Is This the Most Holy Place in Upstate New York? We Think So!

The Shrine of the North American Martyrs in the Mohawk Valley is a place of incredible beauty and an astonishing history as the birthplace of Catholicism in New York State. It is also a place where Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native-American saint, was born.

The shrine is located about 40 miles west of Albany hard along the Mohawk River near Fonda, NY. It was here that three French Jesuit missionaries were murdered in the 1600s; three missionaries that are now saints: St. Rene Goupil, St. Isaac Joques, and St. Jean LaLande. In their honor, their final resting place is now a place steeped in religious history and grandeur. There is a massive round 1930s church here, one of the first built in the East, that seats 6,000 and has 72 entrance doors, one for each saint. There is one of the largest rosary beads in the country spread out on a lawn here, at the exact spot where the first rosary was recited in New York 400 years ago. There are full visitor amenities including guided tours, motor coach parking, modern restrooms, handicap accessibilities, a cafeteria, a large gift shop, and more.

Visitors make their way to this shrine by the thousands each year, coming from as far away as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and even Canada.

This is a remarkable place for everyone to see. For those who are not religious, it is a place where much of the Mohawk Valley history took place. But, for those not of the faith, be prepared. As you walk down the forested path to The Ravine, the exact place where the three French Jesuits were murdered so many years ago, there is no doubt that you too will feel a deep sense of humility being in this sacred spot.

This is a must see for any New Yorker or anybody visiting our region.

(Note: All visitor information is listed at the end of the gallery)

Is This the Holiest Place in Upstate New York? We Think So!

The Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, in the Mohawk Valley, draws thousands of visitors each year. This most holy site has much to reward a visitor, from a lush 600-acre campus, to a sprawling colosseum church with 72 doors, and to a reverential bluff overlooking the Mohawk River where the first rosary in New York was recited 400 years ago. Don't miss this amazing and stunning place.

Do NOT Miss These 13 Amazing (And Off the Grid) Upstate New York Museums!

Upstate New York is famous for its nationally known museums, such as the Corning Museum of Glass, or the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. But there are many other smaller and lesser known museums that any visitor should put on their list of things to do and see in Upstate New York.

This is a list of 13 museums you might not know about. Some are quirky, some are important, some are fun, some are, how shall we say, "out there." But all are worthy of a visit from you soon!

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