There are 125 labyrinths in Wisconsin. I have selected 8 of the best that are accessible to the public and I believe are worth a visit. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
Before we get to my recommendations for Wisconsin I want to tell you about some statistics about labyrinths in the USA from some research I did. If you are interested in knowing things like what the largest labyrinth is in the US, where the Northernmost, Southernmost labyrinths are in the US, and similar questions, it is worth a read: Questions about US Labyrinths Answered. All of these Wisconsin answers and statistics were part of that research. We start with a chart summarizing the data from Wisconsin:
Here is how Wisconsin compares to the USA. The state ranks no lower than 15th in any metric I measured. 15th in raw numbers of labyrinths, 13th in per capita amount, 15th in percent of indoor labyrinths and 3rd in terms of average size.
Wisconsin Labyrinth Questions answered:
What is the largest labyrinth in Wisconsin ? I have 2 possible answers: The largest labyrinth in Wisconsin is the St. Norbert Abbey Labyrinth located in De Pere with a 143 foot diameter. Or it is the Buryat Country Retreat Center Labyrinth located in Whitewater which is on 1 acre. I think that is a 209 foot diameter.
What city has the most labyrinths in Wisconsin ? The city with the most labyrinths in Wisconsin is Madison with 10. Both Milwaukee and Bayfield are next with 7 labyrinths each. Bayfield, WI has the 2nd highest labyrinths per capita in the US thanks to being the home of the Flowing Waters Retreat Center.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
8 Labyrinths to Visit in wisconsin
1. Lynden Sculpture Garden Labyrinth
A 5 circuit classical labyrinth is carved into the prairie has a 69 foot diameter. Plan a trip to the Sculpture Garden on their website. At the time of this writing it is free to visit but check for updates and current hours. All of the wonderful drone photos of the labyrinth were taken by Arie Smouter.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Address:
2145 W Brown Deer Rd.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217
2. St. Christopher's Episcopal Church Labyrinth
A 7 circuit labyrinth lined by bricks with grass pathways is located by the parking lot on the south side of the church. A view of the church from the labyrinth to help locate it.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Address:
7845 N River Rd
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217
3. Carpenter-Ridgeway Park Labyrinth
This classical 3 circuit labyrinth is made from Autumn Red Holland Stone Pavers. The labyrinth is located in the eastern half of the park past the playground.
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Address:
1220 Carpenter Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704
4. Wolfenbuttel Park Labyrinth
A 6 circuit labyrinth built by Girl Scouts in 2011. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, the views from this park/labyrinth are excellent ! Plan a trip to the park on the city website.
Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin
Address:
5901 3rd Ave
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140
5. St. Norbert College Labyrinth
Labyrinth visible starting at 1:12
Football and a Labyrinth ? I’m in. This 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is located next to Donald J. Schneider Stadium (the NE side between the pond and the parking lot on the corner).
Location: De Pere, Wisconsin
Address:
1600 Lost Dauphin Rd.
De Pere, Wisconsin 54115
6. Phoenix Park Labyrinth
Labyrinth visible from 0:22-0:40
A classical 7 circuit labyrinth located in the riverbank park on the Chippewa River. Used as a stage for the local concert series (with seating on the surrounding hill.
Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Address:
330 Riverfront Terrace
Eau Claire, WI 54703
7. Earthsong Books & Gifts Labyrinth
Earthsong Books & Gifts Labyrinth Janesville, WI : Photo courtesy Julie Dieterle
A classical 7 circuit labyrinth located beside the book store is made from bricks/pavers with a pathway made from red granite. Plan a trip and learn more about the book/gift shop on the store website. The labyrinth has many very intentional features as explained by it’s designer, Julie Dieterle:
This is a 50 foot diameter labyrinth.. There are many sacred ideas incorporated in the building and walking of it. It was built to be entered from the South. Entering from the south encourages you to envision what you want and asks you to commit to it by saying-- I will do whatever it takes to ........... The six pointed star stands at the entrance. Focus on what you want as you stand in the star. You will stand in the star after your walk and quietly thank the labyrinth for its connection and guidance.
The labyrinth has sacred numbers-- each path is 33 inches across. There are crystals and stones buried to help amplify and focus your intent. The four directions are honored. There is a 12 point design in the center
Location: Janesville, Wisconsin
Address:
2214 Kennedy Rd
Janesville, Wisconsin 53545
8. St. Martin Heritage Park - The Labyrinth of Gratitude
Photos courtesy Dori Ann Schmitz
This 8 circuit medieval labyrinth is located in the SW corner of the park. It is made from rocks with a pear tree marking the center ! Learn more about the park on it’s website. Parking is available next to the road/labyrinth as seen in the park photo above !
Location: New Holstein, Wisconsin
Address:
N3298 County Road T
New Holstein, Wisconsin 53061
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist but I have never made any mazes from Wisconsin. If you have suggestions - drop me a note. Otherwise here are some mazes of famous buildings:
