The Dickeyville Grotto is a series of grottos and shrines in Dickeyville, Grant County, Wisconsin, Wisconsin, United States. It is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 151 and Highway 35. Most of the site's concrete structures are covered in shells, stones, tiles, wood, glass, gems and geodes donated by area parishioners. The site is visited by 40,000 to 60,000 visitors per year
The Dickeyville Grotto was built by Father Mathius Wernerus, the pastor of Dickeyville's Holy Ghost Parish, from 1920 to 1930. It was renovated between 1995 and 1997. The site includes the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin, Christ the King Shrine, Grotto of the Sacred Heart, the Eucharistic Altar, the Holy Ghost Tree, the Patriotism Shrine and the Crucifixion Group.
The Grotto wraps around the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, a folk art progression that includes a small artificial cave, statue alcoves, arches and fountains. The "Patriotism Shrine" radiates around an eagle-topped monument. A marble statue of Christopher Columbus is framed in a seashell arch. Images of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington complete the heroic trilogy.
The walls and displays feature a wider variety of costume jewelry, shells and household bric-a-brac than we've seen in other grottoes; though nothing looks too valuable. The shrines have endured some wear and tear; in places, malicious souvenir hunters have pried loose small pieces. The main grotto interior is protected by transparent panels.
Father Wernerus died in 1931. Helpers completed his last grotto, and then stopped. Stations of the Cross were added in 1963, but the lack of a single spiritual heir discouraged the second-generation hand-off and busywork additions found in other grottoes.
You will find this cache at N44 34.ABC W90 00.DDE
A = True = 1 False = 2 The Grotto is visited by 40,000 to 60,000 visitors per year.
B = Renovation at the Grotto took place between 1995 and 199B.
C = True = 2 False = 5 The last addition to the Grotto was made in 1931.
DD = Father Wernerus died in 19XX. DD = XX - 2
E = True = 5 False = 7 Thomas Jefferson is part of the Patriotism Shrine.