Holy Family Shrine

"Breathtaking"

   We went to Omaha to see the zoo and on the way home we decided to detour to the Strategic Air and Space Museum.  On our way across I-80 towards the museum we saw a couple signs for the Holy Family Shrine.  Being Catholic we are always ready for a shrine opportunity, so we followed the signs off the highway to what appeared to be a road that led us to the middle of nowhere.  When we were nearly pulling into the parking lot we saw it, perched on the hill, just stunning.  The architecture is amazing.  I don't have the words to do it justice.  You enter through the visitors center, which is build into the earth and feels like a tomb, then outside on a short walk to the chapel.   This place is rich in symbolism at almost every step.  I have been to many shrines, but the peace and overwhelming simple beauty of this one was breathtaking.  It is worth an hour detour (or more) if you are in this part of the world.
    There are restrooms, but no food or drinks.  There are natural trails/paths to explore if you have time or want to stretch little legs before heading back to the car.  Kids are welcome and the docents are eager to share what they know.