Faith Meets Fun with These Vacation Destinations
by Alexis Nicholson | June 30, 2024
It’s officially summer and that means vacation time! When planning a vacation, why not combine relaxation with a journey of faith? In this blog, we will reveal some of the best Catholic vacation ideas around Iowa, helping you plan a trip that promises both spiritual enrichment and memorable experiences.
Holy Family Shrine & Stations of the Cross – Gretna, NE
Drive time (Des Moines): 2 hours 30 minutes
Drive time (Council Bluffs): 30 minutes
For those living in the western side of the diocese, you must make the quick drive out to see the Holy Family Shrine and the life-size Stations of the Cross located in Gretna, NE. Both of these sites would make wonderful day trips for the whole family.
Holy Family Shrine
The Holy Family Shrine includes a beautiful chapel, grotto dedicated to the blessed Mother Mary, and a Way of the Cross trail that spans the same distance that Jesus carried His cross.
The shrine and grounds are open Monday-Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Mass is held on Saturdays at 10 AM, so be sure to plan your Saturday trip accordingly!
The Stations of the Cross at the Cloisters on the Platte
This outdoors Stations of the Cross is a 2,500 foot long walking tour that features 14 life-size statues. There is an audio tour available as well, with a recommended $10 free will donation. The entire experience takes around 45 minutes to complete.
Note that the visiting hours are more limited, as the Cloisters on the Platte regularly holds 3-day silent retreats. When retreats are occurring the Stations are not accessible to visitors.
Trinity Heights Queen of Peace Shrine – Sioux City, IA
Drive time (Des Moines): 3 hours
Drive time (Council Bluffs): 1 hours 30 minutes
The Trinity Heights Queen of Peace Shrine name is deceiving because this destination holds MUCH more than a shrine to Mary. Named after the initial 30-foot statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, this site now hosts more than two dozen shrines (including a Way of the Saints honoring 60 saints and statues for the six apparitions of Mary), a 33-foot statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a life-size sculpture of the Last Supper in the St. Joseph Center and Museum, and several memorial gardens.
At the Divine Mercy Chapel your family has the opportunity to explore their vast relic collection (including a relic of St. Faustina), attend Mass (11:30 AM on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday), join in Eucharistic Adoration (Fridays, 8 AM to 4 PM), pray a rosary (daily, 4 PM), or join in the family rosary around the Statue of Mary (only available June-August, daily at 7 PM).
The grounds are open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, making this a great option for a day trip. For lunch consider bringing in a picnic to be enjoyed at the picnic tables near the Marian Center.
Grotto of the Redemption - West Bend, IA
Drive time (Des Moines): 2 hours 30 minutes
Drive time (Council Bluffs): 3 hours 15 minutes
If you've ever wanted to visit the largest man-made Grotto in the world, look no further than the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, IA. A conglomeration of nine-grottos depicting scenes in the life of Jesus, the Grotto of the Redemption offers a beautiful pilgrimage opportunity (without having to board a plane).
Work on this grotto started in 1912 by Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein, who spent over a decade collecting rocks before construction began. With an eye for beauty and geology, part of what makes the grotto such a wonder is the vast collection of rocks that it comprises.
After you've visited the Grotto, consider getting lunch at the Wagon Wheel Cafe - a local, family-owned restaurant with a fun saloon theme - or getting a soda from the old fashioned soda fountain at The Villager Flowers & Gifts.
For those wanting to make this trip an overnight experience, try camping at the Grotto campground. Located right by the Grotto, you'll have easy access to make additional visits to the grottos for prayer.
Our Mother of Sorrows Grotto – Cedar Rapids, IA
Drive time (Des Moines): 2 hours
Drive time (Council Bluffs): 4 hours
The Our Mother of Sorrows Grotto complex has been a staple at Mount Mercy University for almost 100 years. Built in 1929 by William Lightner as a haven for reflection and meditation it has since become a popular spot for ceremonies and weddings and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
After your visit to the Grotto, head over to the Czech District (just a 12 minute drive from campus). This historic neighborhood emphasizes the Czech heritage of the area and is full of award-winning restaurants, vibrant art, culture, and fun for all ages. While there you can explore the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, take in the view of the steeple of St. Wenceslaus Church, try a craft brew (or two!) at Lion Bridge Brewery, or grab lunch & dessert in NewBo City Market!
National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion – Champion, WI
Drive time (Des Moines): 7 hours
Drive time (Council Bluffs): 9 hours
If you want to visit the site of a Marian apparition without getting in a plane (or needing a passport), you have to visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. While this final location is a much longer drive it is also the home of the first and only approved Marian apparition site in the United States.
In 1859 Adele Brise was walking to Mass when she saw a mysterious lady dressed in white standing in the woods. After seeing her multiple times, and realizing that her companions had not seen her, she spoke to her parish priest to ask for advice. He instructed her to ask the lady “In God’s name, who are you and what do you want of me?”
When Adele saw her again the lady replied to her question, saying "I am the Queen of Heaven who prays for the conversion of sinners, and I wish you to do the same."
You can make a pilgrimage to this site at any time, as the shrine is open 365 days a year from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. with daily opportunities to receive the Sacraments and pray. The grounds are extensive and offer many opportunities for peaceful prayer and reflection.
Starting at the Apparition Chapel & Oratory, this space is believed to be where Adele saw the Blessed Mother in 1859. Mass is held daily at 11 a.m. and there are opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation both before and after the 11 a.m. Mass.
The History Center is a must-see for those wanting to learn more about our Blessed Mother's apparitions to Adele and the history of the Shrine and grounds. You can head outside to visit the rest of the grounds which includes Adele's gravesite, 7 grottos, a small chapel, a Rosary Walk and Stations of the Cross.
If you're sticking around for lunch, consider going to the 1885 Schoolhouse Cafe , located in the schoolhouse where Adele and her fellow sisters taught the schoolchildren.
To find lodging, we recommending visiting the website for the National Shrine. They have a large list of recommendations for hotels, campsites, retreat centers, bed & breakfasts, and more!