The Most Beautiful Place to Pray the Stations of the Cross in Every State

Written By Annie Joy

The quiet season of Lent is coming to a close - is it just me, or did this go even faster than past years (if that is even possible)? One of the cornerstones of prayer during this Lenten season is the Stations of the Cross, which allows us to walk side by side with Jesus on His journey to Calvary.

The Stations of the Cross is a powerful way to reflect on His immense love and sacrifice for us. Meditating on His Passion, we're invited to a more profound conversion: turn away from sin and embrace a life more aligned with Christ's teachings.It's a period of intimate reflection where we can truly grasp the weight of His suffering for our salvation, inspiring us to live more faithfully and gratefully.

Whether you have or have not yet prayed the Stations this Lent, I wanted to share a list of beautiful places in each state where you can walk with God in this powerful prayer. If you aren't near these locations, don't worry - many local churches also offer the Stations (or you can always pray at home). 

*Last Updated: March 2024*

Alabama

St. Bernard Abbey

  • Address: 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055

  • Phone Number: (256) 734-8291

  • Website: stbernardabbey.com

St. Bernard Abbey invites you to visit and pray at their outdoor Stations of the Cross. While you're there, be sure also to check out the incredible Ave Maria Grotto, daily mass, and other on-site facilities. 

Alaska

National Shrine of St. Therese

Constructed in the early 1940s from beach rock collected by volunteers, the Shrine's Stations of the Cross encircle Shrine Island, connected by a trail. Updated in the 1980s with resin sculptures by R.D. Robinson, these stations invite visitors to meditate on Christ's Passion, a tradition dating back to early Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem. This devotional path echoes the journey from Pilate’s house to Calvary, inspired by Mary's own memorials to her son’s final steps.

Arizona

The Shrine of St. Joseph of the Mountains

  • Address: 16887 Shrine Dr, Yarnell, AZ 85362

  • Phone Number: (928) 778-5229

  • Website: N/A

In the 1930s, a shrine park was established in Yarnell, Arizona, through the inspiration of a local family and the artistic talent of a man living modestly in Tucson. This park, dedicated to St. Joseph, saw its first statue crafted from concrete. Remarkably, during the devastating Great Hill Fire of 2013, the shrine survived, except for the Cross of The Crucifixion, which was later replaced, symbolizing resilience and hope amidst tragedy.

Arkansas

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church

Can you imagine a more serene way to pray than a Stations Garden? St. Bernards offers just that (and it is as beautiful as it sounds). 

California

Padre Serra Parish

Journeying through Jesus' final hours, from His trial to His resurrection, offers a profound way to prepare for Holy Week. Whether alone or with loved ones, walking the Stations of the Cross, especially in a dedicated garden, provides a meaningful path to reflect on His sacrifice and celebrate the joy of Easter.

Colorado

Shrine of the Stations of the Cross

  • Address: San Luis, CO 81152

  • Phone Number: (719) 672-3685

  • Website: N/A

The Stations of the Cross at San Luis de la Culebra, Colorado's oldest town, feature bronze sculptures by Huberto Maestas, capturing Christ's final hours and resurrection. This outdoor shrine trail, leading to "La Capilla de Todos Los Santos," offers a reflective journey through art, surrounded by the natural beauty of sagebrush and olive trees, culminating at a significant adobe chapel with views of the landscape and a striking 15-foot "Resurrection" sculpture on the Hill of Piety and Mercy.

Connecticut 

Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center

  • Address: 31 Colton St, Farmington, CT 06032

  • Phone Number: (860) 677-8519

  • Website: ourladyofcalvary.net

Embark on a reflective journey through the outdoor Stations of the Cross, walking beside Jesus during His final earthly moments. Encounter those who played pivotal roles in His Passion, from accusers to supporters, and pause to contemplate Jesus' love. This experience invites heartfelt prayers of gratitude.

Delaware

St. Joseph on the Brandywine

St. Joseph's on the Brandywine is home to a set of 14 three-dimensional stations, crafted in Munich and installed in 1894, which adhere to the traditional format established in the 16th Century. Despite being painted over the years, these historical pieces remain intact, offering a timeless space for reflection.

Florida

Incarnation Catholic Church

If you have not seen the outdoor stations at Incarnation recently, you are missing out! Completed in 2022, restoration work included staining, bronzing, and repairing the structures to restore their beauty. You are invited to join the community in this serene and sacred space.

