"The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is a religious shrine in West Bend, Iowa, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City. A conglomeration of nine grottos depicting scenes in the life of Jesus, it contains a large collection of minerals and petrifications and is believed to be the largest grotto in the world.

"It is also "considered to be the world's most complete man-made collection of minerals, fossils, shells, and petrifications in one place."The estimated value of the rocks and minerals which make up the Grotto is over $4,308,000. Over 100,000 people visit each year.

"It includes a museum with precious and semiprecious stones from throughout the world, and photos and artifacts about the construction of the shrine." (Wikipedia)

"The Grotto is frequently considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and The Iowan magazine has described the Grotto as a “miracle in stone.” The location was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 and has been included in such features as Roadside America and Disney’s The Straight Story. A composite of nine separate grottos, each portrait displays a scene in the life of Christ," the official website says.

"The campground opens annually on April 15, weather permitting, and closes November 1, weather cooperating. Please contact the Shrine at 515-887-5591 with any questions or to check any weather related updates.

"Upon arrival, register at the Grotto Office/Gift Shop. If you arrive after hours, you may register after 9:00am the following morning. Call 515-887-2371 for reservations and prices."

"West Bend is home of the Grotto of the Redemption, a vision of Father Paul Dobberstein of Rosenfeld, Germany. The largest man-made Grotto in the world, the Grotto is frequently called "the Eighth Wonder of the World". The Grotto stands as a testimony in stone, a treasured work of art. Each of the nine grottos contains a scene in the life of Christ hand-carved from Italian Carrara Marble. Covering a city block, the Grotto represents the largest collection of precious and semi-precious rocks, minerals, fossils and petrifactions concentrated in any one spot in the world," the West Bend Iowa says.

"Don't miss the Christmas Chapel, located in Sts. Peter and Paul Church next to the Grotto. Built in 1929, the Christmas Chapel contains rocks from every country and major river in the world and is famous for its 300 pound Amethyst adorning the manger of baby Jesus.

"By working side by side with Father Dobberstein, Matt Szerensce and Father Louis Greving were able to continue Father Dobberstein's work after his death in 1954. This Geological wonder, started in 1912, is also listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The beauty of the Grotto attracts rock enthusiasts and people of all faiths every year."

"Largest man-made Grotto in the world portrays scenes in the life of Christ using stones and gems from around the world. Museum, gift shop and campground," the Travel Iowa says.

"Iowa is full of “world’s largest” things. And that includes the Grotto of the Redemption, the world’s largest manmade grotto, in West Bend, Iowa," the Olio in Iowa says.

"This northwestern Iowa attraction has been called “a miracle in stone” and is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Construction on the grotto began in 1912 and continued for almost 100 years before it was finally deemed complete. Today you can visit the grotto for yourself and experience a truly impressive artistic achievement.

"Whether you consider yourself a religious person or not, this unique attraction is worth experiencing in person. From the sheer scale of the grotto to its intense level of detail, this manmade wonder is sure to leave an impression."

"Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the huge Grotto is actually a series of nine separate grottos, each depicting a scene in the life of Christ," the Des Moines Register says.

"“There’s nothing like it in the world,” says Marketing Director Andy Milam. “You may find a little grotto built on the side of a church but not one the size of a city block.”

"That’s why an average of 50,000 visitors descend on the town of fewer than 700 residents each year. Milam says for the past six summers he’s worked at the Grotto, they’ve seen visitors from all 50 states and in 2017 from 31 different countries."

"The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, nestled in the heart of the northern Iowa town of West Bend, is the largest manmade grotto in the world and is regarded as the world’s most complete assemblage of minerals, fossils, shells, and petrifications in one location. It was the brainchild of Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein (1872-1954), a German-American priest, architect, and arguably, self-taught geologist," the Rock & Gem Magazine says.

"His creation even caught the attention of Walt Disney who wanted to construct a replica of the grotto for Disneyland but was told by his engineering consultants that the structure was a “once in a lifetime” piece that couldn’t be matched.

"Approximately the size of a metropolitan city block, the site — which consists of nine grottos — is owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City, and is located 130 miles northwest of Des Moines. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001."

"The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend is the largest man-made grotto in the world, right next door to Sts. Peter and Paul Churchy," the dmparish.com says.

"Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, come visit for an encounter with God through the natural beauty of stones and gems assembled together by the vision of Fr. Paul Dobberstein.

"Explore 9 distinct grottos depicting scenes from the life of Christ. Find out more of its history and plan your visit on the Grotto's website."

"Most of these man-made caves were created by immigrant priests at the beginning of the 20th century. And the mother of them all — encrusted in $6 million worth of semiprecious stones — is in West Bend, Iowa," the NPR.com says.

"With a population of 785 and the requisite one restaurant, one bar and one stoplight, West Bend looks like many small rural towns in Iowa, surrounded by farmland and grain bins.

"But if you venture a block off the highway, you come upon a surreal sight: an entire city block filled with man-made concrete caves, every available surface plastered in glittering stones, rocks, petrified wood, even seashells."

"Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and if you ask us, it’s no surprise," the Only In Your State says.

"The Grotto is out of this world, and the more you know about it, the more amazing it gets. In fact, here are 6 fascinating things you probably never knew about this “Miracle in Stone”:

1. Grotto of the Redemption is the largest man-made grotto in the world.

2. It's also the largest collection of gems and precious stones in any one place.

3. The Grotto is estimated to be home to about $4.3 million worth of gems.

4. The Grotto took over 90 years to complete...

5. ... And it was the result of one man surviving pneumonia.

6. The Grotto is divided into nine different grottos, each of which depicts a scene in Jesus' life."

"Well worth the trip. An incredible array of grottoes that merge into one large one. A great service, with wonderful music."

"The Gotto is a composite of nine separate grottos, each portraying a scene in the life of Christ. There is a picnic area on the grounds. Would I go back there? I would, in a heartbeat. If you love gemstones, you will see how they are used to these beautiful grottos."

"This was really incredible- amazing gemstones EVERYWHERE you looked all as part of a religious scenery and story. . Nothing else like it. Beautiful weather in mid-August. Interesting religious artifacts,too."

"Absolutely breathtaking. I recently lost my dad and our experience brought me to tears. Such a wonderful, spiritual experience."



"An amazing creation. The history of the grotto is amazing. Breathtaking art work. I feel this is a must see when traveling through Iowa!"

"The history, grounds, cathedral, collection of minerals, petrified wood, crystals, etc is all amazing & did not disappoint us one bit."

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