Holy Family Shrine
A breathtaking glass chapel on a serene hilltop, offering peace, reflection, and stunning panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, more peaceful atmosphere
Holy Family Shrine
Best Time
Quieter, more peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking glass chapel on a serene hilltop, offering peace, reflection, and stunning panoramic views.
"A peaceful, powerful, and completely free place to connect with God and nature."
🚗 Easy to Find Off I-80
Located conveniently off I-80, making it an accessible stop for road trippers.
🙏 Peaceful Reflection Space
A truly serene spot for prayer, meditation, and connecting with nature and yourself.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Glass Chapel
Main Shrine Building
A breathtaking architectural marvel of glass and wood, offering stunning natural light and panoramic views.
Stations of the Cross Path
Outdoor Path
An outdoor walking path depicting Jesus' final journey, offering a contemplative experience amidst nature.
Panoramic Hilltop Views
Shrine Grounds
Enjoy sweeping vistas of the surrounding Nebraska landscape from this serene hilltop location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Serenity
Embrace the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy to Find Off I-80
Located conveniently off I-80, making it an accessible stop for road trippers.
🙏 Peaceful Reflection Space
A truly serene spot for prayer, meditation, and connecting with nature and yourself.
🚶♀️ Stations of the Cross Walk
Don't miss the outdoor Stations of the Cross path for a moving spiritual experience.
📸 Stunning Photo Opportunities
The glass architecture and natural surroundings offer incredible photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy to Find Off I-80
Located conveniently off I-80, making it an accessible stop for road trippers.
🙏 Peaceful Reflection Space
A truly serene spot for prayer, meditation, and connecting with nature and yourself.
🚶♀️ Stations of the Cross Walk
Don't miss the outdoor Stations of the Cross path for a moving spiritual experience.
📸 Stunning Photo Opportunities
The glass architecture and natural surroundings offer incredible photo opportunities.
💧 Charming Water Feature
Enjoy the gentle sound and sight of the man-made stream along the walkway.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Holy Family Shrine for its breathtaking glass architecture and profoundly peaceful atmosphere. Many highlight the serene hilltop location and the contemplative Stations of the Cross path as significant draws. While some note its remote setting, most find it a worthwhile and soul-filling destination for reflection and prayer.
"“What a beautiful place. It’s not about religion—it’s about a relationship with God and experiencing His presence wherever you are. I’ve been here a dozen times, and every visit is special. If you want to go out and pray for people, this is the place to do it. It’s perfectly nestled on a hill, overlooking the interstate and miles of rolling hills. Peaceful, powerful, and completely free—it only costs your time. Check it out.”"
Freedom Fighters
"This is a peaceful place. It has a journey of the stations of the cross outside presented on a walk. It is breathetaking! I love the contrast of the busy road in the backdrop with peace just off the path. It is a place to be, pray & be present to yourself & our Creator. I highly recommend this soul-filled artist stop! Spend 10 mins or hours."
Adam Sieff
"Very beautiful, there is a short walking path that takes you along the story of Jesus's last day. The shrine is breathtaking, with a stained glass window depicting the Holy family. The wood is gorgeous, and detailed. There is a lot of symbolism in both the visitor center and the shrine, so I recommend getting the pamphlet that explains it."
Sadie Kane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Holy Family Shrine is conveniently located off I-80 near Gretna, Nebraska. Many visitors find it easily accessible from the interstate, often describing it as being 'in the middle of nowhere' but still discoverable. +1
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors. The shrine is designed to accommodate guests, making it easy to access the grounds upon arrival.
From Omaha, take I-80 West towards Lincoln. The Holy Family Shrine is located off an exit shortly after entering Gretna. Many TikToks and Instagram reels show its proximity to the interstate. +1
While the main shrine is generally accessible, the outdoor Stations of the Cross path may present challenges for those with significant mobility issues. It's advisable to check specific accessibility details if needed.
Absolutely! It's a popular and recommended stop for road trips through Nebraska, offering a peaceful break from driving. +2
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Holy Family Shrine is free. It's a place open to all for reflection and prayer, with no entry fee required.
