No trip to Juneau is complete without visiting the National Shrine of St. Therese. The ministry of the Diocese of Juneau is nestled 22 miles north of the heart of the city and is a welcoming retreat to visitors of all faiths. For more than 75 years, this shrine was created as a genuine labor of love. Dedicated to St. Therese of Lisieux, Alaska’s patron saint, she was known for her book The Story of a Soul that details what really matters in life: Love.

Visitors come to the Shrine for peace, quiet, meditation and reflection. The stunning stone chapel is located in the Tongass National Forest at 21425 Glacier Highway. Open from 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. in winter months, the shrine is available to all year-round and is a popular destination for retreats and gentle hikes.

Juneau’s Shrine

Access to the shrine is complimentary, but donations are accepted. Considered sacred, holy grounds, the shrine is crafted of beach stone and was erected in the 1930s. The first bishop of Alaska, Joseph Raphael Crimont, blessed the shrine and it quickly became a destination in and of itself.

Spiritual experiences held at the shrine include mass, retreats and weddings. Contact the shrine administration directly for information on rentals and hosting your own event.