Georgia

St. Jude the Apostle

In 2012, the Outdoor Stations of the Cross were beautifully restored as part of an Eagle Scout project, beginning behind the Rectory and meandering through the church grounds. The parish welcomes everyone to enjoy this peaceful, devotional space in the fresh air.

Hawaii

St. Raphael Catholic Church

Welcome to the historic St. Raphael Catholic Church: The oldest church on the island of Koloa! In addition to a welcoming community and beautiful architecture, Catholics can pray at the Stations, located along 1,500 feet of meandering pathway. 

Idaho

Holy Apostles Catholic Church

Holy Apostles Catholic Church's Stations of the Cross are nestled along a tranquil trail on the north side of the church. Designed for accessibility and reflection, the path features lower-set stations and benches amid the trees and garden elements, accompanied by religious statues, inviting a serene meditation experience.

Illinois

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows spans 200 acres and features a church alongside various serene devotional gardens. Notably, the Way of the Cross offers a beautifully landscaped, accessible path for both walking and driving. The Stations of the Cross are uniquely presented with hand-painted, three-dimensional casings and an audio component to enhance the reflective experience.

Indiana

The Shrine of Christ's Passion

The Shrine of Christ's Passion presents an immersive, half-mile Prayer Trail featuring the last days of Jesus Christ through forty life-size bronze sculptures. With narration by Bill Kurtis, visitors are drawn into the story of crucifixion and resurrection amid landscaped gardens and serene music. Initiated in 2001, this project involved extensive construction and landscaping, overseen by Texas artist Mickey Wells. This non-denominational, nonprofit site relies on Gift Shoppe proceeds and donations for maintenance, offering a unique spiritual journey.

Iowa

St. Donatus Catholic Church

  • Address: 97 East 1st Street, St. Donatus, IA  52071

  • Phone Number: (563) 872-3234

  • Website: sjandspp.com

St. Donatus Catholic Church is home to the first outdoor Way of the Cross in the United States, established in 1862 following Fr. Francis Winger's vision and later including the Pieta Chapel, funded by Fr. Michael Flammang. This sacred path, culminating at the Pieta Chapel, invites parishioners and tourists alike to a reflective journey, especially during the public procession held every Good Friday afternoon.

Kansas

Spiritual Life Center

  • Address: 7100 E 45th St N, Bel Aire, KS 67226

  • Phone Number: (316) 744-0167

  • Website: www.slcwichita.org

The Spiritual Life Center welcomes visitors daily for prayer and reflection in its chapels and outdoor spaces, including Stations of the Cross and a nature trail. As a leading Catholic retreat center in the Midwest, it offers diverse programs for spiritual growth on its 38-acre grounds.

Kentucky

St. Helen Church

Another beloved outdoor Stations of the Cross results from an Eagle Scout project - this time, it is at St. Helen Church in Glasgow. You are invited to stop by anytime to enjoy this inspiring place. 

Louisiana

The Cenacle on the Lake

If you need a getaway, there is no place like The Cenacle on the Lake, which invites you to "Step Away... Encounter Jesus... Find Peace." In addition to its beautiful accommodations and programs, The Cenacle on the Lake also houses an outdoor Stations of the Cross and Resurrection Garden with surrounding pergolas.

Maine

St. Peter's Church

In 2022, Christ the Divine Mercy Parish added a Stations of the Cross to the grounds outside St. Peter Church. All are welcome to come and pray!

Maryland

The Shrine of St. Anthony

  • Address: 12290 Folly Quarter Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042

  • Phone Number: (410) 531-2800

  • Website: shrineofstanthony.org

Quite possibly the most inspiring place in all of Maryland is the Shrine of St. Anthony, which has been home to the Franciscan Friars for 70+ years! Visitors of the Shrine will enjoy jaw-dropping architecture, a Grotto of Lourdes, seven outdoor prayer paths, and an outdoor Stations of the Cross. 

Massachusetts 

The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy

At the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, the life-sized Stations of the Cross offer a profound pilgrimage experience. These intricately designed and sculpted bronze statues represent a rare collection in the U.S. Visitors are encouraged to walk the Stations' path for prayer or contemplation, even if a complete Way of the Cross isn't possible.

