A towering steel cross rises 190 feet above the flat Texas Panhandle, standing so tall that travelers can spot it from miles away along Interstate 40. It’s the kind of roadside landmark that makes you slow down, look twice, and wonder what else might be waiting nearby.
The story began with Steve Thomas, a Texas man who wanted to create a powerful symbol of faith that passing drivers couldn’t miss. His vision became reality in the 1990s, when the massive cross was erected near the small town of Groom. Decades later, it remains one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks.
But there’s much more here than an enormous cross. Life-size sculptures depict the Stations of the Cross, while a replica of Jesus’ empty tomb and a striking Last Supper display bring familiar biblical scenes to life. A gift shop and peaceful spaces for reflection add to the experience.
I love how an ordinary highway stop can turn into something unexpectedly memorable. Whether you’re drawn by the towering structure, the detailed artwork, or the quiet atmosphere, this unusual Texas destination offers plenty of reasons to stay longer than you originally planned.
You Will Spot This Giant Long Before Your GPS Mentions It
Steel and sky do most of the talking here. The Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries centers on a cross that rises 190 feet over the flat Panhandle land.
That height is no typo. It’s taller than many grain elevators, so it pops up on the horizon well before your exit arrives.
Drivers on Interstate 40 can see it for miles in either direction. The open plains help, since few hills or trees block the view.
Steve Thomas, a local man with a big idea, wanted a symbol travelers could not miss. He wanted every passing car to see a message of faith along the road.
Mission accomplished, honestly. The white structure looks almost unreal against a bright Texas sky, especially on clear days.
Photos help, but they shrink it. Standing at the base and tilting your head way back gives you a better sense of the scale.
Bring a wide-angle lens or step back across the lot for a full shot. Your phone may struggle to fit the whole thing in one frame, which is kind of the point.
Fourteen Stops Turn a Leg Stretch Into a Story
Walking a full circle around the base takes you through one of the most famous stories ever told. Life-size statues show the Stations of the Cross, from Jesus being condemned to his burial.
Each scene sits along a path that loops the cross. You move from station to station at your own pace, which suits both quick stops and slow visits.
Fourteen scenes might sound like a lot. Yet the path stays easy to follow, and each statue group has room to pause.
The sculptures carry plenty of detail in faces and poses. Even folks who are not religious often find the craftsmanship worth a close look.
Families can turn the walk into a teaching moment. Kids tend to ask questions at each stop, so be ready with a few answers.
The heaviest scenes appear near the end. Seeing the crucifixion at full size hits differently than a picture in a book.
Give yourself time here and skip the rush. A slow lap lets each station land before you move to the next one.
Peek Inside a Tomb That Looks Ready for Easter Morning
Ever wondered what a first-century tomb might have looked like? The grounds include a replica of the empty tomb, set just off to the side of the main circle.
The rolled stone and small cave shape make it easy to picture the Easter story. It’s one of the spots that turns reading into seeing.
Kids usually love this part. A little cave to peek into beats almost anything else on a long car trip.
Adults get something too. The empty space inside carries the hopeful ending to the story told by the statues around the cross.
Placement matters here. After walking the stations, the tomb feels like the final page of the chapter.
Bring a camera, though maybe be patient. Other travelers often want the same photo, and the entrance is not huge.
Take a quiet moment before heading back. It’s a small corner of the property, but it might stick with you longest.
Pull Up a Mental Chair at the Last Supper
Thirteen figures gather around one long table in another striking display. Statues of Jesus and his disciples recreate the Last Supper at full size.
Most people know this scene from paintings. Seeing it in three dimensions gives the moment a whole new weight.
Walk around the table slowly. Each disciple has his own pose, which makes the scene feel like a frozen conversation.
Faith and art meet nicely in this spot. You can admire the sculpting even if you came mostly for the road-trip photo.
Here’s a fun way to engage kids. Ask them to guess which disciple is which, then talk through the story together.
