Some of the most incredible things are hiding in the Hawkeye State! You’ve probably visited some of our famous roadside attractions. Did you know that the world’s largest grotto is located in a small town along the border of Kossuth and Palo Alto counties? It is considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World, and you will be amazed by its splendor.
The world’s largest shrine, known as the Grotto of the Redemption, is located in West Bend, Iowa.
Flickr / Carl Wycoff The stunning shrine is a Catholic creation, and the collection of nine grottos depict scenes in the life of Jesus. In 1897, a newly ordained German immigrant, Father Paul Dobberstein promised to build a shrine to the Virgin Mary if he recovered from a terrible case of pneumonia. Dobberstein survived, and construction of the Grotto of the Redemption began in 1912. For 42 years, the Grotto was continuously built until it became the massive shrine that it is today. Even now, additions are created by those looking to expand this gorgeous, breathtaking grotto.
Over 100,000 people flock to the Grotto every year, making it one of the most popular single destinations in Iowa.
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
The incredible collection of minerals, fossils, shells, and petrifications used to make the shrine are worth $4.3 million dollars - and it’s easy to see why!
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
The attention to detail in each shrine is mindblowing. You could spend months walking around and see something new every single day.
Aimee F/Trip Advisor
Regardless of your faith, this Eighth Wonder of the World is worth a visit just for the sheer beauty you’ll see and the overwhelming sense of dedication that you’ll feel as you visit.
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
Have you visited the Grotto of the Redemption? If you have, you’ll understand why it made our list of The Most Enchanting Places In Iowa!
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
The stunning shrine is a Catholic creation, and the collection of nine grottos depict scenes in the life of Jesus. In 1897, a newly ordained German immigrant, Father Paul Dobberstein promised to build a shrine to the Virgin Mary if he recovered from a terrible case of pneumonia. Dobberstein survived, and construction of the Grotto of the Redemption began in 1912. For 42 years, the Grotto was continuously built until it became the massive shrine that it is today. Even now, additions are created by those looking to expand this gorgeous, breathtaking grotto.
Aimee F/Trip Advisor
Do you know of other unique things to see in Iowa? Please be sure to share what you know.
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Address: Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, 208 1st Ave NW, West Bend, IA 50597, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
World’s Largest Grotto Is In Iowa July 21, 2022 Bill Hall What is a Grotto? A grotto is a natural or manufactured cave used by people for a variety of purposes. They have been a part of human culture going back to antiquity. Today, we often find artificial grottoes used for ornamental and/or devotional purposes. A well-known image is that of a grotto holding a statue of the Virgin Mary. There is a neat example of a unique natural grotto in Kentucky called Pam’s Grotto. Here is another example of a smaller religious and mystical grotto in Mississippi. What are some other weird places in Iowa to check out? Iowa has the weird places covered! There is a marker for the future birthplace of Star Trek’s Captain Kirk (March 22, 2228). You may visit a cave that stays frozen all year. Ever been warned about not taking a wooden nickel? Well, the world’s largest of that brand of fake currency is on display in Iowa City. You can read about more strange things in the article: Here Are 13 Unusual Attractions In Iowa That Will Have You Looking Twice. Are there creepy destinations in Iowa? Oh, you bet Iowa has creepy and spooky places. What is it about feeling scared that makes some folks feel so alive? Is it the way the heart beats a bit faster when you realize you are standing in a spot where something ghastly happened? Is it the feeling of being safe where others were not? Is it morbid curiosity? Some enjoy the feeling that arrives after someone in your group shrieks, “Boo!” It’s different for everybody, but going to places that exude real spookiness can be more fun than almost anything. Iowa has some lore that will make your spine tingle. You can find haunted buildings, haunted places, abandoned towns, creepy statues connected with scary legends, and scenes of ghastly murders. Check some of them out, if you dare.
The OIYS Visitor Center
World’s Largest Grotto Is In Iowa
July 21, 2022
Bill Hall
What is a Grotto? A grotto is a natural or manufactured cave used by people for a variety of purposes. They have been a part of human culture going back to antiquity. Today, we often find artificial grottoes used for ornamental and/or devotional purposes. A well-known image is that of a grotto holding a statue of the Virgin Mary. There is a neat example of a unique natural grotto in Kentucky called Pam’s Grotto. Here is another example of a smaller religious and mystical grotto in Mississippi. What are some other weird places in Iowa to check out? Iowa has the weird places covered! There is a marker for the future birthplace of Star Trek’s Captain Kirk (March 22, 2228). You may visit a cave that stays frozen all year. Ever been warned about not taking a wooden nickel? Well, the world’s largest of that brand of fake currency is on display in Iowa City. You can read about more strange things in the article: Here Are 13 Unusual Attractions In Iowa That Will Have You Looking Twice. Are there creepy destinations in Iowa? Oh, you bet Iowa has creepy and spooky places. What is it about feeling scared that makes some folks feel so alive? Is it the way the heart beats a bit faster when you realize you are standing in a spot where something ghastly happened? Is it the feeling of being safe where others were not? Is it morbid curiosity? Some enjoy the feeling that arrives after someone in your group shrieks, “Boo!” It’s different for everybody, but going to places that exude real spookiness can be more fun than almost anything. Iowa has some lore that will make your spine tingle. You can find haunted buildings, haunted places, abandoned towns, creepy statues connected with scary legends, and scenes of ghastly murders. Check some of them out, if you dare.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
A grotto is a natural or manufactured cave used by people for a variety of purposes. They have been a part of human culture going back to antiquity. Today, we often find artificial grottoes used for ornamental and/or devotional purposes. A well-known image is that of a grotto holding a statue of the Virgin Mary.
There is a neat example of a unique natural grotto in Kentucky called Pam’s Grotto.
Here is another example of a smaller religious and mystical grotto in Mississippi.
What are some other weird places in Iowa to check out?
Iowa has the weird places covered! There is a marker for the future birthplace of Star Trek’s Captain Kirk (March 22, 2228). You may visit a cave that stays frozen all year. Ever been warned about not taking a wooden nickel? Well, the world’s largest of that brand of fake currency is on display in Iowa City. You can read about more strange things in the article: Here Are 13 Unusual Attractions In Iowa That Will Have You Looking Twice.
Are there creepy destinations in Iowa?
Oh, you bet Iowa has creepy and spooky places. What is it about feeling scared that makes some folks feel so alive? Is it the way the heart beats a bit faster when you realize you are standing in a spot where something ghastly happened? Is it the feeling of being safe where others were not? Is it morbid curiosity? Some enjoy the feeling that arrives after someone in your group shrieks, “Boo!” It’s different for everybody, but going to places that exude real spookiness can be more fun than almost anything.
Iowa has some lore that will make your spine tingle. You can find haunted buildings, haunted places, abandoned towns, creepy statues connected with scary legends, and scenes of ghastly murders.
Check some of them out, if you dare.
