer afternoons. Fishing is excellent for panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye, with a fishing pier and public boat launch available.

The hiking highlight is the Powder Hill Trail, a half-mile trek to a 60-foot observation tower at the second-highest point in southeastern Wisconsin. From the top, you can actually see Holy Hill's twin towers in the distance. The Astronomy Trail (0.5 miles) is a unique educational walk through the solar system that kids adore. The Boardwalk Trail (0.5 miles) is fully accessible with crushed limestone and boardwalk surfaces along the lakeshore — great for strollers.

Pike Lake also has 32 campsites (11 with electric hookups) open early April through mid-October, plus three primitive backpacking sites along the Ice Age Trail. Rates run approximately $18 to $33 per night depending on electric hookups and residency. The park offers naturalist-led programs in season including guided kayaking, sunset paddleboarding, campfires, and stargazing — check the Friends of Pike Lake Facebook page for schedules.

Kettle Moraine's Northern Unit

For families ready 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: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/kmn

Start at the Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center, located half a mile west of Dundee on State Highway 67. It's open Friday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM year-round and features free exhibits about Wisconsin's glacial history, a 20-minute Ice Age film, and a gift shop. The back deck overlooks an outwash plain with views of Dundee Mountain. Kids who love science and geology will be fascinated.

The best family-friendly trails in the Northern Unit include the Moraine Self-Guided Nature Trail (0.75-mile easy loop from the Visitor Center with numbered tree identification posts), the Spruce Lake Bog Trail (a 0.25-mile boardwalk through a rare open-lake bog where you can spot carnivorous sundews and pitcher plants — a National Natural Landmark), and the Lake-to-Lake Bike Trail (6.5 miles of crushed limestone connecting Mauthe Lake and Long Lake, rated 4.6 stars and gentle enough for family cycling).

For more ambitious hikers, the Parnell Tower Trail (3.5-mile loop) leads to a 60-foot observation tower at the forest's highest point with views of Dundee Mountain and Holy Hill. The Zillmer Yellow Loop (5.2 miles, moderate, 367 feet of elevation gain) offers panoramic overlooks and a heated shelter. For a quick burst of adventure, the Long Lake Summit Trail climbs 0.75 miles to the top of Dundee Mountain — the largest kame in the forest — with a steep 200-foot gain in the final quarter mile and incredible panoramic views at the top.

Three swimming beaches at Mauthe Lake, Long Lake, and Greenbush provide summer cooling-off spots. The forest also offers mountain biking (Greenbush and New Fane trail systems), cross-country skiing on groomed trails in winter, camping at 350-plus sites, and canoeing on Ottawa Lake's self-guided canoe trail with numbered buoys and an interpretive pamphlet.

Apple picking, pumpkin patches, and sunflower fields nearby

A Holy Hill day trip practically demands a farm stop, especially in fall. Here are the best options nearby.

Pine Hill Orchard sits just half a mile west of Holy Hill on Highway 167, making it the closest and most convenient stop. This family-owned orchard (since 1977) grows 45-plus apple varieties on 550 trees and sells raw local honey, fresh apple cider, caramel apples, and homemade apple pies. Walking trails behind the retail stand offer views back toward Holy Hill. Open Fridays through Sundays from early August through the weekend before Thanksgiving, with weekday hours in September and October. No admission fee — you just pay for what you pick and purchase. Address: 5682 State Highway 167, Hubertus, WI 53033. Website: pinehillorchard.net

Basse's Taste of Country Farm Market is about 10 minutes south in Colgate and offers the most comprehensive farm activity experience in the area. Their Pumpkin Fest runs late September through October 31 and features hayrides, an 8-acre corn maze, a pumpkin pillow, ropes course, giant slides, mirror maze, playgrounds, animal barns, and a corn play box. Earlier in the year, they offer U-pick strawberries in June and raspberries and blackberries in July. The Country Store sells jams, honey, caramel apples, and apple slushies. Open daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during season. Note: cashless payment only. 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 20-plus apple varieties from September through November, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze ($5 per person, kids 4 and under free). They host an Oktoberfest celebration and have a beer garden. Low-hanging apples make picking accessible for small children. Address: 12246 N Farmdale Rd, Mequon, WI 53097. Phone: (262) 242-2737. Website: barthelfruitfarm.com

