Holy Hill Basilica
The Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine is located in southeastern Wisconsin in the beautiful town of Hubertus. Located at 1525 Carmel Road in Hubertus, the Basilica sits perched at 1,335 feet in elevation, one of the highest elevations in southeastern Wisconsin. This gorgeous basilica sits elevated within a gorgeous setting on 435 acres within Erin Township, named by the Irish settlers who arrived in the region.
Irish Immigrant History
Irish immigrants arrived in the 1840s from the Ireland Counties of Cork, Waterford, and Kerry, though their stay was not long-lived. As Irish immigrants fell on hard times and left the area, Germans purchased their small farms. However, the presence of Irish immigrants remained in the area in spirit. Streets throughout Erin Township were later given Irish names such as Donegal, Emerald Drive, and Shamrock Lane.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Basilica
The images below were taken near the entrance to the basilica. Be sure to enter the basilica when church services are not being held. It is beautiful, and photos do not do it justice!
Climb the Holy Hill Scenic Tower
Immediately adjacent to the basilica, the Holy Hill scenic tower offers vast views of the surrounding Wisconsin landscape. The tower rises 192 feet from its base to its spire, with 178 steps to climb to the top. The tower is open to visitors from May through October each year. It is closed on occasion in times of high winds, unsafe weather or wet stairs following storms.
Donations are accepted in a small box at the base of the tower; these help to maintain the tower for visitors. Read more HERE about tower rules or to view the webcam view from the tower. The climb is absolutely worth your time; at the top of the tower you’ll be rewarded with views of the surrounding Kettle Moraine region. On a clear day you can see for 30 miles! On my last visit in the fall of 2025, I could see the Milwaukee skyline to the southeast.
Holy Hill Cafe
Located on the grounds of Holy Hill is a small Cafe and Coffeehouse. Enjoy breakfast or lunch, baked goods, salads, soups sandwiches and wraps, and smoothies, in addition to a variety of coffee drinks. The cafe is open Tuesday-Sunday from 7am-3pm and is housed within the Old Monastery Inn building.
Old Monastery Inn and Guest House
Located on the grounds of Holy Hill is the Old Monastery Inn, and New Guest House are available for overnight stays. These two retreat facilities are old construction, requiring climbs up and down stairs – and thus, not handicap accessible. Read more about reservations in these two buildings HERE.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail at Holy Hill
Passing through the grounds of Holy Hill is the Ice Age Trail. The local segment (Holy Hill segment) passes through the hilly terrain of Holy Hill. The Holy Hill Segment of the IAT is 6.7 miles in length with an elevation gain of 610 feet. Learn more here using the interactive Ice Age Trail Hiker Resource Map for detailed information on segment hikes.
Ice Age Trail Atlas/Maps
For detailed topographic maps, pick up a copy of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail Atlas (hard copy or e-version) from the Department of Natural Resources Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters Office and Visitors Center, located at S91W39091 WI-59, Eagle, WI 53119, or order a copy of the atlas online through the Ice Age Trail Alliance store.
All Trails Maps/App
You can find detailed information on Wisconsin’s many scenic trails on the AllTrails website and AllTrails app. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type – includes photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews. To explore the AllTrails app, sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.
- 500K+ trails
- 90M+ members
- 1.8B+ miles logged
- 2.9B+ kilometers logged
- 14 languages supported
Erin Inn Irish Pub
If you’re looking for a nearby bite to eat after your visit to the basilica grounds, the Erin Inn Irish Pub is located at 6102 Donegal Road on the northwest side of County Highway K in Hartford, WI. The pub is about a 10 minute drive (6-8 miles) from Holy Hill. Erin Inn is open Mondays, 3pm-12am, Tuesday-Friday, 3pm-2am, and Saturday-Sunday from 11am-2am.
Erin Hills Golf Course
Located at 7169 County Road O in Erin, Wisconsin, Erin Hills Golf Course is a gorgeous 18-hole public golf course within the rolling hills of Erin Township. The Holy Hill Basilica can be seen from the course, adding to its unique charm. The course was host to the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open Championship. Erin Hills was ranked the 10th best course in the United States by Golf Digest, and it’s not difficult to see why. I am not a golfer myself, though I would love to walk the course just to take in the rolling Wisconsin landscape.
Nearby Hikes
The Ice Age Trail is also beautiful in the spring season as spring wildflowers emerge. For more beautiful segment hikes on the IAT and Kettle Moraine State Forest, read on for more information in my recent article: Kettle Moraine State Forest | 3 Beautiful Spring Wildflower Hikes.
Furthermore, consider a hike along the Monches Segment of the Ice Age Trail in nearby Merton, WI. Explore Wisconsin’s Beautiful Spring Wonders | Ice Age Trail | Monches Segment.
Enjoy your visit to this gorgeous and historic Basilica and grounds!
-Erin