Elbe Kirche National Historic Site

Also known as "The Little White Church of Elbe," this tiny structure has been a home to Lutherans in the Elbe vicinity since 1906. The town was named for Elbe River Valley near Hamburg, the birthplace of Martin Luther, and the church proudly bears this name as well ("kirche" is German for church). At less than 500 square feet, this church was actually designed by the towns pastor and built by the townspeople themselves; even the cross on the steeple was locally made. A true testament to community, Elbe Kirche is still commonly used for services and weddings in-season, March through November. Stop by for a visit during services and you may even get the chance to hear the original bellows organ. Even if you can't make a service, however, the church makes for a charming stop. There's no denying the idyllic qualities of a small white church set into a broad green valley, and the structure itself is elegantly proportioned, so this humble little building is very photogenic.