Pope Benedict XVI raised the shrine to the status of Minor Basilica via Pontifical Decree on 11 July 2006.

Visitors can climb a 178-step observation tower to view the Milwaukee skyline, about thirty miles (50 km) southeast.

Near Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail, it is about four miles (6.5 km) east of Erin Hills, a championship golf course which hosted the U.S. Open in 2017.

Tradition says that the hill was first discovered by Europeans 352 years ago in 1673 by Father Jacques Marquette with Louis Jolliet.

[4] However, modern historians view this tradition as untrue, though the Order of the Society of Jesus were likely the first Catholic priests to set foot on the hill.

The diary described how the author placed a stone altar, raised a cross, and dedicated the hill to Jesus's mother Mary.

A group of Discalced Carmelites came from Bavaria at the invitation of Archbishop Sebastian Messmer, and the Shrine of Mary was put under their care on June 26, 1906.

[2] On June 6, 2006 (06/06/06), vandals spray-painted the church and several shrines with expletives and references to Satan and the Number of the Beast.

The doors were designed by architect Duncan G. Stroik and contain scenes sculpted by artist Cody Swanson.

[12][13] New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan drew a large crowd of Catholics and well-wishers to Holy Hill on April 28, 2012, for a special Mass of Thanksgiving, some arriving as early as 4:30 a.m. to ensure a spot in the historic Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.