Michigan

Solanus Casey Center

  • Address: 1780 Mt Elliott St, Detroit, MI 48207

  • Phone Number: (313) 579-2100

  • Website: solanuscasey.org

The Solanus Casey Center, dedicated by Cardinal Adam Maida in 2002, honors Blessed Solanus Casey. As a ministry of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, it welcomes pilgrims from diverse faiths, providing a sanctuary for healing, reconciliation, and peace. (When you visit, don't forget to visit the stunning outdoor Stations of the Cross!)

Minnesota

Way of the Cross

New Ulm's Way of the Cross, established in 1904 and refreshed in 2004, features 14 stations with Bavarian statues leading to the Mother of Sorrows chapel. Overseen by the Diocese of New Ulm, this spiritual path honors Father Alexander Berghold and Sister Flavia's historic contributions, located behind the New Ulm Medical Center on 5th North Hill.

Mississippi

Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center

  • Address: 3167 Old 51 S, Osyka, MS 39657

  • Phone Number: (601) 202-3137

  • Website: ourladyofhopems.com

The vision behind a Shrine to Our Lady is to immerse families in the teachings and traditions of the Church, using the shrine to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. This peaceful site offers accommodations for overnight stays and retreats and features an outdoor Stations of the Cross for prayerful reflection.

Missouri

Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows

In 1889, a simple Way of the Cross was established in Starkenburg, inspiring pilgrim donations for more elaborate stations. By 1901, with funds from Joseph Highberger and the community, new stations were crafted by artist A.T. Kaletta and installed with a foundation of quarry stones and brick crosses. Despite weather damage over the years, the images remained preserved. In 1949, they were replaced with reinforced concrete structures, ensuring their endurance as a place of pilgrimage and reflection.

Montana

St. Francis Xavier Church

  • Address: 420 W Pine St, Missoula, MT 59802

  • Phone Number: (406) 542-0321

  • Website: sfxmissoula.org

Saint Francis Xavier Church, opened in 1892 in Missoula, is a testament to Jesuit commitment to Native Americans and local settlers. Its architecture and interior, especially the breathtaking Stations of the Cross, reflect a 16th-century Baroque influence, offering a visual catechism to its congregation. Brother Joseph Carignano, S.J., adorned its walls, creating a heavenly realm that symbolizes two millennia of Christian tradition, making the church a spiritual and artistic sanctuary in the Rocky Mountains.

Nebraska

Cloisters on the Platte

At The Cloisters on the Platte in Nebraska, the Stations of the Cross offer a spiritual walking tour with 14 sculptures depicting Christ. This experience, set in a serene, natural locale near the Platte River, embodies Ignatian spirituality's centuries-old tradition. Opened in 2017, The Cloisters invite visitors annually for reflection and spiritual renewal, blending natural solitude with easy access.

Nevada

Holy Spirit Church

  • Address: 5830 Mesa Park Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89135

  • Phone Number: (702) 459-7778

  • Website: holyspiritlv.org

Holy Spirit Catholic Church is one of the newest parishes in the Archdiocese of Las Vegas and also houses an indoor Stations of the Cross. All are welcome to pray! 

New Hampshire

St. Catherine of Siena Parish

St. Catherine of Siena Parish, founded in 1954 in Manchester, has grown significantly, reflecting deep Catholic traditions and a commitment to the Eucharist, Mass, and various vocations. Today, its legacy is preserved through active ministries, a strong Catholic school, and a focus on evangelization. The parish also features indoor Stations of the Cross, enriching its spiritual offerings and inviting parishioners to a deeper reflection of faith.

New Jersey

Our Lady of Pompei Church

Our Lady of Pompei Prayer Garden, centered around a marble statue of Our Lady Help of Christians, is designed for contemplation, particularly for praying for an end to abortion and the healing of those affected by it. This serene space includes the Stations of the Cross, guiding visitors through Jesus' final hours, encouraging reflection on suffering, and the presence of God in life's struggles.

New Mexico

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

  • Address: 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501

  • Phone Number: (505) 982-5619

  • Website: cbsfa.org

Explore the prayer garden and journey through Christ's passion with sculptures by Gib Singleton. The garden offers benches for meditation. The Cathedral, starting construction in 1869 and finishing in 1887, encased an older adobe church, later removed. Its stained glass windows from France feature the apostles, and it's the final resting place for seven archbishops. Despite incomplete spires, renovations have added strength and beauty, including a significant altar screen for its centennial. Elevated to a Basilica in 2005, it stands as a significant site in Catholic history.

