The Cross in the Woods is a Catholic shrine located at 7078 M-68 in Indian River, Michigan. It was declared a national shrine by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on September 15, 2006. At 55 feet tall, it is the second largest crucifix in the world. The largest Crucifix is in Bardstown, KY, at 60 feet high.[1] The largest Christian cross in the world stands at 492 feet (150m), located in the Valley of the Fallen, Spain.
The Crucifix has become one of the most famous and most frequently visited shrines in all of Michigan.[2] The highlight of the shrine is a large wooden cross and bronze figure of Christ by sculptor Marshall Fredericks. The site also includes outdoor and indoor churches, numerous smaller shrines, and a nun doll museum. The Cross in the Woods is open 365 days a year and the Church built at this location holds Masses every day, year round. Each year between 275,000 and 325,000 people come to visit the Cross in the Woods Shrine.[3]
- ^ "A massive crucifix and 525 nun dolls are in one unique Michigan place". mlive. November 3, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
- ^ "Indian River: The Cross in the Woods Shrine". Waterwonderland.com. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ Cross in the Woods Designated National Shrine (Retrieved May 4, 2007) Archived January 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine