21 Incredible Faith-Based Attractions in the United States

As Christians who enjoy traveling, sometimes it’s fun to combine these two interests of ours.

Apparently, we are not alone, as there are many faith-based attractions in the United States. Some we’ve been to, some we plan to visit and some we just think are interesting.

Top Christian Faith-Based Attractions in the U.S.

We’ve rounded up a list of some of the top Christian sites around the US, where you can strengthen and celebrate your faith and learn a history lesson or two in the process.

1. BibleWalk

Experience one or all seven tours that feature narrated scenes from the Bible as well as important people to the Christian faith at Ohio’s only full-size wax museum.

Over 325 figures have been curated to depict scenes from the Bible, including the Life of Christ, Miracles of the Old Testament, Museum of Christian Martyrs, Heart of the Reformation, Amazing Grace- the Journeys of Paul, The Kingdom of God and the newest tour to open, The Museum of Woodcarving.

Other exhibits include a rare Bible exhibit, a Christian art display, and more. Dinner performances are offered by reservation only, and special group tours are also available. 

Address: 500 Tingley Avenue, Mansfield, OH
Phone Number: (800) 222-0139
View the Biblewalk website for current hours and prices.

2. The Living Word Outdoor Drama

The Living Word Outdoor Drama is the only passion play in Ohio and has welcomed guests during the summer season to witness “The Greatest Story Ever Told” since 1975.

The incredible natural amphitheater is considered the most authentic re-creation of Old Jerusalem in the United States and can accommodate up to 400 people.

Behind the stage tours are offered.

If you decide to visit this attraction in Cambridge, Ohio make sure you check out our post on 17 Unique and Quirky Things to See in Southeastern Ohio for more things to do in the area.

And if you’re looking for out-of-the-box lodging options check out these Unique Lodging Options in Southeastern Ohio just make sure you plan accordingly; they book up quickly.  

Address: 6010 College Hill Rd, Cambridge, OH 43725
Phone: (740)-432-2022
Website: Living Word Outdoor Drama

3. Creation Museum

Not far from Cincinnati, you’ll find one of the best Christian museums in the country. Northern Kentucky’s Creation Museum is a great place to see Bible history come to life.

Explore creation science with over 100 exhibits. The museum also features a planetarium, petting zoo, nature trails, botanical gardens, and even zip lines! New for 2022: Kids 10 and under are free with at least one paying adult. 

You can easily spend a full day at this unique destination. 

Address: 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, KY
Phone Number: (888) 582-4253
View the Creation Museum website for current hours and prices.  

4. Ark Encounter

Voted “Best Religious Museum” in 2020, the Ark Encounter is a must-see for anyone looking for faith-based attractions in the Midwest US.

Just 40 minutes from the Creation Museum, the Ark Encounter is housed in a full-size Ark built to the specifications in the Bible.

Three decks include educational exhibits and daily events. There’s also a children’s playground, zip lines, and of course, a zoo! Families won’t want to miss the opportunity to save money by visiting in 2022 when kids 10 and under are free with at least one paying adult (no limit on the number of kids). 

Address: 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, KY
Phone Number: (855) 284-3275
View the Ark Encounter website for current hours and prices.  

5. Sight & Sound Theatres

With theaters in Branson, MO and Lancaster, PA, these two locations offer a great chance to see Bible stories acted out live on stage.

My husband and I have attended several performances at the Sight & Sound Theatres and I am always impressed with the acting and production of each performance. 2022 productions include  “Jesus” and “The Miracle of Christmas” in Branson and “David” in Lancaster. 

With new productions each season, this is a faith-based attraction you can return to over and over again.  

If you plan to travel to Branson to watch either of the plays, you may want to take a look at our guide: 15+ Fun Stops to Make on the Way to Branson for some family-friendly ideas of inexpensive places to stop and stretch your legs.  

Address: 300 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA – and – 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, Branson, MO
Phone Number: (800) 377-1277
View the Sight & Sound Theater website for current shows and prices.  

6. Museum of The Bible

Washington DC has dozens of amazing museums, including the 17 museums that make up the Smithsonian Institution.

One of the newest museums on the DC scene is the Museum of the Bible, which aims to be one of the most technologically advanced museums in the world.

From 3,500-year-old artifacts to high-tech exhibits, the Museum of the Bible is a great place to spend an afternoon in DC. 

Address: 400 4th St SW, Washington, DC
Phone Number: (866) 430-MOTB
View the Museum of the Bible website for current hours and prices.  

7. Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens

The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are a fantastic family vacation destination. One of the best things to do in Gatlinburg is to visit Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens.

Visitors walk through the life and story of Christ, told through life-size figures, music, and lighting.

The on-site gift shop is also a great place to find faith-based souvenirs and gifts. 

Address: 510 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
Phone Number: (865) 436-5155
View the Christ in the Smokies website for current hours and prices.   

8. Billy Graham Library

Billy Graham is regularly included amongst the most well-known Christian leaders of the 20th century. 

At his boyhood home in Charlotte, visitors to the library are exposed to the continued teachings of Reverend Graham. 

With a focus on the Gospel, not the Reverend, the library and center aim to deliver the message of Jesus Christ.

My husband and I visited this location returning on a van camping trip from Florida and really enjoyed our visit. Unfortunately, we were short on time so couldn’t fully immerse ourselves in the exhibits. Plan to visit a minimum of 2-3 hours.  

Address: 4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte, NC
Phone Number: (704) 401-3200
This is a free attraction (donations accepted). View the Billy Graham Library website for current hours. 

9. The Great Passion Play & Christ of the Ozarks

Visit two attractions in one at this Arkansas site. The Great Passion Play is the most-attended outdoor drama in America.

