St. Josaphat Basilica epitomizes the striving of early Polish immigrants to express their ethnic heritage, spiritual devotion, and patriotic pride by building impressive houses of worship. The Parish was formed in 1888 as an offshoot of Saint Stanislaus Parish and subsequently became the largest Polish parish in Wisconsin. Its first home was a modest building that burned to the ground in 1889. 
The parish built a second church, but it was too small for its needs. This burgeoning immigrant community desired to construct a church to meet the needs of its more than 12,000 parishioners in the late 19th century. Ground was broken in 1896, and the new building would be finished in 1901. When the plans were nearly complete, Fr. Grutza learned that the Chicago Post Office and Custom House needed to be razed, and he was able to purchase it for $20,000.
The present church is not what the Chicago Post Office looked like. Architect Brielmaier changed his plans to include the salvaged materials, but his design remained faithful to the original model—St. Peter’s. At the time of completion, the only building in the country with a larger dome was the United States Capitol. In the Catholic Church, basilica status is reserved for the largest, most beautiful, and most historically important churches.
In 1929, St. Josaphat Church was named the third basilica in the United States. Today there are over sixty. It is as close as we get to a European Cathedral. It is the largest church in Milwaukee, with a seating capacity of over 1,000 on the main floor, hundreds more can be accommodated in the galleries.
Following lunch, we are off to explore Milwaukee's past and present from our rivers, harbors & Lake Michigan during a 90-minute tour. Unforgettable views and a unique perspective of Milwaukee's history & architecture. Live narration is provided by experienced and entertaining tour guides & the captain.
Please note that temperatures can drastically vary on the lakefront, rivers, and mainland- please help make sure you stay comfortable by dressing in layers (year-round).
As always there will be a ‘surprise stop’ along the way!
The UWRA and the Verona Senior Center continue to partner on travel opportunities. Seating is limited, so register today!
Schedule (Return times are approximate)
| 8:00 a.m. |
Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Pick-up (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) |
| 5:00 p.m. |
Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride |
| 5:30 p.m. |
Return Verona Senior Center
|
Lunch Choices (includes beverage)
| Chicken Tenders |
Served with hand cut fries & honey or chips |
| Single Smash Burger |
American cheese, raw onion, lettuce, tomato on Brioche Bun w/hand cut fries and honey or chips |
| Falafel Sandwich |
Ground Chickpeas w/roasted red pepper hummus, pickled radish, fresh tomato, cucumber, red onion, Tahani sauce and spring greens with garlic butter hand cut fries and honey or chips |
Departure Locations
Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona
East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)
Cost
$100 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.
Registration Details and Deadline
Register online. Mailed in reservations using the REGISTRATION FORM and checks are accepted. Registrations much be received no later than Wednesday, July 11, 2025.
Refund Policy
UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend. Refunds made by check.
Questions
Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.
UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
