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Are you thinking about visiting the Precious Moments Chapel with kids?
Do!
We truly love to save our money for Amazing Family Vacations, so when we found out that the Precious Moments Chapel was free and only within an hour’s drive from us, we made it a priority to get there!
We ventured to the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri to enjoy the beautiful artwork of Sam Butcher.
But it was so much more than that!
The Precious Moments Chapel is a full experience that includes the chapel as the highlight, but there are also multiple attractions besides the chapel that everyone (young and old) truly enjoyed.
1. The Village
As you first enter the chapel, you are whisked away to Europe for a stroll through a quaint replica of a European village, with life-sized Precious Moments characters in action.
The area also includes a waterfall cascading over a rock wall into a stream and bistro seating for the attached restaurant that is open during summer and Christmas.
The village was a big hit with the little kids and really created a great feeling right from the beginning, as we were whisked out of Missouri and into a wonderland.
2. The Grounds
Next, as we followed the signs toward the chapel, we were led to the beautiful grounds outside.
There was a path lined with trumpeting Precious Moments angel sculptures that leads to the chapel.
Fountains and other various sculptures fill the gorgeous gardens and grounds of the entire area and I am sure that each one has its own special story and meaning.
The grounds include rolling hills, thick woods, and a river where Sam Butcher built an island and a small castle for his grandchildren to imagine and play.
The best time to visit Precious Moments Chapel for the grounds would be in the summer for the gardens or at Christmas for the light displays. Just keep in mind that both times could be quite busy.
4. The Tour
Every year since opening in 1989, the Precious Moments Chapel has offered free tours to thousands of visitors that walk you through the chapel and discuss the artwork of Sam Butcher.
Taking the tour should definitely be part of your visit, as the guide explains many details of the artwork as well as the processes that have taken place in creating this gorgeous chapel.
The frequency of the tours varies on the season. Check their website for further details.
3. The Chapel
Inside the Precious Moments Chapel, the art of Sam Butcher beautifully depicts his interpretation of Bible stories using Precious Moments characters.
The feeling inside the chapel was solemn and pure and even the children could sense that this was a very majestic and special place.
Nothing is missed in the details of the chapel. There are 30 stained glass windows, hand-carved wooden doors, bronze-carved panels and of course, the 85 hand-painted murals covering the walls, ceiling and hallways of the chapel.
5. The Gift Shop
Our last stop was the world’s largest Precious Moments gift shop. The store is located adjacent to the European Village and has everything from figurines, dolls, home decor, and special occasion memorabilia.
The gift shop has exclusive figurines to this chapel location, plus a few archived pieces as well.
Our kids picked out Precious Moments stuffed animals (thanks to grandma and grandpa). Ryker got a stuffed tiger and named it “Ti-Ti” and Amity chose a stuffed unicorn and named it “Sparkle.”
If you are visiting nearby Branson, Missouri or looking for road trip ideas, the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri is a fun stop and can be as quick or as long as your family needs.
We sure loved the Precious Moments Chapel and will be back to visit during the Christmas season!
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