Here you will be able to see the information of people like you who know the products and services of Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption (Tourist Attraction) near Iowa.
Now the business receives a score of 4.8 stars out of 5 and the score has been calculated on 1057 reviews.
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This Tourist Attraction is classified in the category of Tourist attraction.
This is a beautiful attraction in Iowa. A priest made this grotto all by hand. It's made of thousands and thousands of gems, rocks and stones. You won't be disappointed if you go there. The grounds are beautiful. The picture of my son being silly is a huge throne. It was just huge just stunning. The one with my daughter and him was on the same throne. The grotto tells the story of Jesus's life. It's worth the drive and time.
Completely a hidden gem in Iowa. So beautiful, detailed, spiritual ... Literally amazing. Only had an hour to visit & wish I had more time. Definitely want to go back!
Really just a fun place to be with family and they have so neat things in there gift shop
This is a little hidden treasure in the center of Iowa that is just amazing to see. I've only seen it at night and it is beautiful!!! I have driven on highway 169 a thousand times and never took the 11 mile detour off the beaten path until about a year ago. I'm so glad that I finally did! And now I want to go back and visit in the summer and then maybe in the fall. I also want to visit their gift shop and get a little tour and history of the grounds. Definitely a place to be visited more than once!!!
This is a beautiful attraction in Iowa. A priest made this grotto all by hand. It's made of thousands and thousands of gems, rocks and stones. You won't be disappointed if you go there. The grounds are beautiful. The picture of my son being silly is a huge throne. It was just huge just stunning. The one with my daughter and him was on the same throne. The grotto tells the story of Jesus's life. It's worth the drive and time.
Beautiful and unique, we have never seen anything like the Grotto
Beautiful place. Worth the stop if you're in the area.
Was a amazing place very neat, would go there again
Absolutely amazing and stunning. The masterful work displays true love for the art of stone work.
Now I've lived all my life so far across from the Grotto, there is always something going on there. During the summertime you can enjoy one of the many tours of the Grotto lead by the helpful staff or you can explore on you're own in your free time. The Grotto is open to the public so do feel free to stop by. During the winter the upper area of the Grotto is typically blocked off for safety reasons, however don't let that get you down! Because during the winter you can enjoy some ice skating, for just around 10$ on average you can rent out some skates and enjoy yourself! You can spend all day looking at the Grotto with all the geological wonder it holds so don't be afraid to stop by and see a part of what makes West Bend a rock solid community! #accessible #mustsee #learn #culture
I loved visiting The Grotto. The two and a half hour drive was 110% worth it. I kept saying to myself and the teens someday. But yesterday I decided we were going to visit. I packed up the teens and took my camera gear and drove to The Grotto. I will always remember this experience. I took at least a hundred photographs and I feel like I could have taken a hundred more, and still not been a hundred present satisfied. I sure appreciate the education I had received from DMACC in the photography classes I had taken. Because I will now be available to remember the moments more clearly as I documented them like a journal of images seen to me!
Spend as much time as you want or take a tour, it's truly a sight!!!
Very beautiful and meaningful. The rock formations are really something to see. There is a nice playground for the kids and a nice gift shop.
I go here at least once every year just to relax. Its beautiful, peaceful and quiet. Good food at the cafe across the street too.
Utterly awe inspiring and amazing how much work went into building this grotto. An entire lifetime of dedication. It's a bit out of the way to get to, but worth a trip when you don't have anything else to do. It has a very religious background with lots of Christian murals and statues, but is absolutely just as interestimg for those who arent inclined to the religious side of it. Definitely the largest grotto I know of, and none other even come close to comparing. If you never go to any other grotto, make it this one! We spent an hour here easily with two of us, no tour, just wandering around admiring the work. There are lots of twisty pathways that go up and down to different levels. The highest point must have been a good 20 or 30 feet high!
Absolutely, incredibly beautiful! A true work of art that can be enjoyed and appreciated by almost any age!
The grotto is breathtaking
Went here 15 years ago. Still as awesome
Such an amazing place . Everything is hand made, all those stones are just perfect , and the best thing is that this place is open 24 hours
So many sights to see, unreal that theres no entrance fee. Happily donated, nowhere else in the world like it!
Beautiful ❤️ as always love it dark that is one of my husband wish on his bucket list
We love this place! Every time we come we see something we didn't see before! It's beautiful!
Beautiful, and this history is amazing. A must see!
AMAZING place! It's hard to believe someone actually built all this by hand. Walk-around and look at everything several times cuz you always find some detail(s) you missed during the previous walk-around. Definitely a must stop and see!
