3 Shrines to visit in Michigan

Shrines are not just for the religion that created them.

All over the world, and the United States, are shrines created by various cultures for a variety of reasons.  Some of these reasons we know, and other are thousands of years old with no written history.  

For example, we visited Hopewell this summer to learn about the Mound Diggers.  These mounds exist for reasons we can only guess, yet there is still something sacred about them.

Shrines may hold a signifcance to the culture that created it, however, they offer moments of peace and reflection to anyone that chooses to visit.

In Michigan, there are various places considered shrines.  And for various reasons.   We'll highlight three of them we've traveled too.  The each highlight different perspectives, extraordinary views, and an opportunity for anyone to stop and take a moment during their travels to rest and reflect.

3 Shrines to see  in Michigan

1)  Bishop Baraga

Location: L'anse, Upper Peninsula

Located at the base of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the Bishop Baraga Shrine is located just outside the Village of L'anse.  It sits on an overlook of L'anse Bay, giving those that wander here a chance to take in the bay, the edge of Superior, and the east side of the peninsula.

This shrine is well known, and has been passed over on various tripes.  However, Bishop Baraga is an interesting story.  Known as the "Snowshoe Priest", he spent his time working with the native people of the Upper Peninsula.  Stories of his travels across the lake and through the area to help those in need are dotted around the area, allowing visitors to walk and learn as they take in the area around it.

It's a great place for a picnic spot.  It does not have any staff on site, nor does it have it's own store.  The facilities their are privately owned, just for inforation.

​

2) Our Lady of the Woods

Our Lady of the Woods TIk Tok

Location: Mio, Michigan, Lower Peninsula

Our Lady of the Woods Shrine in Mio, Michigan was dedicated in September of 1955.  Currently, the site houses three first class relics.  

A first class relic is an item that belongs to a person who lived who is now considered a saint by the church.  Saints are ordinary people who lived their lives in extraordinary ways.  If something is a first class relic, it was owned by the person.  These can be pieces of clothing, books, crosses, and a long list of other items.  

The shrine has a variety of places to stop and reflect while visiting.  

​

3) The Cross in the Woods

Cross in the Woods Tik Tok

 tLocation: Indian River, Michigan, Lower Peninsula

Located just 30 minutes south of the Mackinac Bridge, Cross in the Woods is the most well-known of shrines in Michigan.

Follow the path to the left of the visitor center.  There are signs to guide you.  The path is easy to traverse, as it's paved through the wooded area there.  When you come to the end, the path opens to an outdoor Catholic Church with the Cross standing behind the alter.  

The Shrine has 28 steps that mirror the steps currently in Rome, a place of pilgrimage and prayer.  The outer grounds consist of various paths to walk.  There are stations of the cross along the outside, a path dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, and statues and places of prayer at various points.

The Cross in the Woods has a visitor center that is open to the public.  All are welcome to Mass.