Father Paul Dobberstein’s Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa, is on the way to nowhere, but the right way to go: It’s one of the most spectacular places in the world.
Dobberstein was a parish priest with a vision, and the decades he spent fulfilling that vision paid off. For that we should be grateful not only to Dobberstein, but to the parishioners who tolerated and supported his obsession, which in turn helped spark similarly over-the-top constructions all over the upper Midwest.
The grotto includes a number of mini-grottos and fountains as well as an avenue lined with the Stations of the Cross. Between the exotic materials, the designs and the overall layout of the place, there is plenty to see and be astounded by.
Several other Dobberstein creations are accessible, including The Crucifixion Group, Fay’s Fountain and the War Memorial in Old Rolfe.
Highlight views
The rest of the grotto
Visit the official Grotto of the Redemption site.