Trinity Heights | Sioux City

Trinity Heights in Sioux City, Iowa, is a Catholic shrine and spiritual destination known for its towering religious statues, landscaped prayer gardens, and peaceful atmosphere that draws visitors from across the Midwest. Set on the city’s north side, it has become one of Sioux City’s most significant landmarks for faith, reflection, and pilgrimage.

Origins and Development

The site of Trinity Heights was originally home to Trinity College and High School, run by the Holy Trinity Fathers. After the institutions closed in the 20th century, the land was repurposed as a place of devotion.

In the 1990s, under the vision of Father Harold Cooper, the area was developed into a Catholic shrine with a focus on large-scale religious statuary and gardens.

It officially opened in 1993, and has continued to expand with new features and devotional spaces.

Key Features

Statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Standing at 30 feet tall, this iconic white statue is elevated on a mound, making it one of the largest depictions of Christ in the region. It symbolizes Christ’s love and presence and serves as the focal point of the grounds.

Statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Another monumental statue, also about 30 feet high, installed opposite the Sacred Heart, creating a sense of balance and harmony within the grounds.

Marian Center and Gift Shop: A building with a religious gift store, meeting spaces, and informational displays about the history of the shrine.

Prayer Gardens and Walkways: Landscaped grounds with flowerbeds, statues of saints, benches, and stations for prayer.

Life-size Carved Last Supper: A wooden sculpture replicating Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, carved by a Vietnamese artist, is a major attraction inside the Marian Center.

Outdoor Shrines: Dedicated to various saints and Marian devotions, including Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Lourdes.

Spiritual and Community Role

Trinity Heights functions as a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and reflection for Catholics and visitors of all backgrounds.

It hosts Masses, prayer services, and special religious events, especially during feast days and Marian celebrations.

The grounds provide a tranquil setting for meditation, with the statues and gardens encouraging contemplation.

Visitor Experience

The atmosphere is serene and reverent, offering a blend of monumental art and natural landscaping.

The open-air layout allows visitors to walk at their own pace, moving between statues, shrines, and prayer areas.

The gift shop provides devotional items, religious books, and mementos.

Seasonal changes bring unique beauty: spring flowers, summer greenery, autumn colors, and the stillness of winter snow all create different moods for reflection.

Cultural and Regional Significance

Trinity Heights is one of the Midwest’s most prominent Catholic shrines, symbolizing faith and devotion on a grand scale.

It is both a local treasure for Sioux City residents and a pilgrimage destination for Catholic communities from surrounding states.

Beyond its religious importance, it stands as an example of how faith, art, and landscape can combine to create a cultural landmark.

Trinity Heights is widely regarded as a peaceful haven overlooking Sioux City, where the towering Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart statues serve as enduring symbols of faith, hope, and reflection for all who visit.