beautiful-churches-in-Wisconsin

Source: Farragutful / Wikimedia Commons

5 Beautiful Cathedrals & Churches to See in Wisconsin

Introduction

One activity I love doing when on break from teaching or planning lessons is exploring places that nourish the soul.

Wisconsin is well known for its cheese and kayaking but did you know it’s also home to some of the most beautiful churches in the Midwest?

During my recent escape, I took time out to go discover these historic places of worship for myself.

Here are my top 5 churches with stunning architecture you should see in Wisconsin.

  1. Basilica of St. Josaphat, Milwaukee

    Basilica-of-St.-Josaphat-Milwaukee
    Source: thebasilica.org

    The Basilica of St. Josaphat is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscan Friars and located just on the South Side of Milwaukee. It is a center for prayer, spirituality, inspiration, and beauty.

    The Roman Catholic parish was built in 1901 and named after Josaphat Kuntsevych, a Ruthenian martyr and saint.

    What caught my eye about the parish is its magnificent Polish architecture style. Interestingly, the church was built by the American Polish immigrant community residing in Milwaukee at that time. They used salvaged materials from a demolished Post Office and Court House in Chicago. The church building features a cross-shaped floor plan, a 250-foot copper dome, stained-glass windows, and oil murals.

    St. Josaphat is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and holds a large collection of relics you won’t want to miss. The magnificent church remains a testament to the faith and devotion of Milwaukee’s Polish immigrants who built it.

    You can take a tour around, attend mass, see the sanctuary, and learn more about the basilica’s history.

    • Mass Times: Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:00 PM. Monday – Friday 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Saturday 8:00 AM.
    • Address: 2333 S. 6th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
    • Website: https://thebasilica.org
  2. Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill

    Holy-Hill-Hubertus
    Source: holyhill.com

    The Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at the Holy Hill is a Roman Catholic shrine for those looking to celebrate their faith in a sacred place of peace, beauty, and prayer.

    Built in 1926 and located on a glacial hill in Southeastern Wisconsin, the Basilica rises out of the woods like an island in a sea of trees. Its stunning neo-Romanesque architectural style features immense height, stonework, and tall spires. This style is similar to famous European Churches like the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris.

    Around 500,000 visitors worldwide travel to Holy Hill every year. While some visitors come on a pilgrimage to worship and pray, others come to admire the church’s architectural masterpiece.

    I particularly love the tranquil environment of Holy Hill. It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit. It also makes an ideal location for hiking, sightseeing, or hosting a group meetup at a nearby recreational park.

    If you’re around Hubertus, you should visit Holy Hill to enjoy the glorious scenic views. You can also attend mass, explore nearby recreational parks, and shop at their gift store.

    • Mass Times: Weekdays 6:00 & 11:00 AM. Saturday 4:30 PM. Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:00 PM.
    • Address: 1525 Carmel Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033
    • Website: https://www.holyhill.com
  3. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse

    Shrine-of-Our-Lady-of-Guadalupe
    Source: guadalupeshrine.org

    The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Roman Catholic shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

    The shrine was dedicated by Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke in 2008 to be a place of ceaseless prayer and the work of evangelization. It features a visitors’ center and various outdoor devotional areas, including a rosary walk, candle chapel, and Stations of the Cross.

    The church architecture was designed by the classical architect Duncan G. Stroik in the Italian Renaissance style. Its exterior feature stones to model Tuscany buildings.

    The sanctuary has an iconic mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe created by The Vatican Mosaic Studio. You’ll also find several first-class relics in its interior including Miguel Pro, Therese of Lisieux, Peregrine Laziosi, and Maria Goretti.

    Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine annually. Whether you’re touring alone or with loved ones, you can enjoy scenic views, attend mass, pray at the outdoor rosary wall, and rest in the peaceful quiet of the Shrine.