The display sits outdoors on the grounds of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries. That means Panhandle weather plays a role, so check the forecast before planning a long stay.
Wind can be strong in this part of Texas. A jacket in cooler months is a smart move.
A Famous Cloth Gets Its Own Little Building
History buffs, this one is for you. A small building on the property displays a large replica of the Shroud of Turin.
The original cloth is kept in Italy and has puzzled scientists for decades. Many believe it bears the image of Jesus, which makes it one of the most debated objects anywhere.
Seeing a full-size copy helps you grasp the details. Photos online rarely show how long the cloth really is.
A quick heads-up for planning. The display building may close during bad weather, though you can sometimes look in through the windows.
That small catch is worth knowing ahead of time. If the shroud is a must for you, aim for a calm, clear day.
Curious minds might want to read up beforehand. A little background makes the replica far more interesting.
It’s a quieter part of the visit. Still, it adds a layer of mystery you won’t find at most highway stops.
Mary and a Waterfall Make the Calmest Corner Around
Moving water in the dry Panhandle feels like a small gift. A statue of Mary stands near a waterfall on the grounds.
The soft sound offers a break from the hum of the interstate. Many travelers use this spot for prayer or simple quiet time.
Not everything here is huge. Sometimes the smaller details balance the giant cross nicely.
Find a spot and breathe for a minute. Long drives wear people down, and this corner seems built for a reset.
Photographers will like the mix of stone and water. Morning or late-afternoon light tends to flatter the scene.
Respect goes a long way here. Others may be praying, so keep voices low and phones on silent.
Faith or not, the calm is real. Plenty of road-trippers leave this corner moving a little slower than when they arrived.
Your Souvenir Shelf Is About to Get Crowded
Good news for shoppers: the gift shop is big. It ranks among the most talked-about features of the whole stop.
Shelves hold Christian books, wall decor, crosses, and holiday ornaments. Nativity sets also show up, which makes it handy for early Christmas shopping.
Gifts for grandparents get easy here. So do keepsakes for friends who couldn’t join the trip.
Route 66 fans should take note too. Collectors working on a Route 66 coin album can look for a coin to add.
The shop helps support the ministry. Admission to the grounds is free, and donations are welcome but never required.
The outdoor grounds are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while the gift shop and indoor facilities have separate hours that visitors should confirm before arriving.
Budget a little time for browsing. Five minutes rarely ends up being five minutes once you spot the ornament wall.
Big Rigs, RVs, and Minivans All Fit Just Fine
Truckers have long favored this stop, and the reason is simple. The lot offers plenty of room for big trucks.
That space makes life easier for RVs and trailers too. No one has to circle the block hunting for a spot.
Finding it is a breeze. The ministry sits at 112 I-40, Groom, TX 79039, right along the interstate.
Groom is a small town east of Amarillo. That makes the cross an easy break on a long Interstate 40 run across Texas.
Clean restrooms add another reason to stop. Anyone who has driven the Panhandle knows how much that matters.
Free entry keeps it simple for families. You can stretch your legs, see the grounds, and get back on the road without opening your wallet.
The Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries welcomes travelers of all kinds. That open door is part of what Steve Thomas hoped to build.
Stay Nearby Long Enough to Find the Leaning Water Tower
Groom has another landmark that loves attention. A purposely tilted water tower leans just down the road, and it looks like it’s mid-fall.
Don’t worry, it’s meant to look that way. The tower became a Route 66 photo favorite and pairs nicely with a visit to the cross.
Route 66 history runs all through this area. The old Mother Road shaped many small towns across the Texas Panhandle.
Amarillo sits roughly 40 miles to the west. There you’ll find more food, lodging, and classic road-trip attractions.
Planning a loop makes the day richer. Start at the cross, swing past the leaning tower, then continue toward Amarillo.
Steve Thomas built far more than a tall steel landmark. The Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries became a place where truckers, families, and curious drivers all pause together.
That might be the real story here. One man’s idea turned a stretch of highway into a spot people remember long after they drive away.
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