Grotto of the Redemption - Go Wandering
Grotto of the Redemption Grotto of the Redemption
Grotto of the Redemption
Grotto of the Redemption
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Lat: 42.963936
Lon: -94.44572
Ele: 1,198 ft
Weather: ° and (more weather)
Iowa Iowa
Lat: 42.963936   |    Lon: -94.44572   |    Ele: 1,198 ft   |    Current weather: ° and (see monthly averages)
Iowa Iowa

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.

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Historic & Landmark Touring
Walking
Photography

Historic & Landmark Touring
Walking
Photography
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Current conditions for Grotto of the Redemption

°
HIGH LOW CHANCE OF RAIN RAIN
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Monthly averages:

High / Low (°F)
Rain
JAN
24° / 9°
6 days
FEB
27° / 11°
5 days
MAR
43° / 27°
5 days
APR
56° / 38°
7 days
MAY
68° / 51°
8 days
JUN
78° / 61°
8 days
High / Low (°F)
Rain
JUL
81° / 63°
5 days
AUG
79° / 61°
5 days
SEP
74° / 55°
5 days
OCT
59° / 42°
5 days
NOV
44° / 30°
4 days
DEC
30° / 17°
6 days

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