Wegner Grotto Sparta, Wisconsin - A local legacy left by Paul and Matilda Wegner
This week, I’m heading to Sparta, Wisconsin, to explore the fascinating Wegner Grotto—a stunning testament to creativity and vision in the Wisconsin countryside. Paul and Matilda Wegner, German immigrants who settled in LaCrosse in 1885, began this incredible project in 1929 after being inspired by the Holy Ghost Park in Dickeyville. Using ordinary materials like concrete, shattered glass, and broken crockery, the Wegners transformed their farm into a breathtaking garden of patriotic and religious sculptures.
From the towering Bremen ocean liner replica to the intricate Glass Church and Prayer Garden, the Wegner Grotto is filled with color, light, and hidden treasures. Although the Wegners had no formal art training, their work stands as a remarkable piece of folk art and a significant cultural landmark. After their passing, the site was preserved by the Kohler Foundation and gifted to Monroe County, where it remains open for visitors to marvel at its beauty.
Join me as I explore this unique piece of Wisconsin history, where art and imagination come to life.
For more information, visit www.monroecountyhistory.org or call Monroe County Local History Room at 608-269-8680. The site is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Follow me, Willow (she/they):
(http://www.willowphlox.com)
Instagram
( / sassyscoopics )
Collection Instagram:
( / willowcollects )