Seven U.S. Pilgrimage Destinations You Should Visit

When you hear the word “pilgrimage,” you probably think of international destinations such as Jerusalem, Mexico City, or the Vatican. But there are actually dozens of pilgrimage sites in the United States that are definitely worth checking out!

Here are seven worthy contenders.

1. Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love is so full of pilgrimage sites that we decided to make the city itself a destination. St. John Neumann, C.Ss.R., is buried in the National Shrine named after him. St. Katherine Drexel is interred at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Then there’s the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, the Miraculous Medal Shrine, and many more. You may want to plan a whole week in Philadelphia to see them all!

2. Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, Oklahoma City
If you’ve never heard of Blessed Stanely Rother, no worries. Many Catholics haven’t. He was an Oklahoma-born priest and missionary who was martyred in Guatemala in 1981. In addition to housing the remains of this heroic priest, the shrine includes a museum showcasing his life.

3. Shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, St. Charles, Missouri
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne was a French missionary who brought formal education and a zeal for sharing the love of God to the Missouri frontier. Visitors to her shrine can pray before her burial site and view many of her possessions. Note that tours are available by appointment only.

4. California Missions Trail, San Diego to Sonoma, California
Many Americans outside of California aren’t familiar with this important piece of missionary history. Along the trail is a collection of Catholic historic sites dating from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. A few of the churches are still active parishes. One highlight of the trail is the Basilica of San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel, where St. Junipero Serra is buried.

5. National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, St. Augustine, Florida
Founded by the Spanish in the early 1600s, the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche is the oldest Marian Shrine in the United States. You can see the historic chapel housing the statue of Our Lady of La Leche, which portrays Mary nursing Jesus. The beautiful grounds are a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic.

6. National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, New Franken, Wisconsin
Many Catholics are unaware of the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition in the United States. In 1859 the Blessed Mother appeared to Adele Brise and said, “Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation.” Pilgrims can attend Mass in the chapel and visit the grottos, history center, and rosary walk.

7. National Shrine of St. Thérèse, Juneau, Alaska
It’s no secret that Alaska is a land of natural beauty, and you’ll find plenty of it surrounding the National Shrine of St. Thérèse. Pray in the stone shrine chapel, meditate in the Marian and Biblical gardens, stroll the Good Shepherd Rosary Trail, and enjoy other natural and supernatural delights in this hidden sacred gem.

Do you have a particular U.S. pilgrimage destination to share? Let us know!