    • Mass Times: Monday – Saturday 8:30 AM and 12:15 PM. Sunday 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, & 1:00 PM.
    • Address: 5250 Justin Road, La Crosse, WI 54601
    • Website: https://guadalupeshrine.org
  4. Church of the Gesu, Milwaukee

    Gesu-Church
    Source: gesuparish.org

    Gesu Church is a Jesuit parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

    The foundation of the church dates back to 1849. It was initially established as St. Gall’s Parish to serve English-speaking Irish Catholics of Milwaukee. The parish grew and was renamed in 1893 to honor the Church of the Gesu in Rome, where St. Ignatius of Loyola is buried.

    The Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee has a neo-Gothic architectural design. Designed by prominent architect Henry C. Koch, the building is in the French Gothic style with inspiration drawn from the Cathedral of Chartres in France. Its majestic exterior feature landmark spires, a centered rose window, and magnificent stained-glass windows.

    If you’re around Milwaukee, the Gesu Church is a beautiful site you should visit and tour around. The parish holds daily masses and attracts thousands of worshippers from around the world every week.

    • Mass Times: Monday – Friday 7:00 AM, 12:05 PM and 5:30 PM. Saturday 5:30 PM. Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 6:00 PM.
    • Address: 1145 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53233
    • Website: https://gesuparish.org
  5. St. Mary’s Church, Appleton

    st.-mary's-church-appleton-wi
    Source: stmaryparish.org

    There are many beautiful St. Mary parishes in different parts of Wisconsin, but I believe the one in Appleton tops the list.

    Established in 1859 by Fr. J.N. Pfeiffer and Irish Catholics living in the area, St. Mary Parish is Appleton’s first and oldest Roman Catholic church.

    The church’s architecture is a good example of the popular symmetrical Gothic style. Its landmark building features walls made of stone, a roof of stone slates, stained glass windows, an artistic altarpiece, and wooden benches on the inside.

    If you’re visiting Appleton or a nearby area, make sure to stop by and take a tour around the church. You will definitely enjoy the beautiful interior views.

    In addition, you can attend mass and interact with the friendly staff to learn more about the church’s history.

    • Mass Times: Saturday 4:30 PM. Sunday 7:45 AM, 9:45 AM (live streamed) and 5:30 PM. Monday and Thursday 12:05 PM. Tuesday 8:00 AM.
    • Address: 312 South State Street Appleton, WI 54911
    • Website: https://stmaryparish.org

FAQs about Churches & Cathedrals in Wisconsin

What is the dominant religion in Wisconsin?

Christianity is the most prevalent religion in Wisconsin.

According to Pew Research Center, over 71% of the entire population is affiliated with the Christian faith. Meanwhile, people with no religious ties comprise 25% of the population.

Other minority non-Christian faiths that constitute only 4% of the entire population include Jewish, Muslim, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

Why is Wisconsin so Catholic?

Wisconsin is predominantly Catholic because of the early arrival of French missionaries from Western Europe.

While the missionaries migrated in the 17th century, they transplanted Catholicism and challenged the existing religious beliefs of the natives. German immigration throughout the 18th and 19th centuries also accelerated the spread of the catholic faith in WI.

Catholic churches are heavily distributed across Wisconsin but particularly strong in the eastern part such as Milwaukee and Green Bay.

What is the largest church in Wisconsin?

The Elmbrook Church in Brookfield has steadily grown to become the largest unaffiliated church in Wisconsin. It was founded in 1956 to help people become rooted in Jesus and released to His mission.

What are the most beautiful Catholic churches in the United States?

The US has a rich Catholic history dating back to the 17th century when European immigrants settled in.

Here are a few Catholic churches in America with stunning architecture:

  • The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, NJ
  • Basilica of Saint Josaphat, Milwaukee, WI
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, NY
  • Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland, CA
  • Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO

Conclusion

As a teacher in Mequon, I’m a sucker for learning diverse knowledge from spaces that tell historical and cultural stories.

My experience touring these churches in Wisconsin has been a source of inspiration and discovery.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or only visiting, I recommend checking out at least one of them! Especially if you’re looking to connect with history, architectural beauty or the Christian faith.

I can honestly say these sacred places will make you marvel and appreciate the stories they tell.