Completely a hidden gem in Iowa. So beautiful, detailed, spiritual ... Literally amazing. Only had an hour to visit & wish I had more time. Definitely want to go back!
It is AMAZING
Such a beautiful seren place to visit.
Visited 50 years ago as a kid. Enjoyed as much if not more this time around.
The place was beautiful and I would highly recommend that people go see it to find their peace in the Lord.
First time at Grotto. Very impressive and inspirational ; I will go back again to have another opportunity to appreciate all the art.
Magnificent Treasure for Iowa! I am always enthralled by the artistry of this Grotto. The perserverance and dedication the priest exhibited in creating it is hard to fathom. It is unfortunate that some vandalism has taken place but I suppose that is to be expected. I am the 3rd generation to visit it (quite often, too) and I pray that one day my grandchildren can experience "The Grotto".
A very SPECIAL place indeed!! Fr. Doberstein had a beautiful vision when he started to build the grottos. It continues to evolve every year. Largest collection of rare and precious gemstones collected from all over the world and are used in the building. It will truly give you a spiritual experience, whether you are Catholic or not!! Such a beautiful wonder!! Worth the time to wander the grounds or take in a guided tour!!! BREATHTAKING!!!
Amazing architecture, designed over many years. Lots of time and love put into building it.
Beautiful and so unique place.
Amazing Shrine in West Bend, Iowa. Pretty town and welcoming. Stones built in shrine from all over the world. Great story told here of the dedication of the parish priests. 2 hours appox. and also visit the church.
This isn't the type of place you would usually find on my vacation itinerary...but it was so beautiful, I couldn't help but to add it. When we arrived, it did not disappoint! The pictures don't even do it justice. It is stunning!
Love this place , I like to visit every year if I can
Awe inspiring. An emotional and spiritual experience to be treasured. Make sure to leave extra time.
Beautifully carved stones and amazing display of art. Grotto was beaming with light from the sun. Colourful rocks gave it a more unique look. I really enjoyed touring the grotto and loved the entire area surrounding it. Its serene and beautiful.
Definatly worth a visit if your in the area. It's amazing this was all done by hand. What dedication this must have took.
Absolutely beautiful. Words cannot describe.
West Bend Grotto, Beautiful tourest place to go.full of gemstones and stones from all over the world.set up in 9 different Grottos portraying a scene in the life of Christ.
An amazing place that even some Iowans don't even know exist. Often called the 8th wondervof the world.
The history beautiful and the work that it took to build
Family goes camping here every year!
Amazing! A hidden jewel. Nice gift shop.
Its beautiful, nice people!
Take the tour! It's so informative!
As of today (8/20/19) i guess they stopped lighting the grotto at night?!? Everything was pitch black/dark. Drove past it the first time at 1030pm. Not a soul around except me. Called earlier in the day but they just forward everything to voicemail. Had to drive an extra 60 miles to find lodging so I could return at daylight. THIS IS NOT LIT UP AT NIGHT. ONLY GO DURING OPERATING HOURS. NOT 24 hours
Great,intend to visit again
Absolutely Wonderful! Second visit. If not on your Bucket List..... I suggest you put it on!!
I was here as a kid and only have the memory of another boring place. 50 years later I’m blown away by the beauty of the site, the years it took to construct and the community that maintains it. The grotto has 8 smaller grottos inside it. Each loaded with crystals, colorful tiles and rock and various religious structures. It was started in 1912 by the local priest and over 100 years later is still stunning. If you have the chance to go next door to the Christmas chapel, do so. You’ll feel a touch of Rome with the stunning windows made from crystals, the Christmas chapel and the churches tribute to Jesus and Mary at the front.
I must see. Well worth the trip.
Absolutely amazing what has gone into making this
Beautiful and spiritual! It's worth the drive, and a wonderful place to see with your family❤
Labor of LOVE. It was very inspiring experience. The entire history of LOVE and PEACE in one spectacular display.
This place was super cool and not at all what I expected. My wife and I really enjoy exploring on drives and finding random locations. I typed in "roadside attraction" one day and this came up. I glanced at a couple photos and stopped because I knew this place deserved to be a surprise. We are not religious and I didn't realize it was until we got there, but holy cow is it cool. I can't even imagine all the work that went into it. Reminds me a little bit of a New Orleans cemetery. Super facinating and really beautiful, a little weird and also unreal. 10/10 you should totally check it out and do so without look at too many photos. Be surprised. They don't do it justice anyway.
