Holy Hill Photography Guide
If you are from Wisconsin, there is a good chance that you have heard of Holy Hill. During fall (and honestly any time of the year), this is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Southeastern WI. It does not take one long to figure out why. Located in Hubertus, Wisconsin off of HWY 167 - the iconic Roman Catholic shrine sits atop a high kame in the Kettle Moraine, one of the highest points in Southeastern WI. The tree canopy makes a nice nest for a picturesque church, and many photographers and tourist alike aim to get their photograph. When I first started seeing photos of Holy Hill, I was eager to find and capture photos myself. Here are my favorite spots to photograph Holy Hill. Using the numbered Google map below, you can scroll through and see how the church looks at each location.
#1: HWY 167
I love this location for a couple reasons. On foggy mornings, the church illuminated on top of the ridge looks fantastic. The windy road gives this spot a good compostional feel. I primarily shoot this location at sunrise as the sunrise occurs behind the church. There is a small shoulder to park your car but be aware of traffic coming over the hill behind you.
#2: HWY K (Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive)
This is quite a popular spot as this view faces almost directly in front of the church. You’ll often find a small pond, deer or a field of corn at this spot. I primarily shoot this spot at sunrise but I have gotten a few good photos late in the afternoon into sunset.
#3: Intersection of HWY 167 & Troll Hill Road
This spot is very much one of my favorite spots and is also closest to the church. The tree canopy gives the church a nice composition. I’ll shoot this spot mostly at sunset. This is plenty of shoulder to park on the side of the road as many, many people ususally stop here.
#4: Donegal Road
This spot I have not shot too much from as you are technically not supposed to park on the road here. I imagine soon the trees will eclipse the church and block the view.
#5: Donegal Road
I also have not shot too much from here as you are not “supposed” park on the road here either. What I do like about this location is there is a red barn that you can get in the frame of your photo.
#6: Emerald Drive
This is spot is the view from when you exit the Ice Age Scenic Trail onto Emarld Drive.
#7: Shamrock Lane
There are a few spots along Shamrock Lane where you can spot and capture Holy Hill.
So, those are a few of my favorite spots to get photos of Holy Hill. The biggest tip I can give when it comes to photographing Holy Hill is to shoot within the first 15-20 minutes after sunset and 15-20 minutes before sunrise. The combination of the church having their lights on illuminating the church and the sunrise or sunset colors can make for an epic photo! For example, see the two photos below. The first photo was taken a few minutes after sunset and the second photo was taken about 20 minutes after sunset. A tripod is necessary here if you are looking to get any shots before sunrise or after sunset.
I hope these are helpful for you as you attempt to get your photo of Holy Hill! What else should I include in this photography guide? If you have any questions or other favorite spots to photograph Holy Hill, leave them in the comments!