Winding through 61.8 miles of western Ohio’s pastoral countryside, the Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches scenic byway reveals a landscape shaped by faith, farming, and deep-rooted community. This state-designated scenic route takes travelers past a remarkable collection of historic churches, their cross-topped steeples rising above rolling fields of corn and soybeans like beacons across the flatlands.

Built by German Catholic immigrants in the 19th century, these stunning churches feature painted interiors, soaring spires, and intricate stained glass that rival European cathedrals. Between stops, the byway passes through quiet villages, over gentle creeks, and alongside family farms where red barns and grain silos dot the horizon. Watch for roadside shrines and wayside crosses that mark the route like a pilgrimage trail through the heartland.

Several churches welcome visitors, and small-town diners along the way serve hearty Midwestern fare. The Maria Stein Heritage Museum offers deeper insight into the region’s religious heritage and houses one of the largest collections of relics in the United States.

Allow two to four hours to drive the full route with stops. Late spring through early fall offers the most rewarding experience, when wildflowers bloom and golden light illuminates the steeples against wide Ohio skies.

Explore Nearby

• Wolf Run State Park — State Park in Ohio
• Wingfoot Lake State Park — State Park in Ohio
• Wayne National Forest — National Forest in Ohio
• Bergstresser/Dietz Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Ohio
• Zeller-Smith Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Ohio