El Santuario de Chimayo, New Mexico

Often described as the Lourdes of North America, this no-frills adobe church in a northern New Mexico village attracts thousands of people seeking recovery yearly.

Pilgrims gather soil believed to have healing powers from a spot on the floor associated with the miraculous finding of a crucifix in 1810. The walls are coated with photographs, crutches, and other tokens left by those who credit the shrine for cures.

The most popular time to visit this sacred travel spot is during the week of Easter, when many pilgrims trek from Santa Fe and other surrounding cities and towns.

A welcome center contains a free museum with art exhibits and displays on the history of the shrine. Inside, you’ll find a prayer tree covered with scraps of paper on which people have written their pleas.