In the rural rolling hills of Monroe County, a glittering spot has attracted scores of visitors over the years. It’s called Wegner Grotto, and it’s a work of faith and imagination created by a family here long ago. The grotto is a Wisconsin wonderland, and we believe it’s the perfect excuse for a drive through one of our state’s most scenic areas. Here’s what’s waiting for you at one of the best gardens in Sparta Wisconsin.

This sparkling little park is located on land that was once the farm of Paul and Matilda Wegner, who were immigrants from Germany. It's located near Cataract, a short drive north of Sparta.
Wegner's Grotto
Paul & Matilda Wegner Grotto, 7788 Daylight Rd, Sparta, WI 54656, USA
Google / Tedde Taege
The inspiration for Wegner's Grotto came from another fanciful spot - the Holy Ghost Park of Father Mathias Wernerus in Dickeyville. The Wegners decided to create their own magical place.
Google / Nichlas Keating
In 1929 they constructed a fence and then they began filling it with sculptures. The first was a concrete version of the Bremen ocean liner. Many more sculptures followed.
Wegner's Grotto
Google / Nikki Olson

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Construction continued until 1936 and included an American flag, a glass birdhouse, and more. The Wegners had no formal training, but they had a vision and it unfolded, piece by piece.
Google / Nichlas Keating
They also crafted many special religious fixtures, including a peace monument, a glass church, and a prayer garden.
Google / RJ Whyte
The site has drawn scores of visitors over the decades - some come to reflect, others to take pictures. Some have even gotten married here. The site also held a funeral - when Paul died in 1937, his funeral was held in the glass church that he created here.
Google / Tedde Taege

Learn more about the amazing Paul & Matilda Wegner Grotto County Park on the Monroe County website. Please note that this Wisconsin wonder is open seasonally, May through September, during daylight hours.

While you’re in the area, you can also enjoy an unforgettable Wisconsin adventure on this dark and spooky tunnel trail.

The Tunnel Trail In Wisconsin That Will Take You On An Unforgettable Adventure

 

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More to Explore

Best Gardens Near Me In Wisconsin

Melanie J. | April 14, 2024

Besides Wegner’s Grotto, what are some more of the best gardens in Wisconsin?

When it comes to The Dairy State, going to a garden might not be the top attraction on your list, but here are some of the best gardens in Wisconsin that are definitely worth visiting.  

  • Allen Centennial Garden, Madison
  • Lynden Sculpture Garden, Milwaukee
  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison
  • Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin, Appleton
  • Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
  • Bookworm, Sheboygan
  • West Bend Labyrinth Garden, West Bend
  • Boerner Botanical Gardens, Milwaukee
  • West of the Lake Gardens (Seasonal), Manitowoc
  • Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum, Kenosha
  • Memorial Park Arboretum, Appleton
  • Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville

Read our previous article to learn more about these gorgeous gardens in Wisconsin. 

Are there more hidden gems in Wisconsin? 

Absolutely, there are tons of hidden gems in Wisconsin, and these are the ones we like the best:

  • Little Manitou Falls, Douglas County
  • Dr. Evermor's Forevertron, North Freedom
  • Horicon Marsh Auto Tour, Waupun
  • Rock Island State Park, Door County
  • Covered Bridge, Cedarburg
  • The National Mustard Museum, Middleton
  • Vilas Park, Madison
  • Wisconsin Concrete Park, Phillips
  • High Cliff State Park Ruins, Sherwood
  • Minhas Craft Brewery, Monroe
  • Rudolph Grotto Gardens, Rudolph
  • Anderson Dock, Ephraim

If you want to know more about these treasures, read our previous article featuring the best hidden gems in Wisconsin. 

Can you tell me about more unique attractions in Wisconsin. 

Here are some of the most unique attractions in Wisconsin that you won’t find anywhere else.

  • Statue of Romeo, the Killer Elephant, Delavan
  • Upside Down White House, Wisconsin Dells
  • Moccasin Bar, Hayward
  • FAST Fiberglass Statue Mold Yard, Sparta
  • Chatty Belle, Neillsville
  • Koz's Mini Bowl, Milwaukee
  • World's Largest Penny, Woodruff
  • Sputnik 4 Landing Spot, Manitowoc
  • James Frank Kotera Ball of Twine, Lake Nebagamon

Be sure to check out our article telling you more about these unique attractions in Wisconsin.

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Featured Addresses
Paul & Matilda Wegner Grotto, 7788 Daylight Rd, Sparta, WI 54656, USA