rudolph grotto gardens

This was our first trip here, and we loved it. The grotto itself is stunning. It's amazing to think how they designed and hand built this structure. The attention to detail is superb, and there is such great meaning associated with each station. The garden and ponds are beautiful and they vast array of well labeled horticulture is certainly special. You can appreciate the love and attention put into this attraction regardless of your religion. Sure, this is not a place you go back to visit every single year, but it is definitely unique and worth a special visit.

Can't believe this awesome place is in the tiny town of Rudolph, WI! It started as a true labor of love nearly a century ago and continues to be so today. Gorgeous! Inspiring!

Great place that's a must see. Nothing to dislike. The place is holy and marvelous. Everything started by one man who promised he would build this if he only gets healed. Miracle performed and the man delivered upon his promise.

What a wonderful grotto.this is so nice, I don't think it matters what religion you are to appreciate the work that a couple of men did. If you are in this area it is a must see. The grotto cave is magnificent. The flowered grounds are sooo pretty.

My husband and I came here on Monday, June 9, as part of our vacation. The only other Grotto that I have experienced is the one in West Bend, Iowa, over 25 years ago - so my hopes were high. It was a beautiful day, weather wise, which only enhanced the gorgeous grounds and rock formations! We grabbed a map to help us along the path and to identify what we were seeing and taking photos of...which was very helpful until towards the end...at the Stations of the Cross! Not being of Catholic faith, some things were not familiar to me, but even with UCC and Lutheran backgrounds, the image of Jesus dying on the cross should not have been the first thing we seen! With that being said, if you are wanting a leisurely walk, with plenty of photo opps, a few moments of peaceful tranquility, my advice would be this - if you see a tour bus, wait for another day to visit, because chances are, they will ruin the experience for you, just like what happened to us! When we were there, the Wonder Cave was not open due to some lighting issues, but we thoroughly enjoyed the beauty surrounding it. If you have the time, take the walk to the All Soul's cemetery, where Father Wagner, the heart, soul and creator of this Grotto, is at rest - you will be humbled into silence.

Our experience here was not great, but it was not the Grotto's fault. When we pulled in the parking lot, there was a tour bus and a couple of cars, no problem we thought, we thought wrong. Upon entering the Grotto, the overall view was inspiring and breathtaking. We picked up a couple of the maps of the Grotto layout and proceeded down the path to the first structure, then the second, etc. By the time we were in the center of the Grotto we ran into the tour group and our problems began. The group was rude and disrespectful to other people in the Grotto that were not with them. That had nothing to do with the Grotto itself, but it did ruin our experience here. There is some amazing and inspiring scenes walking through the grounds. You will notice that some of the grotto pieces are quite old, weathered and are in need of repair, but they are trying to do so. They also have some very pretty plants and flower garden as well. It truly is a very beautiful walk, very inspirational and amazing. The Thorn Tree is beautiful and haunting at the same time, if you know the story of Christ you will understand.. I highly recommend stopping here, you will enjoy it. One piece of advice, is to get a map of the place to check off the Grotto pieces but do not try to follow it in order. The first place on the map starts you at the left of the Grotto and finishes on the right. When you get to the middle of the Grotto it gets very confusing and the Stations of the Cross become backwards. Just walk the grounds and enjoy it as you come up on the scenes, which we did towards the end of our visit.

Such beauty! Amazing experience! A must see for all religious or not! Don't miss going into the cave! Its crazy it is man made!