Grotto of the Redemption

See why this place is commonly referred to as "the eighth wonder of the world."

The Grotto of the Redemption is located northwest of Des Moines in West Bend, Iowa. It has been on the national register of historic places since 2001 and comprises nine separate grottos. These portray a scene from the life of Christ. This incredible work of art was created by Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein, a German immigrant who came to America when he was 20 years old. With the help of Matt Szerensce, they worked from the ground up to erect this shrine. For well over a decade, they collected various rocks and precious stones to create his masterpiece.

If you look closely, you will notice materials such as petrified wood, malachite, azurite, agates, geodes, jasper, quartz, topaz, calcite, stalactites, and stalagmites throughout the grotto. In later years, Father Greving also helped build the grotto. Dobberstein never saw the grotto in its full glory; he passed away in 1954. It was no easy task to complete the largest man-made grotto in the world, but it serves as an inspiration for all visitors. This attraction is open 24/7, and guided tours are available seasonally (Memorial Day through Labor Day) from 10 am to 5 pm. Explore this immaculate shrine the next time you're in Iowa.