Homestead Animal Farm (about 10 miles south on Highway 83 in Hartland) is designed specifically for families and features miniature donkeys, alpacas, pygmy goats, baby chicks, a 4.4-acre corn maze, an "I Spy Hayride," a children's exploration area, and a pumpkin patch. Open primarily during fall. Address: W320 N9127 Hwy 83, Hartland, WI. Website: homesteadanimalfarm.com

Glacier Rock Farms in Lebanon offers 100-plus acres with over 40 animals, a petting zoo, pony rides, and hayrides past kettle ponds and through pine forest. Open Sundays for the public and weekdays for school groups. Website: glacierrockfarms.com

Where to eat near Holy Hill with hungry kids

Beyond the Holy Hill Café, the surrounding area offers an impressive range of family dining. Here are our top picks organized by what your family is craving.

For the ultimate kid-friendly experience, head to The Mineshaft Restaurant in Hartford (22 North Main Street, Hartford, WI 53027; phone: 262-673-5416). This mining-themed spot has one of America's largest game rooms, kids 5 and under eat free Sunday through Thursday, and the prices are genuinely affordable. Their all-you-can-eat fish fry runs Wednesdays and Fridays for $8.99, and they do BOGO pizza on Mondays and Thursdays. Free private party rooms for birthdays. This place was practically designed for families.

For BBQ and smoked meats, try Sloppy Joe's Saloon and Spoon in Hubertus (3723 Hubertus Road; phone: 262-628-1800). Their house-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs are excellent, and the homemade chips get rave reviews. The atmosphere is fun and family-oriented with patio seating and live music. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

For a classic supper club experience — and if you're visiting Wisconsin, you really should — the Alpine Retreat in Hubertus (1380 Friess Lake Road; phone: 262-628-3995) has over 125 years of history and serves Cowboy Ribeye, German Sauerbraten with potato dumplings and red cabbage (Tuesday through Thursday only), Wiener Schnitzel, and an outstanding Friday fish fry with German potato pancakes. Kids' menu items are $7.95 and come with fries and ice cream. Open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 4:00 PM.

Johnny Manhattan's Italian Steakhouse (3718 Hubertus Road; phone: 262-628-7700) sits just a few miles from Holy Hill and serves prime-cut steaks and homemade Italian dishes including lasagna and their famous speidini. All entrées include salad and potato. Reservations recommended.

The Fox and Hounds Restaurant (1298 Friess Lake Road, Hubertus; phone: 262-628-1111) is a beautiful historic spot dating to 1933 with multiple themed dining rooms, fireplaces, and a Sunday brunch buffet. Kids' menu items run $6.99 to $8.99.

For incredible breakfast or lunch, drive to The Sawmill-Inn in Richfield (just west of Highway 45 off Holy Hill Road; phone listed on their website). The French toast with cream cheese and Door County cherries is outstanding, and the country fried chicken is a must. The atmosphere feels like a northwoods cabin — warm and inviting.

For Mexican food, La Cabaña Mexican Grill in Hubertus (3052 Hubertus Road) is family-owned with a tagline of "Here to serve families, big and small." Great fajitas and sopes.

Ice cream, pizza, and quick bites the kids will love

No family day trip is complete without a sweet stop. Scoop DeVille in downtown Hartford (65 North Main Street; phone: 262-673-1957) is a 1950s-style ice cream parlor, candy shop, and soda fountain that your kids will absolutely love. They make 32-plus flavors of homemade ice cream, pour root beer floats from a working soda fountain, and sell nostalgic candies and chocolate confections. The bakery side offers cakes, mini pies, and brownies. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A single scoop runs about $2.61. This place is a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice winner and a Hartford institution.

Sal's Pizza (1524 E Sumner Street, Hartford) serves authentic New York-style pizza by the slice — excellent dough, quick service, and all-you-can-drink fountain sodas with a slice purchase. It's been a local favorite for over 15 years.

