You would never think to go to La Crosse, Wisconsin to explore a religious shrine, but Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area or want to take a pilgrimage here. Although technically brought up religious, I am a very non-religious person, personally. Still, the stories and faith that seems to propel billions around the world towards one way or the other is always very fascinating and the ornamentation and architecture that goes into these elaborate religious places and symbols is always beautiful to look at. So when I found out there was a major religious shrine at one of my locum jobs in La Crosse, I definitely had to visit.

Constructed between 2004-2008, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Catholic shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary sitting on approximately 100 acres of land in the Coulee region of Wisconsin. It is a place of worship for Roman Catholics to go on a pilgrimage in the Diocese of La Crosse. There is a welcome center at the building followed by a pathway up to the main shrine past a little votive temple (with candles you can dedicate to people or something) that passes a bunch of sculptures curving up the mountain with gorgeous views of the valley below. There is also a Memorial to the Unborn along the walk – the golden plaques below present teachings of the Catholic Church, which I am not very fond of or in agreement with… But the idea that it provides a place for spiritual healing and closure for people is nice. It’s ~1 mile to hike up and down the mountain and you can come here for services and other things, but I took some pictures and wandered off.

Overall, the idea of Religious Tourism is interesting and I have seen so many amazing spectacles throughout the country, especially in New England and the Old South. I am always curious to the dedication for these sights and whether you are religious or not, you should certainly swing by and visit Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.