The Holy Family Shrine is typically open from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. It's always a good idea to verify hours before your visit.
Information regarding specific mass times is not widely available in social media content. The shrine is primarily known as a place for personal prayer and reflection rather than scheduled services.
Photography is generally permitted inside and outside the shrine, but it's always respectful to be mindful of others who are praying or reflecting.
No, there is no entrance fee. The shrine is a place of peace and reflection that is freely accessible to everyone.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
It's renowned for its stunning glass chapel architecture, peaceful hilltop setting, and the outdoor Stations of the Cross path. Visitors often describe it as a serene and beautiful escape. +1
The glass walls allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a unique and ethereal atmosphere. It's often referred to as the 'Glass Church' for this reason. 
You can pray, meditate, walk the Stations of the Cross, enjoy the panoramic views, and simply soak in the peaceful ambiance. +1
While it's a Catholic shrine, it's primarily visited for personal reflection and prayer. Scheduled services are not a prominent feature in visitor accounts. +1
It's an outdoor path with artistic representations of Jesus' final moments before crucifixion, offering a contemplative journey.
📸 📸 Photography
The interior of the glass chapel, the exterior architecture against the landscape, and the Stations of the Cross path all offer excellent photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of other visitors who are there for prayer and quiet reflection.
Late afternoons during the 'golden hour' can provide beautiful lighting on the glass structure. Morning light is also lovely for capturing the serene atmosphere.
There is no specific information available regarding drone usage. It's best to assume standard regulations apply and to be respectful of the sacred nature of the site.
Visitors often capture architectural shots, landscape views, and personal reflection moments. The interplay of light through the glass is a frequent subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to introduce children to a place of quiet reflection and beautiful architecture. The surrounding nature also provides a pleasant environment for a family outing. Remember to bring snacks and water, especially during warmer months, and encourage respectful behavior within the shrine.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Day-trippers from Omaha or surrounding areas will find it a rewarding destination for a few hours of quiet reflection, photography, or simply to admire the unique architecture. The combination of the stunning glass chapel and the serene hilltop setting makes it a memorable stop.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Reflective Travelers
Visitors often describe leaving with a renewed sense of peace and purpose. It's a destination that encourages introspection and offers a powerful experience for anyone looking to find a moment of grace and quietude.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: The Glass Chapel
+2The architectural significance of the shrine lies in its ability to blend seamlessly with its environment. Perched on a hilltop, the glass walls offer panoramic views of the rolling Nebraska landscape, making the experience of worship or reflection deeply immersive. The structure's design is not just visually striking but also symbolic, intended to be a welcoming beacon for travelers of both the road and the spirit.
+1Many visitors are captivated by the unique aesthetic of the glass chapel. The way light filters through the structure, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates a breathtaking spectacle. It's a place where art, faith, and nature converge, offering a profound sense of peace and wonder to all who enter.
+1A Journey of Contemplation: Stations of the Cross
The path is thoughtfully integrated into the natural landscape, providing a serene backdrop for this significant religious practice. Visitors often describe the experience as peaceful and powerful, noting the contrast between the quiet of the shrine grounds and the distant hum of the nearby interstate. This juxtaposition enhances the sense of finding solace amidst the everyday.
Walking the Stations of the Cross at the Holy Family Shrine is a recommended activity for those seeking a more profound connection with their faith or simply a moment of quiet introspection. It complements the architectural beauty of the chapel by offering a narrative and experiential dimension to the visit.
Finding Peace Amidst the Cornfields
+1This serene environment is a key reason why many find the shrine to be a place of profound peace and spiritual renewal. The hilltop location provides not only stunning views but also a sense of elevation and separation from the ordinary. It's a destination that invites visitors to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and their spirituality.
Whether you're a religious pilgrim or simply seeking a moment of quiet contemplation, the tranquil atmosphere of the Holy Family Shrine makes it a worthwhile stop. The combination of its unique architecture and its peaceful, natural surroundings creates an unforgettable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit