The Grotto of Redemption an Iowa Travel Destination

I am told that Iowa has little to offer in the way of things to do. With a little research and a few pennies to supply my automobile with the gas necessary to reach my destination, I set out to prove that theory to be false. The morning dew had just begun to settle when my spouse and I took off for our objective. The sound of the pavement began to echo in our ears. Location: West Bend. Population: nothing. Northern Iowa's Palo Alto County holds a secret, we were about to uncover that secret in all it's glory.

Three hours on the back roads of Iowa is sometimes just like in the movies (in fact, these roads were featured in David Lynch's film The Straight Story). Miles between homesteads, occasional farm equipment slowing the minimal traffic, and scenic views of cornfields for miles. Small towns dot the map and clear the mind. The simplicity & grace with which residents go about their daily lives gives a peaceful rest to a manic mind such as my own. As we arrive in another small town, much like all the others, the small brown signs along the roadside point us to a structure more awe inspiring than I could have imagined.

Removing ourselves from the seated convenience of our vehicle we slowly walk, mouths agape, toward The Grotto of Redemption. This mighty edifice was erected after Father Paul Dobberstein was stricken with a bout of pneumonia. Asking the Virgin Mary for a cure in return for a promise to build a shrine, Father Dobberstein sealed his fate. Beginning in 1912 Father Dobberstein worked to construct this holy place year round for the next forty two years. In his later years Dobberstein was assisted by Father Louis Greving. With gems, rocks, shells, and minerals set into concrete, The Grotto of Redemption nearly covers a full city block.

A small man made lake resides in front of the Grotto; a couple beautiful white swans were nesting on the banks as we arrived. I happily inserted a few crispy bills into the donation box prior to taking in this marvelous site. I thought to myself "A donation is the least I can do, a man gave his life to building this great place!" How could a few measly dollars compare to a lifetime of work? Giant archways glistened as the warmth of the location took us in. Bejeweled monolithic pillars stretch toward the skyline, a total of nine grottos encased us as we snapped photos of this stimulating area in rural Iowa. Statues of Jesus and Mary, as well as the cross, decorate the grounds of this already stellar monument to faith. Enormous stairways escorted us forty feet above the Earth to the zenith of the Grotto and base of the erected cross. Two large benches perched atop the staircase allowed glorious views of our surroundings which we took in with silent rest.

A veritable maze of awesome, The Grotto of Redemption, has many nooks and crannies that are easy to lose ones self within. These spots are great for photo opportunities as well. Noticing we were not longer the solitary couple exploring the Grotto we requested some assistance in capturing our trip digitally. We graciously exchanged cameras and many photos were taken. An arcade of accolade depicting the Stations of the Cross in sparkling detail lines on the outer perimeter of The Grotto of Redemption. A fabulous exit if ever there was one.

The land here also offers a museum of artifacts, vintage pamphlets, stones, as well as a full history of the Grotto. The museum was not only an interesting, information filled place to explore; it was also a welcome break from the summer heat. Directly across the street from the monument is a modest gift shop with all the typical trinkets included in any self serving retail travel destination money maker. Beyond the standard fare, the gift shop at The Grotto of Redemption offers jewelry made from similar stones used in the Grotto's walls. If there is no intent to make a purchase, the gift shop is still certainly worth a look.

Satisfied with our discoveries my other half & I decided to head for home. Quickly realizing we would be leaving the simplicity of this small town behind, we chose to have a sit down lunch at a Mom & Pop eatery nearby. A scarce amount of currency gained an abundance of provisional foodstuff and great conversation. There are benefits to avoiding the chain restaurants while traveling, one the most important is the chance to communicate with the locals. Stuffed to the brim and full of fuel, the road home consisted of conversational subjects relating to the fact that there really is something, many things, to do in Iowa. These destinations can be exiting, awe inspiring, fulfilling, and just plain fun as long as the mind is open and the map is in hand.

For more information on The Grotto of Redemption you may reference the same information I did in researching this article. Please see Westbendgrotto.com, Roadsideamerica.com, & Wikipedia.com.