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West Bend, Iowa: Grotto of the Redemption

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Address:
300 N. Broadway Ave., West Bend, IA
Directions:
I-35 to Hwy 20, west to Hwy 169, north to Hwy B63, west to West Bend. On the north edge of town, two blocks west of Hwy 15.
Hours:
Daily guided tours May, Sep, Oct hourly 10-4, Jun-Aug hourly 10-5. Lit until 10:30 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
515-887-2371
Admission:
Donation
RA Rates:
The Best
Save to My Sights

Grotto of the Redemption.

Grotto of the Redemption

A massive, mineral-rich religious grotto, built by Father Paul Dobberstein from 1912 until his death in 1954.

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [03/29/2009]
West Bend, Iowa - The Last Temptation Of A Souvenir
Grotto of the Redemption:

Tourist attraction museums devoted to the history of tourist attractions. Agony or Ecstasy?

[03/29/2009] Complete Story...

Visitor Tips and News About Grotto of the Redemption

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Grotto.

Grotto of the Redemption

The town itself feels like you've gone back in time. It was a very peaceful, meditative visit for me, even as someone who isn't particularly religious. The colors and construction of this place are incredible. Don't forget to check out the church next door if visiting during daytime hours; there's a small gemstone monument inside and lovely stained glass.

[Jamie Skinner, 02/03/2015]
Grotto of the Redemption

Very nice, visited during the off season and even though there weren't many people around we were able to self tour throughout the Grotto and a little museum dedicated to it and the creators.

The area does not have much for a night life; trying to find food after 8pm within twenty miles was tough.

[Valerie, 04/09/2010]
Grotto of the Redemption

I lived in Iowa for 16 years and always have been fascinated by this elaborate shrine built of rocks, minerals and shells by a German immigrant priest during his time in this small Iowa town from 1912 until his death in 1954. I'm not specifically religious, but it's difficult not to be affected by his devotion and the scope of his vision (comprised of nine individual grottos and caves on multiple levels, it fills almost an entire city block).

[Bill Pierce, 08/17/2005]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Freedom RockFreedom Rock, Whittemore, IA - 7 mi.
Big Mallard DuckBig Mallard Duck, Mallard, IA - 12 mi.
Scrap Metal African AnimalsScrap Metal African Animals, Emmetsburg, IA - 15 mi.
In the region:
Jolly Green Giant, Blue Earth, MN - 51 mi.

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