The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods
Home of the world's largest crucifix. A place of peace, pilgrimage, and prayer in the pines of northern Michigan.
Est. 1954
Indian River, MI
Welcome
A peaceful place to encounter the sacred.
Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine is located in Indian River, Michigan. The Shrine is home to the largest crucifix in the world. The grounds are open throughout the year from dusk to dawn, with limited hours in the winter.
While visiting, be sure to view all shrines, the Nun Doll Museum, and gift shop. Weekday and weekend masses are held year round.
55'
Bronze Crucifix
55'
Bronze Crucifix
1954
Since
525+
Antique Dolls
Visit the Shrine
Everything you need to plan your visit.
Whether you're coming for a day pilgrimage or a quiet afternoon of prayer, we welcome you.
Hours
Church & Office: Summer 7am–8pm · Winter 7am–5pm. Doll Museum: Summer 9am–6pm · Winter 10am–3pm.
Directions
7078 M-68, Indian River, MI 49749. 260 mi north of Detroit, 385 mi north of Chicago.
Parking
Free on-site parking with bus and RV accommodations. Tour groups welcome — please call ahead.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-friendly grounds, church, and museum. Assistance available upon request.
Visitor Info
Guided tours, group packages, and pilgrimage planning available through the shrine office.
Gift Shop
Devotional items, religious gifts, books, and mementos from your pilgrimage.
Mass & Worship
Come as you are — worship with us.
Weekday and weekend masses are held year round in the church at the Shrine.
Sunday
8:30 am - 10:30 am
Tuesday
5:30 pm
Wednesday
8:30 am
Thursday
8:30 am
Friday
12:00 pm
Saturday
4:30 pm
Reconciliation
Tue 4–5pm · Fri 9:30–11am · Sat 2–3:45pm
Summer schedule through Labor Day weekend · By appointment year-round.
Events
What's happening at the Shrine.
Liturgies, pilgrimages, and community events throughout the year.
Weekly
Sunday Mass & Fellowship
Join us for weekend liturgy and community after Mass in the parish hall.
Ongoing
Father Patrick's Homilies
Watch or listen to weekly homilies from our pastor — available online.
Seasonal
Outdoor Stations of the Cross
Walk the wooded path and pray the Stations beneath the pines.
2026
Maintenance Fund Raffle
Support the shrine's care and upkeep through our annual raffle.
Explore the Grounds
Sacred places, quiet corners.
Every corner of the Shrine invites reflection — from the towering crucifix to the smallest wildflower path.
The Cross
The world's largest crucifix — a 55-foot bronze corpus on a 55-foot cross.
Outdoor Sanctuary
An open-air sanctuary set against the Michigan pines.
Stations of the Cross
Fourteen outdoor stations along a peaceful wooded walking path.
The Holy Stairs
A devotional replica of the Scala Sancta — the Holy Stairs.
Hall of Saints
Explore devotional spaces honoring saints and blesseds.
Nun Doll Museum
Over 525 dolls dressed in authentic religious habits from around the world.
Walking Paths
Peaceful pine-lined paths connecting the shrines and prayer spaces.
Prayer Areas
Quiet places for reflection — Divine Mercy, St. Francis, Our Lady, and more.
History
A story rooted in faith and forest.
The Beginning
Fr. Charles D. Brophy dedicates the shrine grounds, envisioning a place of prayer in the Michigan pines.
The Cross Rises
A 55-foot redwood cross is raised — cut from a single Oregon tree.
The Corpus
Sculptor Marshall M. Fredericks completes the seven-ton bronze corpus, cast in Norway.
The Doll Museum
The Nun Doll Museum opens, growing into a collection of over 525 habits from around the world.
The New Church
A contemporary church and expanded shrine complex welcome pilgrims year-round.
Ministries & Parish Life
Many ways to grow in faith.
From children's formation to adult catechesis and volunteer opportunities.
Faith Formation for Adults
Grow in your faith through classes and small groups.
Learn More
RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
Learn More
Faith Formation for Children
Sacramental preparation and weekly formation.
Learn More
Middle School Youth Ministry
Faith, fellowship, and service for our youth.
Learn More
Sacraments
Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, and more.
Learn More
Sacrament Preparation
Prepare to receive the sacraments as a family.
Learn More
Gallery
Moments from the Shrine.
A glimpse of the grounds, seasons, and sacred spaces.
Visitor Experience
Voices from the pines.
Gift Shop
Bring a piece of the shrine home.
Devotional Medals & Rosaries
Religious Gifts & Statues
Books & Prayer Cards
Shrine Mementos
Give
Help us keep the shrine
open for the next generation.
Your generosity supports the daily care of the grounds, the ministries of the parish, and the pilgrims who come here in search of peace.