Sinsinawa Mound Center - Sacred Space - Shared Connection - All Are Welcome
Updated: Oct 13
Left: Chelsea Middendorf, Outreach Promoter at Sinsinawa Mound Center
Right: Optimist Member Daneen Bernhardt, Chelsea Middendorf, and Optimist President Barb Stockhausen
Chelsea Middendorf, Outreach Promoter for the Sinsinawa Mound Center, was the speaker at our weekly optimist meeting on October 9, 2026. Chelsea spoke about the privileges of her work with sisters and lay people and their core values. There have been nearly 3,400 Dominican sisters since inception 179 years ago with the highest number being close to 2200 sisters at one time in history. They have served over 500 schools and missions with one goal - to build a holy and just world. There are 220 sisters still there and doing well today. The sisters are teachers, musicians, artists, doctors, work in social justice, and bakers of the famous Sinsinawa Mound breads.
The story starts with Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, who left Italy and never returned. He was ordained a priest in 1830 and designed over 20 churches, blending Italian elegance with frontier practicality. He purchased the Sinsinawa Mound land in 1844, founding a college and laying the foundation for the Dominican Sisters. The Mound remains a center of spirituality and learning. Father Samuel's vision extended to religious life and education. In 1847, he founded the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa - committed to teaching, preaching, and justice. Father Samuel was pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Benton, Wisconsin, when he died of pneumonia in 1864.
All are welcome at the Sinsinawa Mound. Visitors can step into the story of their bold mission that spans nearly 200 years. The site sits on 400 acres, including tillable farmland, which is rented to a father/son duo that are stewards of the land utilizing organic practices with soil caretaking at the forefront.
Things to do and discover at the Mound:
Heritage Exhibit - "A Journey of Faith and Service" self-guided exhibit invites guests to explore the life and legacy of Father Samuel Mazzuchelli and learn about the mission and ministries of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa.
Walking Tours - Take a peaceful walk through the grounds and discover the storied rooted in this sacred land. The self-guided walking tour features QR codes that connect guests to history, reflection, and the natural beauty on the grounds that feature lush woodlands, prairie, and gardens. Sinsinawa Mound sits on an outcrop of limestone in an unglaciated area of Southwest Wisconsin known as the Driftless Region.
Labyrinth - Guests are invited to walk the labyrinth and discover an ancient way to pray and mediate. The labyrinth is a spiritual tool that has been used in Crete, Tibet, Greece, Celtic spirituality, early European art, and in the Christian tradition. It can be an effective metaphor for life's journey for believers of all traditions. Any person who chooses with intention to walk the path is welcome to do so.
Constructed and assembled by 45 volunteers in 1999, the outdoor labyrinth consists of 6,000 limestone bricks placed end-to-end to form a perfectly round circle encompassing the symmetrical path walkways to the center. Walking the quadrants in the peaceful atmosphere among the natural surroundings enhances one's meditation experience.
Hiking Trails - Whether you're an experienced hiker or simply want a relaxing walk, the grounds offer nearly four miles of hiking trails that wind through easy-to-moderate paths and are perfect for all nature lovers. There are markers along the trail that share the history of the Mound. The Mound apex is a favorite spot on the trail where those who reach the summit can overlook the tri-state area from one of Wisconsin's highest points.
Art Gallery and Gift Shop - The art gallery at the Sinsinawa Mound Center features a new artist or theme every few months. Guests can find a wide variety of mediums, time periods, and works by diverse artists to explore throughout the year. The gift shop features unique treasures, including religious and sacramental gifts and books written by Dominican Sisters.
St. Clara Chapel - The chapel has been beautifully refurbished, and guests are again welcome in this sacred space originally build in 1882. Enjoy a moment of solitude in a world otherwise filled with distractions.
Pray With Father Mazzuchelli's Chain - After Father Mazzuchelli's death, there was found embedded in his flesh a penance chain which he had worn around his waist in order to be united with the sufferings of Jesus Christ. Visitors can pray with the chain and find it a powerful reminder of the sacrifices of the missionary priest and his selfless service. The Mazzuchelli Prayer Chapel is located in the exhibit space where the chain is displayed in a case. Visitors are welcome to use self-guided prayer brochures and prayer cards to help pray with the chain.
Events - Visitors are encouraged to attend concerts and events such as Sound Healing Yoga, Tai Chi Fundamentals, "Grounded Gatherings" (welcoming morning meetups designed to bring people together), and more
Utilize the conference room for off site meetings, retreats, reunions, and more.
Visit Sinsinawa Mound |for more information.
Sinsinawa Mound Center -
Come for the Beauty, Stay for the Peace, Leave Inspired
Comments