Why Pilgrimage?
- Pilgrimage is an essential part of life and living. Christians see life itself as a journey, coming from God and returning to God. This is true of other world religions where pilgrimage is also important.
- A pilgrimage is a symbol in action. It represents the journey of the Christian life from earth to heaven. A pilgrimage is a quest and expression of one’s faith.
- People go on pilgrimages to grow in holiness, deepen their relationship with God, and/or discern a major life decision.
- As part of the Church’s piety, pilgrimages can enrich, purify and lead the Christian people into a closer and more perfect union with Christ. Going on a pilgrimage is an expression of piety that extends the liturgical life of the Church without replacing it. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1674- 1676)
5 Ways to do Wisconsin Way Pilgrimages
There are many ways to do your Wisconsin pilgrimage. You could walk, ride, drive or join a tour.
1.) Walking pilgrimage
The Wisconsin Way is a relatively new pilgrimage. I recommend starting from the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in New Franken, WI, to Holy Hill & National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Hubertus, WI, to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, WI.
This can be done in sections, although this walking pilgrimage is more developed from New Franken, WI to Hubertus, WI.
Fr. Kurz recommends Stacey Wittig’s Spiritual and Walking Guide: The Wisconsin Way. Please know that this is a new pilgrimage. He also recommends that you have two or more pilgrims with you and be prepared to change your plans due to circumstances that are out of your control. For example, the weather or Ice Age Trail might be closed during the time of year, plus there are different types of terrain you will be walking.
2.) Bicycling Pilgrimage
Pilgrims have bicycled the Wisconsin Way. You can create your own route or use the Peddlers Pilgrimage.
3.) Driving Pilgrimage
Use your own vehicle — car, RV or motorcycle — and the Spiritual and Walking Guide for The Wisconsin Way by Stacey Wittig.
4.) Book a Tour with ‘Wisconsin Way Pilgrim Tours‘
Wisconsin Way Pilgrim Tours offers small group pilgrimages with preplanned routes and a blend of services and accommodations that include uniquely designed, fully outfitted tent camps that we move along with provisions, as well as stays along the route at The Wisconsin Way Alberque and Holy Resurrection Monastery.
5.) Book a Bus Tour with ‘Inside The Vatican‘
Inside The Vatican offers Discovering Mary in the Heartland, a one-of-a-kind pilgrimage in Wisconsin. This pilgrimage will bring you to five national shrines, including Our Lady of Champion, Holy Hill Basilica and also the Holy Resurrection Monastery.
Our Mission
The Wisconsin Way Pilgrim seeks to create, cultivate and promote all branches of The Wisconsin Way, providing pilgrims with opportunities to connect with God while encountering Christian traditions and Catholic shrines along the way.
Helpful Resources
FarOut app for the Ice Age Trail – use this handy app while you are on sections of the Wisconsin Way that overlap the National Scenic Ice Age Trail.
Ice Age Trail Alliance – this volunteer organization offers books, guides, and trail angel services to those walking the Ice Age Trail. The Wisconsin Way overlays the National Scenic Ice Age Trail in some sections.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – make camping reservations, get maps and learn about the glacial terrain of the Forest Section of the Wisconsin Way at this helpful website.
Spiritual and Walking Guide: The Wisconsin Way – get maps and turn-by-turn directions for your Wisconsin Way pilgrimage from Our Lady of Champion to Holy Hill. Learn about the three sections of this route, the Farm Section, Forest Section, and Holy Hill Section, in this detailed book that is updated every year.
Wisconsin Way Passport – download your pilgrim credential here.
Reserve the Wisconsin Way Albergue – Register for the Wisconsin Way Albergue, located in the Farm Section and the first albergue in Wisconsin!