We think of states with early Spanish settlers, like Florida, Maryland, and California, as the first to have a Catholic presence. It’s not as well known that Michigan has some of the oldest Catholic history in the U.S. too, thanks to its proximity to Lake Michigan, a thoroughfare for early French explorers from Canada.
The first Catholics in what is now Michigan were French Jesuit missionaries. Fathers Charles Raymbaut and Isaac Jogues stopped near what is now Sault Ste. Marie to visit the Chippewa Nation in 1641.
The first Catholic mission in the area was built in 1670 on picturesque Mackinac Island. By the late 1600s, Jesuit priests were exploring and setting up missions throughout the region. The first Catholic church was built in 1701—predating the U.S. itself!
Michigan's rich Catholic heritage has left an indelible mark on the state's landscape through its historic churches and religious sites. Here are five notable Catholic sites not to miss in the Mitten State, plus one unexpected gem.
Note: Always check current visiting hours and Mass schedules before planning your trip, as times may vary seasonally.
1The Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, Detroit
The Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit was founded on July 26, 1701, just two days after the City of Detroit itself was founded on July 24. A witness to the city’s French heritage, it is the second-oldest continuously operating Catholic parish in America.
The current Gothic Revival building dates to 1886. Its soaring architecture, incredible stained glass windows, impressive side altars and statues, and dazzling starred ceiling make it an important landmark in Detroit.
The basilica holds the Shrine to Ste. Anne, patron saint of the Archdiocese of Detroit. It is also the final resting place of Fr. Gabriel Richard, a pivotal figure in Michigan's early development. Among other things, he co-founded the University of Michigan, was the first Catholic priest elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and wrote Detroit’s city motto.
2National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
In 1926, the recently canonized St. Therese, the Little Flower, was chosen as the patron of a new faith community in Royal Oak. Beginning with an empty plot of land, the parish grew over the next four decades to become a flourishing church and nationally renowned Shrine, visited by thousands each year from all over the world. A designated national shrine, the church building is well-known for its execution in the lavish zig-zag Art Deco style.
Two weeks after the parish opened in what was then a predominantly non-Catholic area, the Ku Klux Klan burned a cross in front of the church. The parish responded by building the 104-ft “Charity Crucifixion Tower,” featuring a 28-ft figure of Christ on the Cross, a “cross they could not burn.”
3Basilica of St. Adalbert, Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids' architectural crown jewel, this magnificent church showcases Polish-American heritage through its impressive twin spires and dome. Built in 1913, the parish was elevated to a basilica in 1980, the first basilica in Michigan. The interior features stunning marble work, hand-painted murals, and some of the finest stained glass windows in the Midwest, created by Austrian artisans.
4Old St. Mary’s Church, Detroit
Standing proudly in Detroit's Greektown, this 1885 church is one of the city's oldest German Catholic parishes, with breathtaking Victorian Gothic architecture. The church's historic organ and original frescos have been meticulously preserved.
Also known as the “Church of the Grottos,” don’t miss seeing the church’s three spiritual sanctuaries: the Gethsemane Grotto, the Baptismal Grotto, and the Lourdes Grotto. The church’s fine acoustics have made its musical concerts and choir popular in the area for more than 100 years.
5Blessed Solanus Casey Center, Detroit
Blessed Solanus Casey, born Bernard Francis Casey, was an American Capuchin priest. He was known during his lifetime as a healer for his great faith and his abilities as a spiritual counselor, but especially for his great attention to the sick. The friar was much sought-after and revered, especially in Detroit, where he lived.
Beatified in 2017, he is on the path to sainthood. If canonized, he would be the first American-born priest to become a saint. The Solanus Casey Center is run by the Capuchin Friars of Detroit, and houses a museum adjacent to St. Bonaventure Monastery.
The Center is intended to be a place of pilgrimage, healing, reconciliation and peace. The final resting place of Blessed Solanus, the Center has served as a spiritual oasis for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world each year.
Bonus Site: World’s Largest Crucifix
Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine, Indian River
Since 1959, hundreds of thousands of travelers from all over the world have visited this unique shrine featuring a 55-foot-tall crucifix made from a single redwood tree, believed to be the largest wooden crucifix in the world. Below it stands a bronze statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that weighs seven tons. The outdoor sanctuary includes beautiful meditation gardens and hosts regular events and Masses during summer months.
Located at the shrine complex, don’t miss the “Catholic doll museum,” featuring 500 dolls dressed in the habits of different Catholic religious orders. Started by the late Sally Rogalski, who spent 60 years collecting and creating the dolls, this unusual collection documents the evolution of religious dress and the history of various orders. Each doll comes with detailed information about the order it represents.
