Sacred Sites and Pilgrimages in United States
A spiritual travel guide to United States, covering 20 holy places and pilgrimage destinations.
This guide lists 20 sacred sites in United States , connected to 8 spiritual traditions: Native American religions, Christianity, Hawaiian religion, Bahá'í Faith, Hinduism, Mississippian Religion, Prehistoric Religion, Judaism. 5 of them belong to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 4 are archaeological sanctuaries of ancient faiths. Each guide covers history, what to see, dress code, opening hours and the best time to visit.
Sacred sites in United States
Baha'i House of Worship, Wilmette
Visit the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette near Chicago, a lacy nine sided temple and gardens open to all for prayer, readings and quiet reflection.
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville
Visit BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, a vast hand carved stone Hindu temple complex welcoming visitors of all backgrounds.
Bear Butte (Mato Paha)
Visit Bear Butte in South Dakota, a living sacred mountain for Lakota and Cheyenne people. Hike respectfully past prayer ties and honor tribal guidance.
Bighorn Medicine Wheel
Visit the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming, a sacred stone circle on Medicine Mountain still used by Native nations. Respect closures for ceremony.
Cahokia Mounds
Visit Cahokia Mounds near St. Louis, the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, with Monks Mound and Woodhenge. A sacred Mississippian site.
Chaco Canyon
Explore Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, the ancestral Pueblo center of great houses and kivas aligned to sun and moon. Visit with care for a sacred place.
Devils Tower (Bear Lodge)
Visit Devils Tower, known to Plains nations as Bear Lodge, a sacred volcanic monolith in Wyoming. Honor the June climbing closure and prayer bundles.
El Santuario de Chimayo
Pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico, the adobe chapel of healing holy dirt, visited by thousands walking there on Good Friday.
Kīlauea and Halemaʻumaʻu Crater
Visit Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, home of the fire goddess Pele, where Hawaiians still leave offerings at the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu.
Kirtland Temple
Visit Kirtland Temple in Ohio, the first temple of the Latter Day Saint movement, dedicated in 1836 and central to its early history. Guided tours offered.
Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings
Visit Mesa Verde in Colorado, ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings and kivas set in canyon alcoves. Book ranger tours and honor a place sacred to descendants.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano in California, the jewel of the missions, with Serra Chapel, the stone church ruins and the famous swallows.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau on Hawaii Island, an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge with a royal temple, carved kiʻi images and a great stone wall.
San Antonio Missions
Explore the San Antonio Missions in Texas, a UNESCO World Heritage chain of Spanish colonial churches still serving parishes. Bike or walk the trail.
Sedona Red Rocks and Chapel of the Holy Cross
Visit Sedona in Arizona, red rock country known for vortex sites, the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Indigenous heritage. Hike gently and respectfully.
Serpent Mound
See Serpent Mound in Ohio, the largest serpent effigy mound in the world, coiling along a ridge above Brush Creek. A sacred Native earthwork to visit.
St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York
Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue in New York, the neo Gothic seat of the Catholic archdiocese, open daily for Mass, prayer and visits.
Temple Square, Salt Lake City
Visit Temple Square in Salt Lake City, spiritual heart of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with gardens, the Tabernacle and choir.
Touro Synagogue
Visit Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, the oldest surviving synagogue building in the United States and a landmark of religious freedom.
Washington National Cathedral
Visit Washington National Cathedral, the Gothic Episcopal cathedral on Mount St. Alban with stained glass, gargoyles and services open to all.