Serenity in an out of the way place
Some call the grotto the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Others call it the “Miracle in Stone.” When I saw the grotto, I was in awe! It was very beautiful! It is made of rocks, gemstones, corals, etc. from all over the world. Photos do not do justice to this most incredible creation of a priest who kept a promise he made to the Blessed Virgin, that is to build a shrine as a thank you for his miraculous recovery from pneumonia. Each grotto was artfully and beautifully designed. From a distance it looks a little rough, like a pile of rocks. Go closer and it is truly unbelievable. Architecture is unusual and made from geologic remnants from all 50 states. Truly unique that you will not see anywhere else.
Worth the drive to see this. Beautifully constructed, interesting museum and nice park all in one place. Not much around town to take in, so pack snacks/lunch.
While planning a road trip across the states I found this place on google and added it to my campground list. What amazing surprise the grotto was! So amazing that we spent two nights! This is an unknown hidden gem both literally and physically! Thousands of gems and shells make up this most Holy grotto. If you go, take time to sit still and truly think about the the hours and Godly devotion that went into its creation.
Its a beatiful place to visit with your trip to Iowa
What an incredible and stunning place. Do get the guided tour, you will learn an incredible amount!
My parents brought me here when I was a child. I have returned ed as an adult and it is as awesome as I remembered it!!
In real is more beautiful than on the pictures.
Absolutely breath taking. Hubby and I visited for our mini honeymoon and I loved it! Cant wait to take our boys and show them.
Amazing!! is the only word that comes to mind!
Very Beautiful church and very solemn. I want to come back again and attend the Sunday Mass.
Absolutely amazing! Gorgeous and moving.
The Grotto is an amazing beautiful place... my grand daughter age 7 was as amazed with the stones as I was .. its for all ages.. The church itself is so beautiful.. we had an absolute amazing time... if ever have a chance to go see its beautiful.. and to think one did all.. thank you very much to the Grotto employees for a wonderful and amazing experience..
It is a historical site
Second time here in 40 years. Love going back to it. Great place to see.
Hadn't been there in 40 years & took son, who now is the age I was back then. Amazing as I thought it was my first visit!
Incredible labor of love by Catholic Father Doberstein honoring the life of Christ. Incredible collection of precious and semiprecious stones, shells and petrified rocks set in concrete. The settings and all of the statues are just incredible to view. The church is also open to visit with a magnificent manger scene inside. There is a gift shop on site that offers information regarding the grotto and other religious offerings.
Awesome place was very impressed:-)
Great place to reconnect with God beautiful church and rocks kept up well
One of the most awesomly beautiful experiences you could ever have
Very interesting. Take the tour and learn the history
Been there numerous times over the years, such a beautiful place! Very well taken care of!
We have been to the Grotto a couple times. Very interesting and a nice drive from Altoona across Iowa. Good destination stop for short trips.
Very neat to see, well worth the drive from Minnesota
BEAUTIFUL, BREATHTAKING, MAGNIFICENT
For my son who loves rocks this was an interesting place to take him and the whole family.
This place was super cool and not at all what I expected. My wife and I really enjoy exploring on drives and finding random locations. I typed in "roadside attraction" one day and this came up. I glanced at a couple photos and stopped because I knew this place deserved to be a surprise. We are not religious and I didn't realize it was until we got there, but holy cow is it cool. I can't even imagine all the work that went into it. Reminds me a little bit of a New Orleans cemetery. Super facinating and really beautiful, a little weird and also unreal. 10/10 you should totally check it out and do so without look at too many photos. Be surprised. They don't do it justice anyway.
Amazing experience ! All should see this at least once.
All I could think of was “Where did all the stones come from?” Crystals, quartz, stalagmites, geodes, and petrified wood. Thousands removed from their natural places for this. Nature is suppose to be revered. All I could feel was bad energy.
Beautiful! Must see in person!
This monument to the Lord is breath taking!! Glad we went!!
If you're into weird little religious monuments, this is your place. The Grotto ended up being larger and more impressive than I initially thought it would be. Also, a lot less of a cheesy tourist trap and more of a touching example of a man's religious devotion. I highly recommend the tour, it's informative and doesn't stray too religious. There is some religious talk because this is an actual shrine recognized by the Vatican. The only downside is that it's pretty far out of the way from any major highways. But for me it was 100% worth the trip.
Wonderful place to see. Definitely worth the drive to go. No way for a photo to give it justice.
The story of Jesus shown in a Beautiful creation of artwork.
