Religious Tourist Traps

You have got to love Christians with this whole selection of specialized tourist traps. Forget the traditional Lourdes--here you'll find a whole selection of alternative places to visit that look like a whole lot more fun. These ten destinations let you skip the pesky pilgrimage crowds and just pray hard.

Super-sized Saviors

These giant saviors are dotted around the world, like this 62-foot tall example in the U.S.

New Holy Land Tour

Found in Arkansas, this tour gives you the chance to interact with the all the biblical heroes, as played by local teenagers.

Biblical Miniature Golf

This biblical mini golf course revolves around statues of Jesus, Mary and, of course, crosses.

Real Life Ark

Richard Green built this ark, which is located in Maryland. After repeated visions of a giant ark on the side of a hill, he decided this was the voice of God instructing him to build a full size replica of Noah’s ark. He has now run out of cash, to which the ever-pious Richard says, "As God provides, we will build."

Cross Garden

The Cross Garden isn’t as bright and cheery as the other destinations. It serves as a caution about what awaits if you don’t find Jesus, using warning labels written on crosses. My personal favorites of these are, "Hell is hot, hot, hot," and the reminder that there is "No ice water in hell". Far from being a pilgrimage site, it now attracts art lovers who view it as a kind of messed-up art installation.

Holyland

Located in Orlando, Florida--the home of a few other popular theme parks--the Holyland Experience takes religious branding to a whole new level. After deciding that public execution is good wholesome family fun, you can be nailed to a cross, but only once you have finished eating your Goliath burger.

Christian Paintballing Center

Promised land paintball is where Christians can go to shoot other Christians with paintballs. Despite what you might think, anyone can play at the CPC, not just members of the Christian Paintballing Society.

Great Passion Play

It’s billed as ‘America’s #1 Attended Outdoor Drama’ apparently. As the play advertises, "You’ll be inspired as the story of the Man Who changed the world forever unfolds before your eyes."

Lego Church

Of course, if you want to play while you pray, don’t forget the brilliance that is the Lego Church.

Precious Moments Chapel

This brings to life all your favorite biblical stories, but be wary of the temptation to overdo it at the adjoining Precious Moments store, the world’s largest.