This Unique Wooden Church In South Dakota Is Truly A Sight To See

When it comes to jaw-dropping buildings, nothing beats a church... why is that? Is it the ornate stained glass windows that many churches feature? The sometimes elaborate, sometimes downplayed architecture? Maybe it's the history that surrounds many of these places of worship? While each church is obviously different, we know for a fact why Chapel in the Hills in South Dakota stands out from the rest:

Hiding out in Rapid City is the gorgeous Chapel in the Hills, arguably one of the most beautiful chapels in South Dakota. This Black Hills gem is an exact reproduction of Norway's iconic Borgund Stavkirke.

Dedicated in 1969 as the headquarters for the Lutheran Vespers radio ministry, the Chapel in the Hills has since become a place of worship for thousands of Evangelical Lutherans and welcomes upwards of 25,000 visitors each year.

Why did the Lutheran Vespers decide to model their headquarters after a Norwegian church? The late Rev. Conrad Thompson spent time in Norway and fell in love with the look of the various historic churches. He was then able to track down the blueprints from the original c. 1150 Borgund Stavkirke church.

In addition to the intricate chapel itself, the area is home to a tranquil prayer walk that winds up the hill and into the forest.

There is a museum located on the property that is housed inside an 1876 log cabin and is home to several must-see Scandinavian antiques.

You will also see an authentic grass-roofed-stabbur-turned visitor center and gift shop. Here you will find hand-crafted Scandinaviann items and chapel souvenirs for sale.

What is a stabbur, you may be asking? It is a store house that, in this case, was actually built in Norway and shipped to/reassembled in Rapid City!

The Chapel in the Hills is one of the most fascinating and unique places of worship in South Dakota. Stop by to walk the grounds and stay for a service.

To plan your visit to Chapel in the Hills in South Dakota, visit the website. Please note that the chapel is seasonal and reopens on May 1.

Discover even more exquisite places of worship by clicking These 7 Churches In South Dakota Will Leave You Absolutely Speechless.