holy family shrine

706jimw

I am fortunate enough to live a few miles from the Shrine. This is a great place to stop for inspiration or just a great view of the Platte River valley. A short drive on a gravel road off of Hwy 31.

HanDingX

Holy!It's a touching story about how this lovely shrine was planned and built overcoming so much difficulties.The perfect design of water drops in the visitor center, stream in between and the pool in the church made me feel a mysterious harmony and beauty.It's great view sitting in the shrine too.

baratman

We have been to the Holy Family Shrine several times and each time it is great. After years of driving by and wondering what the building was, we stopped by and were truly surprised. A simple chapel on a hillside that overlooks the Nebraska country side. Granted the freeway is close, however it is surprising how quiet it can be. My sister has played in a flute choir in the chapel and this would be great to see and hear.

435annm

Designed by Omaha architects, this shrine was built to fit in with the farm country which surrounds it. A very peaceful place to pray or say the Rosary. Passing by it from the west on the interstate at night, you can see the lights shining atop the hill. If you need a place to collect your thoughts, this is the place. There is a small gift shop as you enter the main doors if you would like to purchase religious articles.

Historyteachertrav

Holy Family Shrine is a rare island of tranquility off of the interstate. Although I do not like modern architecture, when you learn the significance of the symbolism in the different areas of the Church it all makes since. If you stop don't just look and dash off. Spend some time in order to read about why the site is designed the way it is. Then you can see the big picture of it all. Only after this should you spend some time in prayer or meditation.Each item is like a piece of a puzzle, when its all in place you can then really enjoy the beautiful effect of the shrine.

RoadTripfromIL

The Holy Family Shrine is a great place to visit if traveling along I-80 in eastern Nebraska. The grounds of the shrine are planted with various flowers and plants. There is a stream of water flowing under the walkway. Along the middle of the walkway the pavement is cut out so you can see the water flowing below. The stream also continues into the shrine itself and adds a peaceful feeling to your visit. The shrine is on top of the hillside along I-80 and the views of the countryside are excellent!

947bonnief

A nice serene stop just off I-80 between Lincoln and Omaha. The chapel is very serene with a trickle of water going down the side of the aisles. Also nice display of native plants outside. A nice stop for travelers who or those who want to come and just "be."

628chada

The chapel rests alongside I-80 and is designed to give travelers the chance to rest and peacefully pray. This chapel certainly facilitates that. A stream flows from the chapel entrance to a small pool below the altar, and listening to the trickling of the water through the chapel is very peaceful. While I've seen several other glass chapels while traveling, this one is certainly my favorite. If interested, you can also read about the miraculous procedure of designing and financing the chapel.

jjctraveler

The Holy Family Shrine is wonderful place to stop just south of Omaha and about 40 miles North of Lincoln. Based on the chapels of E. Fay Jones, but designed by BCDM Architects it is sited on a hill overlooking the interstate with stunning views of the prairie. As others have noted, Pflug Road is a gravel/dirt road that is dusty when dry, and I would not recommend it in the rain. But it is worth the effort to visit the shrine. While it is a Catholic Shrine, all are welcome and they are not looking to convert you, just offering a peaceful place to visit, rest, pray or enjoy the scenery. The underground visitor’s center is a bit damp with the water feature but offers a history of the chapel, some sculptures, restrooms, a library and a small gift shop. Just follow the water path through a prairie garden to the chapel of glass wood and stone. There are trails around the chapel with benches and places to rest (the trails are dirt, not recommended for the handicapped). A spectacular building and great roadside attraction.

Seahawkfan12

This was a spur of the moment sidetrip as we were driving along the river. we saw the sign and turned down the gravel road. What an inspirational place, from the underground entrance (to remind us of the tomb) and what a fantastic architectural chapel that exudes tranquility and peace. The trails around the shrine have spectacular views of the Nebraska countryside. The crucifix is amazing, and the shaded area for Mary is cool, quiet, and lovely. I'm so glad we turned off the highway to discover this inspirational place.

YorkResident

You can see this from I-80, and if you've seen it and wondered about it, take some time to pull off and go visit. Beautiful view, very peaceful chapel, with a little stream that runs right down the middle of the floor. Blatantly Catholic, but the people running the place aren't pushy about it. Access is from a gravel road, so if you're picky about dust on your car, you'll need to weigh that against your curiosity.

X334LV

Nice little tranquil place to stop and explore. Friendly and not crowded as long as there is no wedding.

JoanW230

Just off I-80 at the Gretna, NE exit #432 atop a hill overlooking the Platte River and the surrounding valley sits the uniquely designed Holy Family Shrine. It is only about a five minute drive from the freeway and route is wellmarked but you will feel far removed from the hectic pace of the interstate and driving down the gravel road will provide you with a leisurely taste of rural Nebraska. The building is open Monday through Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from noon to 5, but there is a huge parking lot (tour busses stop in Summer months) and you can still enjoy the view even if the building itself is closed. A short unpaved path leads up the hill to the Shrine and the surrounding nature trails through the prairie with lots of wildflowers in Summer. I love the water feature in the floor and the feeling of openness.

Sarpy402

The Holy Family Shrine sits above the Platte River and the views are wonderful. There is a visitor center, small gift shop, a walking path and the Shrine itself. A great place to reflect and enjoy nature in a peaceful setting. A one of a kind place to visit that you won't forget.

DeeThunder

This church is on a hilly gravel road overlooking the interstate, which gives you some pretty views. We stopped at a time when it was closed, but it is still a pretty site to see.