The leaves are just starting to change here in Wisconsin. Fall has been lovely: a lot of warm days and cool nights. Just about 35 minutes from where I live is Holy Hill, near Hubertus, Wisconsin in Washington County.

Holy Hill, as you might have guessed, is home to a church: the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians. You can climb the 120+ steps (it’s steep..and crowded on a Fall weekend!) to the top of the basilica tower for views of the surrounding countryside.

I was surprised by the number of foreign visitors making the pilgrimage to visit Holy Hill. Touring around the church grounds and ambling down some of the surrounding roads makes for a peaceful visit. A classic Wisconsin day trip!

Autumn, Holly Hill, Wisconsin

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill, Wisconsin

Autumn, Holly Hill, Wisconsin

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill, Wisconsin

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill, Wisconsin

Autumn, Holly Hill, Wisconsin – view from the basilica tower

Autumn, Holly Hill, Wisconsin – view from the basilica tower

Autumn, Holly Hill, Wisconsin

Autumn, Holly Hill, Wisconsin

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill, Wisconsin

Autumn, Holly Hill, Wisconsin

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill, Wisconsin

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill, Wisconsin

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill, Wisconsin

Autumn, Holly Hill, Wisconsin