Sacred Places to Visit in the United States

Bighorn Medicine Wheel, Powell, WY

The Bighorn Medicine Wheel isn't easy to get to, but it's been recognized as a place of spiritual power for hundreds of years. Sacred to several Native American groups, the Medicine Wheel is steeped in mystery. The Crow, Lakota Sioux, and Cheyenne peoples all recognize the Medicine Wheel as a place of great power. If you go there, take the time to explore the path around the Wheel -- you'll be surprised at what you may hear!

Sedona, AZ

This site is known as a place where many spiritual seekers end up in their quest. Sedona is perhaps most famous for its spiraling energy vortexes, which draw people in from around the world.

Land's End Labyrinth, San Francisco, CA

High on a rocky mountainside, just a few minutes from San Francisco, there is a labyrinth in a public park. Although it's right in the middle of a large city, there are few people who take the time to hike out to this labyrinth, which sits right above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Take some time to check it out, because it's an absolutely magical place.

Update: In August 2015, the Land's End Labyrinth was destroyed by vandals. Caretaker Colleen Yerge told the San Francisco Gate "The labyrinth is there as a sign of peace, love and enlightenment for all. And especially for those that are suffering so much. So even when it is destroyed after I put over 40 hours of carrying rocks and assembling the piece, I still have compassion for whoever did it."

Serpent Mound, Peebles, OH

This mound is the largest known serpent effigy in North America. In some Native American legends, there is a tale of a large serpent who has supernatural powers. Although no one is certain why the Serpent Mound was created, it's possible that it was in homage to the great serpent of legend.

Mt. Shasta, CA

Mt. Shasta, located in northern California, is not only one of the state's most beautiful sites, it also has a reputation for being a place of great magical energy. The Native Americans in the area believe it is the home of the Great Spirit. Today, it is a destination not only for hikers and campers but for people in the metaphysical community seeking to nourish their spirit.

Aztalan State Park, Lake Mills, WI

Aztalan is one of Wisconsin's most notable historical and archaeological sites. It is the home of an ancient Middle-Mississippian village that thrived about a thousand years ago. Like many mound works, this site is believed to contain some interesting spiritual energy. Although the village now called Aztalan has been empty for centuries, scientists did unearth one burial mound there. It contained the remains of a young woman dressed in elaborate seashell jewelry and beads, and some refer to her as "The Princess." Today, some people still leave offerings for the Princess on a special stone.

Ringing Rocks State Park, Upper Black Eddy, PA

Ringing Rocks State Park is exactly what it sounds like - a park full of rocks that you can bang with a hammer. When struck, the rocks emit a ringing sound. The seven-acre field of rocks is open to the public. Although all the rocks at the park are composed of the same material, only about a third of them vibrate and ring when struck. Some visitors claim to have experienced metaphysical events while listening to the vibrations of the rocks.

Mt. Kilauea, Hawai'i Island (Big Island), HI

Mt. Kilauea is known as a sacred place because it is home to Pele, the volcano goddess. Even today, the mountain is a destination for many people who follow ancient Hawaiian religious beliefs.

Mt. Denali, AK

Denali, also known as Mt. McKinley, is the highest peak in North America. The word Denali means "high one" in the language of the local tribes, and the mountain is believed to be the home of many spirits. According to legend, a sun shaman named Sa lives on the mountain, and he is the master of life. Many visitors report seeing strange and unusual things at Denali.

America's Stonehenge, Salem, NH

Our New England travel Guide has some great information on the site known as "America's Stonehenge." Located in rural New Hampshire, this site has puzzled people for a while. Is it the remainder of some prehistoric society, or simply the work of bored eighteenth-century farmers? Regardless, many people find it a place of great peace and empowerment.