New York

Church of St. Ignatius Loyola

  • Address: 980 Park Ave, New York, NY 10028

  • Phone Number: (212) 288-3588

  • Website: ignatius.nyc

St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Manhattan, administered by the Jesuits, offers a remarkable setting for the Stations of the Cross amidst its landmark neoclassical and Baroque Revival architecture. Recognized as a New York City Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places, it provides a beautifully profound place for prayer and reflection.

North Carolina

St. Gabriel Church

  • Address: 3016 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

  • Phone Number: (704) 364-5431

  • Website: stgabrielchurch.org

The grotto area at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, enriched by the kindness of parish families, honors Ale Skinkle, whose faith profoundly influenced the community. As one of the largest parishes in the Charlotte Diocese, St. Gabriel fosters worship, service, and growth in the Catholic faith through its extensive ministries, serving a vibrant community of over 10,000 parishioners.

North Dakota

St. Francis Retreat and Conference Center

  • Address: Hankinson, ND 58041

  • Phone Number:  (701) 242-7195

  • Website: sfcretreats.org

The center, supported by the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen, caters to individual and group needs, including retreats and reunions, with facilities for over 100 guests. Located in a serene rural setting, it boasts gardens, outdoor Stations of the Cross, a Lourdes grotto, and recreational amenities. Nearby attractions enhance the experience, making it an ideal spot for spiritual renewal and outdoor enjoyment.

Ohio

Pastorate of Sts. Joseph and Peter

The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at St. Joseph's is encircled by reflective outdoor Stations of the Cross, offering a peaceful path for meditation on Christ's passion. Founded in 1831 and having undergone significant changes, including rebuilding after fires, the parish now boasts a Romanesque and Gothic architecture church completed in 1905. The Church is marked by resilience and faith, highlighted by contributions from figures like Rev. John Neumann, and features thoughtful restorations to maintain its beauty and function for the congregation.

Oklahoma

Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine

The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, Oklahoma's largest Catholic church, features a unique blend of European baroque and Spanish colonial styles, offering a spacious sanctuary for over 1,800 visitors. It welcomes all for prayer and the sacraments, including Penance and Holy Eucharist. Inside the sanctuary, visitors can also reflect at the Stations of the Cross and visit the chapel housing Blessed Stanley Rother's remains.

Oregon

The Grotto

The Grotto, a sanctuary operated by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary, aims to foster closer relationships with God through compassion, hope, and faith. It is a haven for those seeking peace, featuring outdoor Stations of the Cross for reflective prayer.

Pennsylvania 

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa

  • Address: 654 Ferry Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901

  • Phone Number: (215) 345-0600

  • Website: czestochowa.us

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa is a pivotal stop on your spiritual journey, dedicated to bringing people closer to Jesus through Mary. With its peaceful grounds featuring Stations of the Cross, chapels, a retreat house, and more, visitors are invited to deepen their connection with the divine and discover ways to join in the Shrine's mission, echoing Mary's role in guiding others to Christ.

Rhode Island

The Shrine of the Little Flower

The Shrine, dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Nasonville, Rhode Island, celebrates its centennial. Founded shortly after her beatification, it has been a site of pilgrimage and community. Now entering its second Century under Our Lady of Good Help parish, it remains open daily, featuring a Holy Stair, Stations of the Cross, a Rosary Walk, and themed gardens.

South Carolina

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a testament to enduring faith and generations of devotion, offering a sanctuary for all. Its remarkable architecture houses a beloved space for praying the Stations of the Cross, making it a treasured site within the state.

South Dakota

The House of Mary Shrine

Volunteers constructed three large crosses at the beginning of the Shrine, which were later replaced with bronze steel ones. Guided by the wisdom of Fr. Augustine, the site was deemed a blessed endeavor despite foreseen challenges. Today, pilgrims ascend to the top, reflecting on Christ, culminating at the representation of the empty tomb, making the journey an inspirational experience of faith and reflection.

Tennessee

Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Sts. Peter and Paul Church is adorned with stained-glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany, showcasing the lives of its patron saints. Additionally, the church features 14 intricate polychrome Stations of the Cross, depicting Christ's Passion, crafted by a French artist over a twenty-year period, as reported in an 1892 Chattanooga newspaper.

