|

Grotto | Historical Sites
| Soda Fountain | Lodging
| Dining | Catering |
Shopping
Sample Itinerary | Other Area
Attractions
Printable map of West Bend
Location – North end of Broadway Ave
800-868-3641
West Bend is home of the Grotto of the Redemption, the largest Grotto
in the world. Frequently called “the Eighth Wonder of the World”,
the Grotto represents the largest collection of minerals and petrification
concentrated in any one spot in the world. The Grotto of the Redemption
is a composite of nine separate grottos, each portraying a scene in
the life of Christ and His work of redeeming the world. A museum,
gift shop, and camping facilities are also located on the
grotto grounds.
The Grotto is open year round with guided tours given
from May 1 – October 16. Daily tours are every hour from 10 AM
– 5 PM. The Grotto is financed by your donations. Suggested donations
are $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children. www.westbendgrotto.com
Read a history of West Bend
School House and Post
Office
Location - 101 3rd St SE, West Bend IA
Palo Alto County’s first one-room school was
restored in 1976 and moved to West Bend. This school – with its
authentic furnishings – provides children and adults with a glimpse
of education from the past. In 1998, the original town Post Office was
restored and placed adjacent to the school.
Sod House
Location – 201 1st Ave SE, West Bend IA
This replica of a prairie sod house was used as a
temporary dwelling for early pioneers. With the passing of the Homestead
Act in the 1850’s, Pioneers were given 150 acres of free land
if they would live on it for 5 years in a dwelling with a door and a
window. With no large trees on the prairie, sod houses were the answer
until lumber arrived via the railroad. A family of 6-8 would live in
a sod house of this size. A loft would be built for the children to
sleep. Meals were cooked outdoors in the summer to keep it cool inside.
Historical Museum
Location – 7 3rd St SE, West Bend IA (1 block east of Broadway Ave)
The museum houses an extensive collection of items from the local area;
including early agriculture implements, antique home furnishings and
clothing.
| For tours of the School House, Post Office,
Sod House and Historical Museum call
515-887-2371. Admission is $2.00 for adults, $1 for students for
one or all sites. |
The
Villager - 105 S Broadway Ave, West Bend IA
515-887-2801
This old-fashioned soda fountain, located in The Villager,
will take you back
in time to the early 1930’s, when malted milks, milk shakes, and
cherry, lemon and lime cokes were once standard fare for young and old
as they took breaks from work or studies or met friends for relaxing
small talk. Adjoining The Villager is the old Mike’s Meat Market
building, which was remodeled into a gift shop in 2000.
Park
View Inn & Suites
13 4th St NE, West Bend IA
515-887-3611
This
36-unit motel features an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and exercise
room. The conference center and party room are great for wedding receptions,
family gatherings and much more. Make your stay extra special by booking
one of the 6 themed suites – Americana, Fishing, Honeymoon, Hunting,
Lighthouse and Safari. A continental breakfast, featuring Butter Braid®
caramel rolls, is available daily.
Grotto Campground
Location – near Grotto grounds
515-887-2371
80 electrical hook-ups
West campground features shower facilities, restrooms, water hydrant
hook-ups, RV dump station and a shelter house.
North campground is accessible to restrooms and a playground.
Cost - $15 per night for RV’s, $10 per night for tents
Prairie Oasis Bed &
Breakfast
5716 430th St
Whittemore IA 50598
515-887-4953
Casey’s
Pizza (Carry-Out)
316 2nd Ave NE, West Bend IA
515-887-5515
Kitchen Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM,
7 days a week
Cenex
Piccadilly Circus Pizza and Sub Sandwiches (Carry-Out)
Hwy 15, West Bend IA
515-887-7261
Kitchen Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM, 7 days a week
Chuckwagon Cafe
123 S Broadway, West Bend IA
515-887-2145
Sandwiches, Salads, Build-Your-Own Burgers, Broasted Chicken, Steak, Seafood & Stir-Fry Platters
Lunch & Nightly Specials
Hours: Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Monday - Friday; 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Monday - Thursday; 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Friday & Saturday
Ellie's on Main
215B Broadway, West Bend IA
515-887-7070
Sandwiches, Soups, Salads, Desserts
Flavored Coffee, Lattes, Cappiccinos & Smoothies
Daily Specials
Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Monday - Friday
Noon Luncheon Served from: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Monday - Friday
Saturday Hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sofie's
Pat Weaver, Owner
303 Broadway, West Bend IA
515-887-2153
West Bend Golf &
Country Club
4829 580th Ave, West Bend IA
515-887-6217
Hours: Breakfast 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM Monday – Saturday
Lunch 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Breakfast Brunch served on Sundays from 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Kampen Foods
Chris Kampen
113 S Broadway, West Bend IA
515-887-3231
West Bend Golf &
Country Club
Don Gralapp, Manager
4829 580th Ave, West Bend IA
515-887-6217
Stroll West Bend’s downtown area and browse
through our retail stores. You’ll find a fine selection of gifts,
decorating items and collectibles.
Day 1
9:30 AM Arrive in West Bend
10:00 – 11:00 AM Tour the Grotto of Redemption
11:00 – 12:00 Noon Eat lunch at the Grotto Restaurant
12:00 – 1:30 PM Tour the Grotto Gift Shop, Grotto Museum and Sts
Peter and Paul Catholic Church
2:00 – 3:30 PM Experience Historical Sites
3:45 – 5:00 PM Enjoy a flavored coke at the Old-Fashioned Soda
Fountain and do some shopping – all on Main Street
5:00 PM Check in at Park View Inn & Suites
5:30 PM Dine at a local restaurant
8:30 PM Experience the Grotto lit up at night!
Day 2
8:00 AM Continental Breakfast at Park View Inn & Suites
9:00 AM Check out
9:15 – 10:00 AM Country Maid presentation - Learn how the company
was established and
the process of making Butter Braid®.
Please contact Butter Braid a minimum of 2 days in advance for tour
arrangements
10:00 – 12:00 Noon Shopping on Main Street
12:00 Noon Eat lunch at a local restaurant
Printable map of West Bend
|