You don’t have to be religious to enjoy this spectacular shrine in Florida. In fact, many visitors to this shrine spend time simply for the enjoyment of the peace and tranquility that the space provides. Built decades ago by hand, take a look at the most unique shrine in Florida that nobody even knows exists.

The St. Anne Shrine in Lake Wales, Florida is a beautiful off-the-beaten-path place for visitors to come and quietly reflect.
Google Maps
You don’t need to be of a certain denomination to enjoy the serenity and tranquility that this shrine provides.
But if there is any reason for you to visit this rural shrine, it’s for the hallowed history it holds within the state.
TripAdvisor Jan W.
The story begins when a man from Canada came to Florida with his terminally ill son in search of a warmer climate.
During their travels, the man and son came across a small lake, what is now known as St. Anne’s.
TripAdvisor Bob P.
The man and his son swam and camped near the lake and with time his son’s condition improved, until he was miraculously cured.

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The man attributed the cure to the healing powers of the lake, and then single-handedly built a shrine to St. Anne, the popular Canadian saint associated with water.
TripAdvisor gs32794
The St. Anne Shrine was built in the 1920s and originally included a church, an elaborate set of statuary, and stone grotto shrine, all spread throughout the surrounding woods on a set of trails.
The shrine was so evocative, so powerful, that thousands of people would make the pilgrimage to walk great distances to visit the shrine.
Wikipedia
There were many different events which took place at this unique shrine, including the Feast of Saint Anne in July, where thousands of people would attend.
In the 1960s, the spring was de-sanctified by the Diocese of St. Augustine and most of the shrine was removed in order to prevent vandalism.
TripAdvisor Jan W.
However, there are still many different historical traces of the shrine which remain and can still be seen.
While the original statues are missing or have been replaced, many people are still drawn to the beauty and peacefulness of the shrine.
TripAdvisor cheapfisherman
Make your own pilgrimage to the St. Anne Shrine and see for yourself a piece of history that most residents don’t even know exists in Florida.

Address: St. Anne Shrine Road, Lake Wales, FL 33898

Have you ever been to the St. Anne Shrine before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Also, if you’re looking for other unique things to do in the neighborhood, check out the scenic Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.

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