Texas

The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ

  • Address: Exit 112, Interstate 40, Groom, TX, 79039

  • Phone Number: (806) 248-9006

  • Website: crossministries.net

The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries in Groom, Texas, is dedicated to providing a space of peace, compassion, and spiritual guidance. Emphasizing the importance of family and traditional values, the nonprofit aims to spread Gospel truths to all visitors, reinforcing the dignity of living as Christ taught for a positive impact on society.

Utah

The Cathedral of the Madeleine

Utah artist Roger (Sam) Wilson painted the current fourteen Stations of the Cross at the church in 1992 and 1993, replacing the original set from 1918. These stations, which span from Jesus in the Garden of Olives to His burial, adopt a version updated by the Vatican in 1975. Wilson's traditional iconography with American Southwestern colors in a postmodern style incorporates symbolic elements to deepen the narrative. The original frames, crafted by William F. Ross and Company in 1918, still encase the stations.

Vermont

St. Anne's Shrine

  • Address: 92 St Annes Rd, Isle La Motte, VT 05463

  • Phone Number: (802) 928-3362

  • Website: saintannesshrine.org

Saint Anne's Shrine, maintained by the Society of Saint Edmund for a century in Vermont's Champlain Islands, offers a serene setting for devotion and leisure. Spanning thirty-two acres along Lake Champlain with views of the Adirondack Mountains, it features the Way of the Cross, numerous rustic grottos, and spaces for picnicking. Seasonal events include pancake breakfasts, with facilities available for group meals by reservation, alongside a daily-open gift shop offering a variety of items.

Virginia

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church

The outdoor Stations of the Cross and new church landscaping at Our Lady of the Valley have been completed, with parishioners contributing memorials to honor their loved ones. Plaques have been affixed to both the stations and benches, and a special perpetual plaque is set to acknowledge all donors who contributed to the landscaping and other features.

Washington

Hill of Divine Mercy

The Cross of Divine Mercy, weighing 47,000 pounds, was erected by Henry and Hildegarde DeGoede as a testament to their gratitude to God. Located in Mossyrock and illuminated at night, it's part of a spiritual site that includes a prayer chapel, a hiking trail, and the Stations of the Cross. Inspired by a visit to Medjugorje, the cross and its surroundings encourage forgiveness and reflection, following the message "seventy times seven" from Matthew 18:21–22, with the design incorporating multiple elements of seven.

Washington, D.C.

The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America

  • Address: 1400 Quincy St NE, Washington, DC 20017

  • Phone Number: (202) 526-6800

  • Website: myfranciscan.org

The Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C., often referred to as "Little Jerusalem," upholds an 800-year Franciscan mission, offering education, spiritual support, and a place for pilgrimage reminiscent of the Holy Land. Visitors are invited to partake in the Stations of the Cross devotion, reflecting on Jesus' crucifixion, amidst a setting that nurtures local and broader community engagement.

West Virginia

St. Luke's Church

  • Address: 19 Jo Glen Dr, Morgantown, WV 26508

  • Phone Number: (304) 594-2353

  • Website: stlukemorgantown.com

Guided by the Holy Spirit, the community strives to foster a Christ-centered environment marked by joyful liturgy, welcoming hospitality, and a commitment to service and education. This vibrant faith community, featuring the Stations of the Cross, invites all to partake in the richness of Catholic tradition and spread the Good News.

Wisconsin 

The Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians

Holy Hill, set on 435 acres in Southeastern Wisconsin, is managed by the Discalced Carmelite Friars and features the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. It's a place for worship, reflection, and enjoying nature, attracting numerous visitors for Mass, scenic views, and the life-sized Stations of the Cross. A café and gift store offer additional amenities. The Stations of the Cross, completed in 1928 by Joseph Aszklar, conclude just outside the lower church.

Wyoming

Our Lady of Peace Shrine

Inspired by visits to renowned shrines, Ted and Marjorie Trefren from Cheyenne, Wyoming, realized their dream of establishing a Marian Shrine. The centerpiece, a monumental statue of Our Lady of Peace designed by Robert Fida, is among the largest Marian statues in the U.S. Despite Ted's passing, the site, maintained by Marjorie and her children, has grown with donations, adding the Stations of the Cross among other statues, with plans for a museum to enrich the visitor experience.

I pray that this guide is helpful to you during this beautiful Lenten season. God bless you!

Annie Joy
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