West Bend, Iowa home to the Grotto of the Redemption a work of love and art depicting the life of Christ by Father Dobberstein.
West Bend, Iowa is home to the Grotto of the Redemption which is a work of love and art containing nine separate Grottos. The work on this beautiful gift of love began in 1912, by Father Dobberstein. Father Dobberstein became sick and through this sickness he made a vow to create a work of love and art to the Virgin Mary. This was his petition to God to intervene or intercede in his life and remove the sickness from him. When he recovered he honored his word and began working on this truly wonderful work of art.
In the nine grottos you will find a scene of Christ's life and work revealed. And you will also find through out this magnificent tribute a lesson of Christ's redeeming grace for the world. Many different types of rock and stone are used and the manner in which they are displayed paints a picture that goes beyond words. A portrait of love is seen in every inch of Father Dobberstein's work. A portrait of his love for God and a portrait of God's love for the world.
The Grotto of the Redemption attracts over 100,000 visitors every year. The beauty of this site overwhelming and there is no admission. You may leave a free-will donation. And there is also a gift shop on the grounds.
You may tour the site by yourself or you may go along on one of the tours that are given hourly from the first of June to the end of September or October depending on the weather. The Grotto is open year around, but the tours are not given year around. You may also visit in the evening because the Grotto is very well lit at night.
If you take the tour you will also have a chance to listen to a geological talk about the rocks and stones used in the building of the Grotto. And intermixed with the geological talk you will hear Father Dobberstein's story and receive a picture of God's Grace and love. And after the talk is over every one is given a free rock or stone as a souvenir.
The Grotto is open for tour groups of any size as long as you notify them ahead of time as to the size of your group and if you plan on eating there as well. The restaurant that is on the grounds is very homey. The food is like home-cooking and very reasonable in price.
If you desire to spend more than one day, which you probably should do to capture all of this site. You will find an 18-unit motel just one block from the Grotto. You can also camp out. There is a free over-night camping facility with electricity, modern restrooms with showers and there is also a dumping station for RV's.
Next to the Grotto is a Catholic church that is well worth the visit also. It is called St. Peter and Paul's Church. It has a Christmas Chapel in the Church which is considered to be Father Dobberstein's finest work of art. In this chapel there is a Brazilian amethyst that weighs over 300 Lbs. It is truly a beautiful site.
Grotto of the Redemption: NW of Fort Dodge, between State Hwys 18 and 20
515/887-2371 Grotto of the Redemption
515/887-3611 Motel
