If you look for tiny churches in the Roadside America app, you’ll find these miniature establishments in many forms, log cabins, teepees, and traditional chapels scattered across the country. I found several this way on a recent road trip from my home in Ohio to Oregon, but not this one. We passed this tiny church in Emigrant, Montana on our way to Yellowstone.
The Paradise Valley Chapel, an outreach of Bozeman Christian Reformed Church, is located a short drive from Yellowstone National Park. Situated in the parking lot of a gas station the sign outside simply says “Meditation Station”. I couldn’t resist a quick stop and my husband, who was driving, must have decided it was worthy of a closer look because he actually pulled the vehicle over without hesitation or much insistence from me.
The chapel, situated on U.S. Highway 89, was built in 1968 and has welcomed local residents as well as guests intent on visiting the national park for over 40 years. The small white wooden church with steeple is not the tiniest chapel I’ve seen in my travels but its small stature certainly piqued my curiosity.
My curiosity got the better of me and not content to admire the building solely from the outside, I turned the handle on the door and found the church open. Stepping inside the 10-by-14 foot sanctuary I found eight wooden seats facing a pulpit adorned with a simple wooden cross and open Bible. While the sides of the church hold stained glass windows, it’s the window behind the cross that offers the best view. Looking out on the mountains, it was hard to imagine a better location to pray, meditate and worship.
The church is open to visitors 24 hours a day and while I’m sure it’s been a place of refuge for weary travelers, it’s also been the location of more than one wedding.
You can find the tiny church in Emigrant along Highway 89, driving towards Gardiner, Montana.
This post is linked to Weekend Wanderlust.
Douglas Bethers says
I married a couple in this little chapel.
We drove all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah for this couple to get married in this chapel
What a beautiful area, Absolutely beautiful!!!
Tonya says
Wow! That was quite a drive. The view is gorgeous though and certainly a unique venue for the wedding. I hope that couple has many happy years together.
Connie Reed says
This is the smallest church I’ve ever seen. The view from the window is beautiful!
Nancie says
The view from that window is so gorgeous. I’ve been doing a lot of outdoor meditation this summer, and it is always easier with a nice view! Thanks for linking up, and welcome back! #TPThursday
[email protected](.net) says
Meditation Station – I love that! Seems like the world could use a few more of them, too. All the better when they’re this cute and have such a great view! Thanks for sharing! #WeekendWanderlust
Shobha says
I love that Roadside America app! you find the coolest things. This church looks so sweet set amidst that fabulous scenery. #weekendwanderlust
Tonya says
Yes, I use the Roadside America app every time I travel. I love to see where it leads me. 🙂
Paula Mcinerney says
I have been watching a show about tiny houses but this is the first tiny church. Nice one.
Tonya says
I love the tiny house movement and have told my husband on many occasions that would be my dream home. 🙂
Ruth - Tanama Tales says
So beautiful! I will have to download the app you mentioned to discover attractions like this. Last weekend I saw a small chapel in Yosemite. The scene of the chapel against the granite rock was amazing.
Tonya says
I use the app every single time we’re traveling. You never know what you’ll find. 🙂
budget jan says
Love the (altar) window. That would make it an easy meditation focus for me. Gorgeous!
Jackie Smith says
I love these tiny chapels and can’t resist them, either. This one is adorable – glad you stopped and glad you shared!
Muza-chan says
Beautiful…