Well worth the visit. It's donation-only. Tours run a few times throughout the day. The tour was about 50 minutes long. I recommend the tour as you get so much extra information about each individual scene and how it was made that you wouldn't get walking through on your own. However, some kids might be bored by it. Our 9 year-old and 8 year-old did fine, but it didn't hold our 6 year-old's attention. There is a pond with swans next to it, along with a grassy area with picnic tables and small play area for younger kids. They are lots of nice trees for shade to be able to have a picnic. There is also a small museum, gift shop, gem house and you can see the Christmas scene inside the church right next door. As far as time spent, I'd say plan about 2 hours total, especially if you're doing the tour.
This is one of my favorite places. It is Holy Ground. What a love for God within these caves. I cried several places and had to stop to pray. What a testament to a life lived to serve our loving Father. I have been twice and will go again!
I never seen anything like that in my life. Such a huge work they did for making this castle from stones. They shining in the night and I’m sure at day time as well on the sun. All the scenes from Bible was very detailed and wow, I’m glad we got a chance to see this driving through in Iowa on a road trip. This place worth to visit even if you not religious just to see how beautiful it is for experience. I Recommend this place for everyone.
I'm not what you would call an especially religious individual, but after visiting this site and seeing all the time and effort that went into building this, I am very impressed. Went on the tour and it helped me to see what a splendid hand made creation I never knew existed for so long. As others have said, pictures do not do this place any justification. You must see this in person to fully understand its beauty.
Very interesting place
Awesome place to visit! It's definitely a must see.
Amazing work of art.
Mind blowing place
Such a peaceful and wonderful local attraction. Took my children when they were small and it was great to take my granddaughter there!
Haven't been there yet, but sure I will love it
Prepare to be amazed..... even when you go back on your fourth visit.
Great place to visit if your in the area. I got some neat pictures.
A very solemn place... a good place to meditate
Well worth the visit. It's donation-only. Tours run a few times throughout the day. The tour was about 50 minutes long. I recommend the tour as you get so much extra information about each individual scene and how it was made that you wouldn't get walking through on your own. However, some kids might be bored by it. Our 9 year-old and 8 year-old did fine, but it didn't hold our 6 year-old's attention. There is a pond with swans next to it, along with a grassy area with picnic tables and small play area for younger kids. They are lots of nice trees for shade to be able to have a picnic. There is also a small museum, gift shop, gem house and you can see the Christmas scene inside the church right next door. As far as time spent, I'd say plan about 2 hours total, especially if you're doing the tour.
Most beautiful place in the state of Iowa.
I finally went there last week. I took my youngest son with me. Very long drive from Maquoketa. It is very beautiful and glad I got to see it. I would go back if someone else drove. We really should have found a hotel.
Amazing and inspirational, very moving. Admission is free.
Very great historical site. It was worth driving an hour away from our route.
Nice seeing all the rocks build into the shrine. Beautiful.
This is one of my favorite places. It is Holy Ground. What a love for God within these caves. I cried several places and had to stop to pray. What a testament to a life lived to serve our loving Father. I have been twice and will go again!
The name is Hawk now . Our 3rd wedding anniversary. It is very awesome place to visit & we met so many people from all over USA. A visit we will never forget. God blesses everyone who visits this Shrine of our Savior Christ Jesus.
I never seen anything like that in my life. Such a huge work they did for making this castle from stones. They shining in the night and I’m sure at day time as well on the sun. All the scenes from Bible was very detailed and wow, I’m glad we got a chance to see this driving through in Iowa on a road trip. This place worth to visit even if you not religious just to see how beautiful it is for experience. I Recommend this place for everyone.
Absolutely amazing! When I first drove into the entrance, all I could say was "Wow!". Even if you're not the most religious person in the world, you cannot help but admire the time and effort Father Dobberstein and later Father Greving put into the grotto as a symbol of their faith. This is a must see!
This place is stunning!! There are no words to describe it.
The most beautiful place..
One of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in my life. Was well worth the trip. A great experience for me and my daughter. It’ll always be one of my most cherished memories.
Fascinating! Bigger than I thought. Rather amazing.
Absolutely incredible. Worth the detour off I35 to the road less traveled
It is a good place for everyone to go to see it
Such a beautiful place with a great tour and wonderful explanation of the history of the Grotto
Beautiful. If you haven't seen it I recommend it.
This is a must see if you are anywhere close. The history of how it was built is astounding. The work to build it by hand, more than 40 years!
Grew up going to this beautiful place!
