How to build a day of exploring sacred sites into a classic American sightseeing itinerary Part II: Washington DC, Chicago, and the Virginia Peninsula

From America’s capital city, across the mid-Atlantic region, to the heart of the Midwest, there are many sacred sites ready to be woven into a classic sightseeing itinerary. Whether your group is looking for historic depth, architectural wonder, or spiritual inspiration, these next three destinations have everything you need to build a full day around sacred landmarks.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

As the symbolic heart of the nation, Washington is home to a remarkably diverse collection of religious landmarks that reflect its political, cultural, and ethnic history. Some of the most iconic churches and cathedrals in the United States are located here, just blocks from the Capitol and White House.

One-day itinerary (in town)

Washington, D.C.’s most important religious sites can be explored in a single day with efficient planning and a mix of walking and short drives:

1. Washington National Cathedral – Neo-Gothic masterpiece used for state funerals and national services
2. St. John’s Episcopal Church – The Church of the Presidents, located directly across from the White House
3. Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle – Seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
4. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception – The largest Catholic church in North America
5. St. Nicholas Cathedral – Home of the Orthodox Church in America
6. Adas Israel Synagogue – The district’s oldest surviving synagogue building

One-day itinerary (out-of-town)

For those who wish to explore further afield, a loop through Annapolis and Baltimore offers a rewarding day trip filled with sacred and historic gems (90 miles total round-trip driving distance from DC):

1. National Shrine of the Assumption of Mary – First Roman Catholic cathedral built in the United States
2. St. James Church – Baltimore’s oldest African American Catholic parish.
3. Lovely Lane United Methodist Church – The Mother Church of American Methodism
4. Naval Academy Chapel – At the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, housing the crypt of John Paul Jones

CHICAGO

The Windy City may be better known for architecture and deep-dish pizza, but Chicago also offers a wealth of religious sites representing a wide spectrum of faith traditions and ethnic communities. With its mix of Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and interfaith landmarks, Chicago offers plenty for a full itinerary.

One-day itinerary (in town)

This route highlights some of the most beautiful and sacred spaces within Chicago and nearby Evanston and Oak Park:

1. Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows – A landmark of Italianate Baroque architecture
2. Basilica of St. Hyacinth – A vibrant Polish parish with a rich immigrant history
3. Madonna Della Strada Chapel – A Jesuit chapel located on the Loyola University campus
4. Alice Millar Chapel – A stained-glass-filled chapel on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston
5. Unity Temple – Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this Oak Park icon is a masterpiece of modernist architecture.

One-day itinerary (out-of-town: Milwaukee/Wauwatosa)

An easy drive north to Wisconsin offers a chance to visit three remarkable and very different churches (180 miles total round-trip driving distance from Chicago):

1. Basilica of St. Josaphat – A Milwaukee landmark inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica
2. St. Joan of Arc Chapel – A medieval chapel from France relocated to the Marquette University campus
3. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church – Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Wauwatosa, blending classical form with innovation

One-day itinerary (out-of-town: Notre Dame/Valparaiso)

Head east from Chicago to experience two of Indiana’s most iconic collegiate chapels, both rich in history and art (170 miles total round-trip driving distance from Chicago):

1. Basilica of the Sacred Heart – The famous centerpiece of the University of Notre Dame
2. Chapel of the Resurrection – One of the largest college chapels in the U.S., located at Valparaiso University

VIRGINIA PENINSULA

For those traveling through southeastern Virginia, the region between Jamestown and Hampton offers a powerful journey into early American religious life. These churches tell the story of English colonization, the growth of Anglicanism, and the formation of America’s religious identity:

One-day itinerary

This route is best approached as a day trip from Norfolk, Williamsburg, or Richmond. With moderate driving, all four sites can be experienced in one very full day:

1. Jamestown Church – Located at the original Jamestown, this is the spiritual birthplace of English America
2. St. John’s Episcopal Church – Oldest English parish in continuous use in the U.S., located in Hampton
3. Bruton Parish Church – A colonial-era church still in active use in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg
4. St. Luke’s Church – Smithfield landmark dating from the 1600s, one of the oldest churches in America

These are just a few suggestions of religious sightseeing itineraries to be found in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern United States. Whether your tour groups are looking for a bit of history, architectural inspiration or just a spiritual experience, these sacred destinations, and many others, are waiting to welcome you.

Howard Kramer, an NTA affiliate member who spoke at Travel Exchange ’17 in San Antonio, is the author of The Complete American Pilgrim: Guide to 250 of the most sacred, historic and beautiful religious sites in the United States.

Top photo: Washington National Cathedral
Photo by ©Orhan Çam/Adobe Stock