Angee B'z Subs (625 W Sumner Street, Suite 700, Hartford; phone: 262-670-6996) has been making fresh subs, paninis, wraps, and soups since 1997. Pick-two combos run $11 to $15. Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For gastropub vibes, The Stillery in Richfield (W204 N14025 W Fond Du Lac Avenue; phone: 262-674-2033) earns 4.6 stars from nearly 200 Google reviews and serves excellent burgers, homemade pizza, wings, cheese curds, and fish fry on Wednesdays and Fridays. They have a kids' menu and a casual patio. Bibinger's in downtown Slinger occupies a 170-year-old building and is known for some of the best cheese curds in the area — try the pretzel variety.

For craft beer lovers, Belshire Brewing Co. in Richfield (1923 Highway 175) and Brewed Omen in Hartford's historic Millstream Building offer family-friendly daytime taproom experiences with excellent local beers and an outdoor space overlooking the Rubicon River.

More nearby adventures worth knowing about

A few more gems round out a Holy Hill area visit. The Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford (147 North Rural Street; website: wisconsinautomuseum.com) houses 120-plus vehicles spanning 1902 to the 1990s across an acre of exhibit space, including the world's largest collection of Hartford-built Kissel luxury automobiles and a Soo Line Steam Locomotive. There's also a large Lionel model train layout that train-loving kids will go wild for. Elevator accessible.

In summer, the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Hartford (777 South Main Street) has a lazy river, waterslides, sand play area, and an eight-lane competition pool. Youth admission is $4 daily for residents. Open summer months only.

Monches Flower Farm (5890 Monches Road, Colgate), just three miles from Holy Hill, is a specialty perennial nursery since 1980 set in scenic rocky hills with garden art, dried wildflowers, a gift shop, ponds, and animals to see.

For winter visitors, Little Switzerland in Slinger offers family-friendly skiing and snowboarding close to Holy Hill, while Kettle Moraine's Northern Unit has groomed cross-country skiing trails.

The Bugline Trail provides 16 miles of paved multi-use path along an old railroad bed from Menomonee Falls to Merton — mostly level and perfect for family biking or stroller walks.

What to pack and practical tips for families

What to wear and bring: Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential — the tower stairs, Stations of the Cross path, and Ice Age Trail all involve real walking. Layers are smart any time of year since the hilltop can be breezy. In fall, bring a light jacket even on warm days. Pack water and snacks for hiking, sunscreen in summer, and binoculars if you have them for the tower views. A baby carrier works better than a stroller for most of the grounds beyond the base-level forest path.

Best strategy for a fall visit: Arrive before 9:00 AM on a weekday if at all possible. If you must go on a weekend, Saturday morning is better than Sunday afternoon. Climb the tower first (lines build throughout the day), then explore the Basilica, walk the grounds, grab pie at the café, and finish with a stroll along the forest path or a drive to Pine Hill Orchard for apple picking.

For a full-day itinerary, combine Holy Hill in the morning with Pike Lake's beach or Basse's Farm in the afternoon, and finish with dinner at The Mineshaft or Sloppy Joe's. In fall, swap the beach for apple picking at Pine Hill and add Scoop DeVille for ice cream in Hartford.

Dress modestly for the Basilica — it is an active place of worship. Shorts and T-shirts are fine for the grounds and trails, but consider having something with sleeves for entering the church out of respect.

For families with very young children: The base-level forest path, the café, the picnic area, and the Basilica interior (accessible by elevator) are all manageable with a stroller. Skip the tower and Stations of the Cross with toddlers. The grounds alone, combined with pie and a farm stop, make a wonderful outing for families with babies and preschoolers.

Conclusion: why Holy Hill earns a permanent spot on your family's list

Holy Hill is that rare destination that 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 access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. And parents get the quiet beauty of a hilltop basilica, a legitimately great slice of pie, and a day trip that feels restorative rather than exhausting. Pair it with the farms, trails, and small-town dining scattered across the Kettle Moraine landscape, and you have a full day (or weekend) that captures the best of what's right in Milwaukee's backyard. The fact that admission is free and the drive is under 45 minutes makes it almost unreasonable not to go.