The average American may not think of their country as a hotbed of spiritual travel destinations, but that average American would be wrong. North America’s human history stretches back millions of years, not to mention the 500 years or so of European colonists’ life on this continent, so there are naturally lots of sites that have spiritual or religious significance. With that in mind, here are four of our favorite spiritual travel destinations in the U.S., in no particular order.
Bighorn Medicine Wheel, Wyoming
There are only a few medicine wheels left in North America, and this one is the grand prize. Built over 700 years ago, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is one of the most important and well-preserved Native American sacred sites. It is still in use today by contemporary Native Americans, who use specific parts of the area around the wheel for sweat lodges, altars, offerings, and vision quests. This Bighorn Medicine Wheel has 28 spokes, the number of days in a lunar month, and they point to a number of cosmic places of significance. Because of the wheel’s altitude, it can only be visited in the summer.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Baltimore
Maryland was founded as a safe haven for Catholics, who found themselves persecuted in England, but unfortunately, the Puritans took up the mantle of persecuting Catholics in the New World. Catholics were even sentenced to death in some places in the Colonies. The Basilica’s stunning architecture and artworks enhance the sacred atmosphere and are reminiscent of much older Catholic churches in Europe. Construction began in 1806 and the cathedral opened to the public in 1821. Pope John Paul II blessed the cathedral, calling it “the worldwide symbol of religious freedom.” We love cathedrals, so this is definitely one of our favorite spiritual travel destinations in the U.S.
Touro Synagogue, Newport, Rhode Island
The first Jewish settlers found their way to New York in 1654, and they landed in Newport in 1658. The Jewish community in Newport flourished, and, in the mid-1700s, decided it was time to build a synagogue. Designed by legendary architect Peter Harrison, Touro Synagogue was built so that the people inside face east, toward Jerusalem, and the number 12 (as in, the 12 tribes of Israel) features prominently in the building’s design. Today, it is America’s oldest synagogue, and it is a national historic site.
Voodoo Spiritual Temple, New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is always a great place to visit if you have a fascination for history, spirituality, and entertainment. The Voodoo Spiritual Temple was established in 1990 by Priestess Miriam and Priest Oswan Chamani. It’s the only formally established spiritual temple with a focus on traditional West African spiritual and herbal healing practices currently in existence in the city. After a tragic fire in February of 2016, the temple has rebuilt and is in its new headquarters on North Rampart Street. We love everything about New Orleans, and the Voodoo Spiritual Temple is definitely at the top of our list of favorite spiritual travel destinations in the U.S.
Other spiritual travel destinations in the U.S.
There are so many places we’ve been that have a spiritual vibe, from the ancient and sacred to the New Age and “woo-woo.” Here are a few of our honorable mentions: Mount Shasta, California (check out the crystal cave; it’s gorgeous); Cassadaga, home to more psychic mediums per capita than any other city in the United States; Monument Valley, Arizona, a site sacred to the Navajo Nation; and, of course, Salem, Massachusetts, also known as “Witch City.”
What are your favorite spiritual travel destinations in the U.S.? Let us know in the comments!
Photo: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, CC-BY-NC-ND Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P.