Attendees enjoy a magnificent portrayal of “The Greatest Story Ever Told” under the stars several nights a week.

The grounds are also home to Christ of the Ozarks, a seven-story monument to Christ. 

Address: 935 Passion Play Road, Eureka Springs, AR
Phone Number: (479) 253-8559
View the Great Passion Play website for the current schedule and cost.

10. The Crossroads Cross

You will spot this roadside attraction long before you arrive at the base.

Looming over rural Illinois, this giant cross stands 196 feet tall. Known as the Cross at the Crossroads, the location at the junction of I-57 and I-70 ensures millions of drivers spot the monument, and hopefully take a moment to reflect on the meaning. 

Address: 1900 Pike Avenue, Effingham, IL
Phone Number: (217) 347-2846
Hours: Open 24 hours, 365 days
Cost: Donations accepted onsite

11. The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries

Everything is supposedly bigger in Texas, and this 190-foot cross was probably the largest until Illinois went six feet higher.

Similar to the cross in Effingham, this cross was built along a major interstate to inspire folks driving by to take a minute and think about Christ. 

Address: I-40, Exit 112, Groom, TX
Phone Number: (806) 248-9006
Hours:  Open 24 hours, 365 days
Cost: Donations accepted onsite
View the website for more information. 

12. Old Stone Church

This Cleveland landmark has graced downtown Cleveland since 1820. The oldest building on Public Square, the First Presbyterian Church is a beautiful stone building with an active congregation to this day.

Visitors are welcome to tour the church daily (call ahead to confirm) and admire the stained glass windows, four of which were designed by Louis Tiffany.

Address: 91 Public Square, Cleveland, OH
Phone Number: (216) 241-6145
View the website for more information. 

13 & 14 Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland & Silent Night Chapel

Bronner’s is said to be the world’s largest Christmas store. Founded by Wally Bronner in 1945, the family business aims to keep “Christ” in “Christmas.”

The huge selection of Christmas decorations can be overwhelming, with 6,000 different ornaments on offer, half of which are exclusive to Bronner’s.

Even the outside of the store is festive, with year-round lights and a life-size Nativity scene.

On the same grounds, you’ll find the Silent Night Chapel, a replica of the Austrian church where “Silent Night” was first performed. 

Address: 25 Christmas Lane, Frankenmuth, MI
Phone Number: (989) 652-9931
Visit the website for more information and current hours.

15. Chapel of the Holy Cross

On the outskirts of Sedona, this Roman Catholic church has been built to blend into the majestic scenery. Jutting out of a red rock wall, it’s one of the most photographed places in Arizona.

Built in 1956 by a local rancher and sculptor, the chapel no longer holds regular services but is available for weddings and mass by appointment.

Step inside the chapel for stunning views of the surrounding red rock country.

There is a small gift shop in the basement with religious gifts and souvenirs.

Address: 780 Chapel Road, Sedona, AZ
Phone Number: (928) 282-7545
Visit the website for more information.

16. Mission San Xavier del Bac

Located on the Tohono O’odham Reservation south of Tucson, this is the oldest intact European building in Arizona.

Founded in 1692 by Father Kino, this mission has been serving the local community for over 300 years. Known locally as the “White Dove of the Desert,” the church still holds Sunday services for the local Tohono O’odham people.

Visitors are welcome, and docents are available for tours throughout the week. 

Address: 1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ
Phone Number: (520) 294-2624
View the website for hours.

17. The Bible Museum

An unexpected gem in a Hampton Inn in the Phoenix suburbs, the Bible Museum has several historic Bibles and rare theological books on display.

The small museum is an extension of the world’s largest dealer of rare and antique bibles, so you can also purchase some of these rare books.

You can visit anytime, although the exhibit is only staffed from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays. 

Address: 2000 N Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ
Phone Number: (623) 536-8614
Hours: Open 24 hours, 365 days
Visit the website for more information. 

18. Christ Cathedral

Formerly known as the Crystal Cathedral, this impressive Orange County structure is an all-glass church built with over 10,000 glass panes.

It also boasts the world’s third-largest organ, with 16,000 pipes. Originally a mega-church where the “Hour of Power” show was broadcast, it is now part of the Orange County Roman Catholic Diocese.

There are daily mass and docent-led tours. 

Address: 13280 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA
Phone Number: (714) 971-2141
View the website for hours. 

19. San Miguel Chapel

Said to be the oldest church in the United States, this Santa Fe chapel was founded around 1610.

Despite many iterations over the ensuing years, the chapel retains the classic southwest mission-style architecture.

English and Latin mass are still offered every Sunday. 

Address: 401 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM
Phone Number: (505) 983-3974
Visiting is free. Check the website for current hours of operation.

20. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Manhattan’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. Construction began in 1858 to serve the large Irish population of New York City.

The cathedral is stunning from the outside, and even more so from the inside.

The cathedral became an important gathering place in the days following 9/11/2001 and continues to be an important worship center of Lower Manhattan. 

Address: 5th Avenue between 50th/51st Streets, New York, NY
Phone Number: (212) 753-2261
Hours: 6:30 am to 8:45 pm daily
Cost: Free
Visit the website for current hours.

21. World’s Smallest Church

Georgia, West Virginia, Ohio; several states across the country (and probably around the world) claim to have the world’s smallest church.

While I don’t know which one is truly the smallest at this point in time, I do make a point to stop and check out every one I come across in my travels.

Pictured above is Christ’s Chapel in Georgia; The Smallest Chapel in America has been Welcoming Motorists Since 1949.

Do you have a favorite faith-based attraction that should be on this list? Leave a comment below and tell us about it. We may add it to the list!