Holy Hill, Wisconsin

[MDFDWarrior]

Here is a route I found posted on the net...Haven't tried it yet, perhaps this summer...

Day Trips: Holy Hill
Shrine, scenery, snaking roads make this trip popular
By CLIFF CHRISTL
cchristl@journalsentinel.com
Last Updated: Aug. 21, 2003

There is no more popular area to ride in the immediate Milwaukee area than Holy Hill. The ride offers stretches of winding highway, miles of back roads and, as you approach from the east, a clear view of the church steeples and shrine that rise from one of the highest points in Wisconsin. Holy Hill, located 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee and more than 1,300 feet above sea level, is a registered state and national landmark. Officially known as the "National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians," it's open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can tour the grounds, attend daily services, climb an observation deck and, during the summer, eat at the Monastery Inn Cafeteria. Or you can skip the stop and simply ride the back roads around the shrine. One recommendation would be to tour the marked Rustic Road that you can pick up shortly before Holy Hill on Highway 167 or after you've passed Holy Hill off Highway K or from other points in the area. The distance below includes side trips.
The Route

Approximate distance: 96 miles

* From the Summerfest Grounds take Interstate 794 west to I-43 and head north to Mequon Road.
* Exit Mequon Road, turn left and head west. Turn right onto Highway 57 or Green Bay Road. Follow it into Thiensville and stay straight as it becomes Main Street. At the first stoplight after Suburban Harley-Davidson in downtown Thiensville, turn left and head west on Freistadt Road.
* Continue on Freistadt - for a stretch in Washington County, it's marked county Highway F - for approximately 10 miles. After crossing over Highways 41/45, turn right and head north on Highway 175.
* Turn left and head west on Highway 167 to Holy Hill. The exit for the shrine is Carmel Road. Some of the more scenic back roads can be accessed from county Highway K, county Highway Q, Monches Road and Hubertus Road, which is an extension of Freistadt.
* Upon leaving the Holy Hill area, head west and turn left on Highway 83.
* Follow 83 into North Lake, then turn left and head east on county Highway VV. Follow VV, which turns into Silver Spring Road, back to Highway 45.
* Head south on 45, then east on I-94 to downtown Milwaukee.

The Scenery

The purpose for heading out Mequon Road to Thiensville is that it passes Suburban Motors, but I also think Freistadt Road is a more interesting ride west than the marked highways. It's two lane all the way with some appealing scenery. For example, the town of Freistadt, which was founded in 1839 and essentially consists of a bar and restaurant, is along the route and one of the more intriguing spots. Approaching Holy Hill on 167, you'll see the steeples and buildings as the road becomes more shaded and starts to take some sharp turns. Once you're in the vicinity of the shrine, go off on the back roads either from 167 or K or Q or whatever, and simply follow your instincts. You'll come across small lakes, see woods almost everywhere and be tested by plenty of tight, slow turns. The stretch of Highway 83 that takes you into North Lake is nondescript, but the town has a rustic look and a biker friendly bar. On VV, you'll pass through Merton and Sussex, two more small towns. Plus, you'll almost be at the doorstep of Milwaukee Harley-Davidson when you arrive back in the city.
Harley Dealers

Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson, 139 N. Main St., Thiensville - Located in the heart of Thiensville, off Mequon Road, just before the turn onto Freistadt Road.

Milwaukee Harley-Davidson, 11310 W. Silver Spring Road, Milwaukee - Coming back into Milwaukee on VV, or Silver Spring, the dealership is just east of Highway 45 and left at the first stoplight.

Hartford Harley-Davidson, 427 Sumner St. (Highway 60 West), Hartford - Located about five miles north of Holy Hill. Take Highway 83 north and turn left at Highway 60.

Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, 1225 Robruck Dr., Oconomowoc - Southwest of Holy Hill, 12 to 15 miles from North Lake. Continue on 83 south from North Lake, head west on Highway 16 and south on Highway 67. The dealership is just off 67, on the south end of the city, heading south toward I-94.
Biker Bars

The Down Slope Pub, located on the right side of Highway 167 just before Holy Hill, is one of the most popular stops in the area. It serves food, but the menu is limited. The building is located at the intersection of county CC, but the entrance to the bar is on the backside, down the hill on 167. Keep in mind that if you're crossing at CC or the Rustic Road to the south or even exiting the bar's parking lot, cars heading west on 167 are coming over a blind hill.

Another popular spot on the way to Holy Hill is the Breeze Inn, located on Highway 175, just north of 167. In North Lake, you'll find Naylor's Bear Trap. Back in Milwaukee, Mitchell's Tavern, which sponsors an annual poker run, is located on Appleton Ave., at 104th St., a short distance from Milwaukee Harley-Davidson.

I'm told there are other bars in the immediate Holy Hill area that draw bikers, but I found that some weren't open on a clear, although chilly, Saturday afternoon.

Plus, there are some bars that aren't on the route, but that aren't far off that draw a biker crowd. They include Killin Time in Mapleton and The Outlet in Ashippun. Both are small towns west of 83.
Restaurants

Again, you'll find plenty of bars that serve food, as well as several inviting restaurants, along the route. The only place where I stopped to eat was the Down Slope Pub.

But here are some other suggestions. If you head up to Hartford, the Mineshaft Restaurant & Bar, on Main Street, is popular with bikers and offers a wide variety of food. The Sawmill Inn, just off of 167, east of 175, is a good spot for breakfast. The Tally Ho in Erin is open from Wednesday through Sunday and known for its fish fries and burgers.
Alternative Routes

* If you're looking to make better time, you could take Highway 45/41 from I-94 to the Holy Hill exit or perhaps Highway 167 west from Thiensville.
* Rather than taking 175 north and approaching the shrine on 167, stay straight on Fresitadt after it turns into Hubertus Road. It might be more scenic, but it's not a route that follows a direct line.
* There are any number of areas to explore beyond Holy Hill in almost any direction and also any number of ways to return to Milwaukee. I've been told that Highway Q, which you can pick up off Highway 83 or K, is a pretty ride. Almost any main road heading east will hook up with Highway 45/41.

[BratmanXj]

So, your saying lets go look at a few churches then go drink....hmm, interesting combination. I think I feel my catholic upbringing chiming in on this one.

[misterman]

you can count me in for holy hill.

[Geoff]

I've done this ride a couple times over the years. It's great.

[social distortion]

i'd like to try and go...if i'm still alive by then......

[misterman]

Originally Posted by social distortion

i'd like to try and go...if i'm still alive by then......

Thats right Fil, your wifes gonna kill you when she finds out about your secret stash.........lol

[MDFDWarrior]

Originally Posted by Geoff

I've done this ride a couple times over the years. It's great.

Hey Geoff - since you've done this ride before, how about setting one up for CLC this season?

[Fred]

i am soooo up for this ride! Make sure its on a sunday please

[2FS4LV]

Looks like an awesome ride. I hope it's on a weekend I don't have my girls.

[saQ "C" 1]

i'd like to join in on this ride! weekends work best for me! hope to be able to join you when this ride gets setup!