15 Most Sacred Sites Across The US

The United States is a country rich in religious diversity and history. This diversity is reflected through the numerous sacred places scattered across this vast land. Let’s take a look at the 15 most sacred sites in the US for various communities. 

Crater Lake, Oregon 

This is a deep blue lake that formed in the caldera of a collapsed volcano about 7,700 years ago. It is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the most pristine on Earth. It is considered sacred by the Klamath tribes, who witnessed its formation and have legends about it. 

Cahokia Mounds, Illinois

This is the site of an ancient Native American city that existed between 1050 and 1350 CE.  It has about 80 earthen mounds of different sizes and shapes, the largest of which is called Monks Mound.  It is the largest and most complex archaeological site north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Black Hills, South Dakota 

This is a mountain range that rises from the Great Plains and extends into Wyoming.  It has many natural and cultural attractions, such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park. It is sacred to the Lakota and other Native American tribes, who call it Paha Sapa or “the heart of everything that is”

Mount Shasta, California

This is a potentially active volcano and the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range. It has a complex shape with four overlapping cones and seven named glaciers. It is a place of spiritual significance for many people, especially New Age believers, who regard it as a source of mystical energy and a portal to other dimensions.

The Devil’s Tower, Wyoming

 This is a butte or a rock tower that stands 870 feet above the surrounding landscape. It has hundreds of parallel cracks that make it a popular destination for rock climbers. It is also a sacred site for many Native American tribes with various stories and names, such as Bear Lodge, Tree Rock, or Great Gray Horn.

The National Cathedral, Washington D.C.

This is a large Episcopal cathedral and a national shrine in the capital of the United States. It is the country’s second-largest church building and the city’s third-tallest building. It has a Neo-Gothic design with six spires and a rose window. It is the seat of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and the Bishop of Washington. It has hosted many national events, such as presidential funerals and prayer services. 

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C.

This is a large, minor Catholic basilica and a shrine in the capital of the United States. It is the largest Catholic church building in North America and one of the largest in the world. It has Byzantine Revival and Romanesque Revival architecture with a dome and many mosaics. It honors the Immaculate Conception as the patroness of the United States.

The Salt Lake Temple, Utah

This temple is of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the largest Latter-day Saint temple by floor area and the sixth temple completed by the church. It has a granite exterior with six spires and an angel Moroni statue. It is the centerpiece of Temple Square and the symbol of the church. It is the location of the First Presidency’s weekly meetings and the Twelve Apostles’ Quorum.

The Garden of the Gods, Colorado

This is a public park in Colorado Springs with stunning red rock formations. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 19716. It has various geological features, such as sandstone, limestone, and conglomerate. It is sacred to many Native American tribes, with legends and stories about it. It is a popular hiking, biking, climbing, and sightseeing destination.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona 

This is a natural wonder and a national park in Arizona. It is a deep gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. It is about 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. It is sacred to many Native American tribes, who have lived in and around it for centuries. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders.

The Serpent Mound, Ohio 

This is a 1,348-feet-long (411 m), three-feet-high prehistoric effigy mound in Peebles, Ohio. It is the largest serpent effigy known in the world, built between c. 800 BCE and c. 1070 CE7. It resembles a giant sinuous snake with a curled tail, a head, and seven winding coils. It may have had a spiritual, temporal, or astronomical purpose, as it aligns with the solstices and the constellation Draco.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Home to Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings dating back to 600 AD, Mesa Verde is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred place for many Pueblo tribes. The cliff dwellings offer a glimpse into the lives of these ancient people and their deep connection to the land.

Touro Synagogue, Newport, Rhode Island

Built in 1763, Touro Synagogue is the oldest standing synagogue in the United States. It is a symbol of religious freedom and tolerance and has been visited by presidents and religious leaders from around the world.

Wat Thai of Los Angeles, California

This beautiful Thai Buddhist temple is the largest Buddhist temple in North America. It is a popular destination for meditation, prayer, and cultural events, and offers a glimpse into Thai Buddhist traditions.

ISKCON Sri Krishna Mandir, Alachua, Florida 

This Krishna temple is one of the largest in the United States and is a major pilgrimage site for Hare Krishna devotees. The temple is decorated with beautiful Murtis (deities) and offers a variety of programs and services.

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