House of Mary Shrine – Yankton, South Dakota
On a hillcrest near Yankton, overlooking Lewis & Clark Lake, three giant crosses stand as a reminder of the life and death of Jesus Christ.
Down the slope a bell tower, statues, shrinettes, the Way of the Cross, the Living Waters, the Rosary Way and St. Joseph’s Chapel are tucked among the trees. Here is where you can find the House of Mary Shrine.
The Shrine, located 7 miles west on Highway 52, began when a young Catholic couple bought a piece of property bordering the park on the lake in 1957. Around this same time, a prominent business man was looking for a retreat site for Carmelite monks. After meeting with the couple, a plan was soon created for a "Chapel on the Hill." Illness caused the plans to be delayed. A small group from the Rosary Makers discussed a replacement plan for a shrine to not only honor God, but the Blessed Mother as well.
Today, the Shrine continues to be a refuge to thousands who stop to pray and meditate, leave a petition, and to renew their faith.
Hours: Marian Visitor’s Center, with its gift shop and museum, is open weekends in the summer.
Phone: (605) 668-0121.
Address: 142 Drees Dr