grotto of the redemption

Simply amazing... The life-long work of a Catholic priest, the grotto is definitely worth visiting. Walking through the attraction is free and donations are gladly accepted. There is a guided tour which explains the various areas and architecture of the grotto. We went on the tour, but walked around on our own afterwards. Even if you're not religious, the grotto is an excellent attraction if in the West Bend area.

It's a spectacular example of what someone with a passion can do.They have tours, but I found it nice to just wander around, as you are able to obtain viewpoints (and pictures) that others might get in the way of.I haven't been there for 40 years and it's nice to see that it's well maintained and cared for by the helpful staff.There is a museum there as well that is worthwhile seeing. Showing off some of the rocks and tools that helped build this along with pictures and other historical items.It's recommended to leave a donation.

We came here during the first snowstorm of the season and had the place to ourselves. During the summer there's a museum, cafe, and restrooms that are open. The gift shop was open and there were restrooms there. No admission fee but freewill donations are accepted. This is the largest man made grotto in the world and depicts scenes of Jesus' life as well as the stations of the cross. It is made of rocks,gemstones, corals, etc. from all over the world. It is beautiful and peaceful to walk through and the eleven year old thought it was "awesome" and was glad we brought her.

We drove 60 miles off our route to visit Grotto of the Redemption and are so glad we did. Admission is free, but donations are requested. Photos do not do justice to this most incredible and reverent creation of a priest who kept a promise he made to the Blessed Virgin, to build a shrine in thanks for his miraculous recovery from pneumonia. He began work in 1912 and continued until his passing in 1954. This is the world's largest grotto and we were overwhelmed by the variety and beauty of semi-precious stones used. Each grotto was artfully and beautifully designed by the priest, an amazing accomplishment and one that today still provides for visitors a real feeling of closeness to God. The marble statuary throughout the grotto is outstanding. If you visit off-season when tours are not conducted, be sure to pick up a Walking Tour brochure in the free museum located on the property. Stop by the gift shop across the street and find many reasonably priced, lovely items to remind you of your visit. In season there's a nice looking cafe and even a campground within walking distance. If you're traveling on I-35 between Minneapolis and Des Moines, this is well worth a detour. Exit at Clear Lake and head west on US 18 for about an hour.

A priests 's life work as a geologic shrine in a very out of the way place in Iowa, not much information in writing so the tour is a must(free but donation requested). Tour on 30 minute intervals and no reservation needed. Architecture is unusual and made from geologic remnants from all 50 states. You won't see anything like it anywhere else. Not much else in community

It was a bit out of the way for us but we were really glad we took the time to see this. This is a series of 9 grottos made out of stone from all over the world. We were amazed at how many different rocks there were and how many we'd never seen before. It's a peaceful thought provoking place. 3 men accomplished this work...it's so very hard to describe. There are many of the grottos depicting the life of Christ...just beautiful. There are beautiful statues of angels, Christ, Mary, etc., made from Marble and imported from Italy.

Definitely worth a visit to West Bend to see the Grotto of Redemption. Very unusual and amazing the amount if manual labor to build the grotto.

The grotto is a peaceful,inspiring place,a must for a visit if you are in Iowa sometime.I had never heard of it before,but was so glad that I went.

Our expectations were far exceeded by how elaborate and interesting this attraction is. I've never seen anything like it. Really worthwhile stop. Make sure to check out the museum, especially the exhibit about the bears.

The tour guide was knowledgeable and very friendly. Answered any questions we had. The Grotto was very impressive as was the area church.

Still as wonderful as I remember it from years ago. This was my husband's first time there and he was amazed!

We had an amazing time in West Bend. There is tent camping right in front of the Grotto and a RV camping park just to the West of the Grotto at VERY reasonable rates. We had the tent camping to ourselves, enjoyed a full moon and a peaceful and private visit to the Grotto. The dedication and vision that Father Dobberstien had is just astounding. I recommend going into the down town business strip, just a 5 min walk south. The Wheel House had the best Pork Tenderloin I have had in years and great cheese balls. There are great stores as well as a coffee shop/ice cream place. My husband had to drag me out of a store that had kitchen, toys, and dining goods. What a great trip!

Amazing , great work of art putting all the stones together depicting the life of Christ ! Worth the drive and afternoon to walk the grounds of the grotto!!

What a great place, and such a hidden gem--classic Americana in that cool places like this exist in small towns all over the country.A quick web search will provide history of the Grotto and should peak your interest enough to want to visit. Note that it is free, there is ample parking and clean rest rooms, and although the religious theme may not be for everyone, it is a stunning accomplishment.Don't overlook the adjacent free museum, and spend a few minutes scanning the old newspaper stories, and Grotto related articles they have in there.We covered it all in about an hour, and while there were other visitors, there were no lines or crowds. If you ever find yourself in Iowa, put this place on your must-visit list.

I was a little leary when my in-laws mentioned seeing The Grotto but I'm so glad I went. Amazing doesn't do it justice. We took the tour and the perseverance of the priest and the work he put into the Grotto is unbelievable. It is definitely not to be missed.