Grotto of the Redemption
West Bend, IA
A block-long religious shrine assembled from minerals, fossils, shells and stones, built by a priest over decades. The grottoes are glittering and eccentric; the site is small, so half an hour is enough to see it all.
The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend traces back to Father Paul Dobberstein, a German immigrant ordained a priest in 1897. He vowed to build a shrine to the Virgin Mary after recovering from pneumonia. Work began in 1912 and continued until his death in 1954, with the help of Father Louis Greving from 1946. The site consists of nine grottos with scenes from the life of Jesus and covers about one city block.
It is considered the most complete man-made collection of minerals, fossils, shells, and petrifications in one place; the value of the stones is estimated at more than $4.3 million. The Grotto has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2001 and became a diocesan shrine in 2015. It also appears in David Lynch's film "The Straight Story." With a museum on the grounds, about 30 to 60 minutes is enough.
- Nearest town
- West Bend, IA
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 42.9630, -94.4430
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Motorhome stopoverMotorhome stopover15 mi from Grotto of the RedemptionMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopoverMotorhome stopover18 mi from Grotto of the RedemptionMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopoverMotorhome stopover19 mi from Grotto of the RedemptionMotorhomes
All campsites in Iowa · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Grotto of the Redemption?
Grotto of the Redemption is in West Bend, IA, at GPS 42.9630, -94.4430. It is about 104 mi from Des Moines.
Can you camp near Grotto of the Redemption?
Yes. Within 25 mi there are 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers listed in OpenStreetMap; the nearest is about 15 mi away.
What is there to see near Grotto of the Redemption?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lake Okoboji (45 mi), Ledges State Park (73 mi), SPAM Museum (88 mi) and Iowa State Capitol (104 mi).
When is the best time to visit Grotto of the Redemption?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)