Amazing work completed over many years. Megan your guide was amazing. All of your is handicap accessible. Wheelchair available to borrow if needed.
Beautiful place. Worth the 4 and half hour drive. Will be going again to take my mother in law. Hopefully it will be warm enough that they will have the pools and fountains going during my next visit. I also want to check out the church. It is said to be very beautiful inside.
Such a beautiful place. I went with my mom it was the first time for both of us and a great way to spend the day together. So much detail. We can't wait to go back
A odd but, beautiful place to visit in iowa.
I'm not what you would call an especially religious individual, but after visiting this site and seeing all the time and effort that went into building this, I am very impressed. Went on the tour and it helped me to see what a splendid hand made creation I never knew existed for so long. As others have said, pictures do not do this place any justification. You must see this in person to fully understand its beauty.
Worth a trip to West Bend to see. Open 24 hours with gift shop open during regular hours.
I very nice interesting to see how you can make rocks into beauty
This is fantastic amount of different rocks around the world made into a shrine to the life of Jesus. Religious or not it's a great geologists showcase. There is easy parking for large RVs and can be seen easily any time of day or week. The docent was knowledgeable and remembered all the states we came from and showed us our state rock.
Good place to see. Spending a couple of hours here would be great for any one, tells a great story about Jesus Christ, and made up of alot of beautiful rocks.
A really interesting place to visit. A must see for any Catholic or religious or non-religious people.
A hidden Masterpiece! Take the time to include this stop on your way through IA. You will want at least half a day to enjoy the intricate crevices and coves of this handmade, inspiring, stony marvel. It took a lifetime to create the mosaic images from collected stones, and those who are aware will sense the devotion of its creator Fr. Dobberstein.
Amazing and each small shrine is beautifully crafted.
Beautiful place to visit. Plan to eat somewhere else though, no place in the area to eat, unless you like gas station food!
Whether or not one is Catholic, this man-made Grotto has to be seen in order to be believed. Be sure to allow time to take the formal tour offered.
This was such a cool place. Don’t forget the Christmas Chapel in the church...
The most incredible piece of art work/sculpture I have ever experienced. And then to include the Stations of the Cross in the project. Wow!!
Very cool place
It was pretty awesome for what it is. It makes me wonder how many natural wonders were scavenged or worse to make it. The natural world is the best tribute to a supreme being.
Great place to visit. Great history & fabulous rock art!
I have wanted to go here since I was in junior high. It was more breath-taking then I could have imagined!! Why did I wait so long?!? Totally worth the trip!
Such a surreal and humbling place to reflect. Amazing. Families should make this a must take trip..
Truly amazing.
Amazing! Miraculous!! Must be seen in person to truly appreciate this masterpiece!!!
This place is simply amazing. Its peaceful, it brings a calm to your soul. I WILL go here again. Its so beautiful. ❤❤❤❤❤
This place is so unique and undesirable, you have to come and experience it if you haven't, or if your like me and it's been years since your last visit. Theres nothing else like it.
It's an amazing structure! It's built out of stones, shells, petrified woods and different kinds of stones not found within the area. Must have taken years to build! It's one of a kind and it's beautiful!
This is fantastic amount of different rocks around the world made into a shrine to the life of Jesus. Religious or not it's a great geologists showcase. There is easy parking for large RVs and can be seen easily any time of day or week. The docent was knowledgeable and remembered all the states we came from and showed us our state rock.
First time my Grandchildren saw it. They loved it.
It was amazing! The site, the history, the quant little town. The entire experience.
An odd but fascinating stop. There is nothing else in this part of the state so don't plan on a long visit.
Very beautiful place to visit
A jewel unlike anywhere else .what a testament to a vision and Gods helping hand.
Breath taking a must see
Take a look inside the Church next to it too, all of it is really awesome
Very beautiful and peaceful place. You can spend an entire day soaking in the spiritual beauty of this place. Highly recommend. Would visit again.
Amazing and Stone and petrified wood display.
Spellbinding christian shrine. Have taken grand kids several times. Worth the 2 1/2 hour drive. Awesome.
Pretty place to visit
Love the Grotto! I've been visiting since I was real young and have always loved everything about it, the scenery the folk who pass by and just the all around aura. My boyfriend and I used to climb to the very top and play mario kart together. Interesting times indeed!
This place is AMAZING. It is definitely a must see if you think anything of Christianity. It still is even if you don't.
Very very interesting and fascinating.
Always a special place to visit. So many beautiful things to look at.
Been there three times over the years, never get tired of the beauty and labor of love
Wow, nice peaceful place to visit.