National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes, Emmitsburg

This beautiful mountainside shrine features one of the oldest American replicas of the Lourdes Grotto in France. At the wall beside the grotto is a small relic from the Lourdes itself. We go here every year during Good Friday for the stations of the cross. Attended masses both outdoors at the grotto with a nicely designed amphitheater type seating that can accommodate hundreds, and indoors at their chapel. Wonderful place to meditate. St. Bernadette's Shoppe (gift shop inside Miller Family Visitor center) provides a good variety of religious items for sale. Beautiful, serene, offering a wonderful sense of tranquility while walking down the paths to the grotto. Visit the Grotto water , some believe that it’s cleansing and healthy for the body and soul. Others believe it can heal. The grotto can be cold even during holy week, check the weather before you go and prepare accordingly.

I'm not religious, but this is a very special place. It is indeed a shrine for prayer and reflection. Nearby is the Seton Shrine where you can learn about the life of Mother Seton. This is where you go to silently pray and worship. Indeed, at the actual grotto area there are signs expecting no talking. Leading to and from it are scenic garden paths with lots of benches among statues, stations of the cross, and rosaries. You won't learn very much about the saint here, but you will feel her presence.

Great Place ♿ please observe the lack of accessibility here. The parking lot is built sideways, up the mountain. Not level. I suppose you could swing through and drop off by the main entrance, but the whole thing is very UPHILL. It can be quiet a climb for somebody with mobility issues. Felt it needed to be made more clear. Rev. IDFK

Very peaceful historical retreat in the mountains. Tiny chapel is often closed on weekdays. Lovely little walk with plenty of benches to sit and pray or just let beauty enfold you. Wonderful gift shop, too!

Such a beautiful place so peaceful and empowering..an accidental find but I enjoyed the spiritual guidance and feel so blessed to spend my Sunday amongst such greatness!!!