A self guided tour, the walk was designed to give a glimpse into Oconomowoc’s past when it was known as the “Newport of the West” – from the 1870s to the 1930s. Oconomowoc’s great beauty attracted the wealthy from Milwaukee, Chicago and St. Louis who built palatial summer homes on the lakeshores and arrived by train every summer. Although that elegant lifestyle has changed and most of the summer homes have been converted into year round private homes, the beauty which attracted people a century ago still remains.
Holy Hill is located in southeast Wisconsin, on the highest elevation in that part of the state. Situated on 435 acres of rural countryside, it provides the visitor with the opportunity for spiritual enrichment. We often hear visitors remark about the peace, beauty and serenity they find at Holy Hill.
As early as 1903, Holy Hill was declared a Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians. In 2006, the Shrine was raised to the status of Minor Basilica. But as far back as the 1700s and perhaps earlier, the American Indians came to Holy Hill because they considered it a sacred place.
Many come to Holy Hill as "tourists", only to find that they have been touched by something deeper than natural beauty or curiosity. We know that God is truly present on this Holy Hill, and we invite you to come and share with us this Presence!
Lapham Peak State Park offers 671 acres of land with 14.6 miles of walking and biking trails, 2.3 miles of cross country skiing, a picnic area, and a lookout tower on top of Lapham Peak. At 1,233 feet, it is the highest point in Waukesha County.