Holy Hill Basilica

Viewpoint · Wisconsin

Autumn foliage at Holy Hill Basilica
Photo: Corey Coyle / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

A minor basilica built by Discalced Carmelite friars crowns a Kettle Moraine hilltop in Hubertus, where a 178-step observation tower climbs above the church for 360-degree views over turning maple and oak, with Milwaukee's skyline visible some 30 miles off on a clear fall day.

Best for: Panoramic fall-color tower views

Don’t miss

  • 178-step observation tower
  • 360-degree Kettle Moraine views
  • working Carmelite monastery
2026 Forecast

Peak: October 8–October 12

Color builds from October 1 · mostly bare by October 31

Color starts: October 1Peak: October 10Bare: October 31AugustDecember

Sampled at Holy Hill Basilica’s own coordinates and elevation (398 m) rather than a regional average.

Wisconsin is sampled at 33 weather points, then moved 1 day earlier so the model agrees with 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com. Wisconsin is running 6 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works

When to go to Holy Hill Basilica

Good color holds through about October 19, giving you roughly 18 days from the first turn to past peak. That runs roughly 2 days later than the rest of Wisconsin. The elevation is 1,306 ft, which pulls the turn earlier.

Figure about 25 mi from Milwaukee.

Holy Hill Basilica on the map

Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Wisconsin, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.

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Frequently asked

When does Holy Hill Basilica peak in 2026?
Peak color is predicted for October 8–October 12 (best estimate October 10). Color starts around October 1 and is mostly bare by October 31.
How do I get to Holy Hill Basilica?
The closest city is Milwaukee, about 25 mi away. It's part of Wisconsin's fall lineup.

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