cross in the woods national shrine

I have been here a couple times on the way up north. You don't necessasarily have to be religious to stop here. It's a nice place to get out of the car and take a walk around. I've never been inside, just outside. Giant cross is a site to see.

Cross in the Woods has a new virtual tour of the parish and shrine on line. Cross in the Woods has new electronic bells and they add much to the call to worship and prayer.

Magnificent setting, especially in the fall. Inside the church is a large collection of nun dolls.Beautiful park setting.

This is the most beautiful modern catholic church i have ever seen...the grounds are so nice and peaceful...the gift shop is affordable and friendly...we return here for mass every year

Interesting, especially of you are Catholic or into religion. They have outdoor services during the Summer. World's largest Crucifix

I have not been to this place before, a girlfriend from Greenbay, Liz, wanted me to see this, since she knows I am a strong faith follower of God The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. We got there on a rizzly, overcast and humid day. Liz walked me into the grotto, and said, "get ready for a great view." It was AWESOME!!! A huge Cross, and a mass area with walkways covered with dedication stones. The gift shop was incredible. New comers, do not read into the review from the ying yang that said this is like a Disney ride. Probably a satanist. All followers of religion, no matter what the denomination will be impressed by this area. Absolutly incredible. God bless.

We went on a weekday evening (7pm), and found only 4 other visitors around. Whatever denomination, or even if you're not extremely religious, you may find this to be a "soulful" experience. The grounds are beautiful also.

We were greeted by a very friendly volunteer outside the gift shop when we arrived. She gave us a map of the grounds and answered our questions about the different paths and additional sculptures.The walk to the cross is short. It is awesome to see as it suddenly appears behind the trees. Walk up the 28 steps to the base and look up.The grounds are beautiful. There is ample parking across the street. You will not be disappointed.

This is always a great calming stop on our trips from downstate to the U.P. The cross is beautiful, but the grounds and other sculptures and areas are as well.

The crucifix is inspirational. We went to mass and it was exhilarating with a beautiful blue summer sky. I would strongly recommend this. There is also a nice shopping area.

Inspiring Christian destination for all dominations. A most see for your family. I was there 35 years ago and it was nice to take my family back to see it this year.

The kitsch is strong in this one. A true rollick through undistinguished trees, while prayerful believers moan an wail through the "stations of the cross", a kind of really-bad-Disney reenactment of the Jesus character from the Bible being tortured. Bad history, bad religion, and bad art all in one place! Priceless.

Peaceful, beautiful oasis in the midst of a forest of wondrous green. Even though there were a lot of tourists there, we felt like we were there by ourselves. Definitely worth the trip. Check website for Mass times.

I would think that even a non-believer will find the park surrounding the towering crucifix a wonderfully contemplative site for quiet meditation. If you are a Catholic this is a "must visit" site and any Christian will be moved by the power of the sculpture and the setting.. In addition to the cross there is a shrine to Francis Assisi and a path wandering through the woods lined with the stations of the cross. There are several other small shrines as well all set in a well maintained park. If you in the area Sunday morning and the weather permits you can attend mass in the open air "church" in front of the cross. The site is about 18 miles from Petoskey and probably about 35 miles from Mackinaw City. If you are traveling north or south on I 75 it is only a mile or two off the interstate at the Indian River exit. There is ample parking and all of the area is very accessible for those who need a wheelchair.

No matter what your religious options are, you will really be impressed! It is a must see if you are in the area. It is really to get to - just 2 miles off I-75.