Hidden behind St. Philip's Parish & School is a massive creation of rock and concrete unlike any other in the state.  (autumn photo)

Father Philip Wegner started constructing the grotto in 1920, first building many of the smaller shrines that make up the garden today.  In the summertime, 35 truckloads of colorful flowers are brought in to adorn this area.  (autumn photo)

Summertime is the best time to see the grounds when the flora is lush.  (summer photo, obviously)

Trails guide visitors to the various scenes spread out on the Grotto grounds, such as the Sunken Garden, St. Judes Chapel, the Last Supper Shrine, Wisconsin in Miniature, Soldier's Memorial Monument, the Fourteen Stations of the Cross, the Patriotic Shrine (shown above), Stations of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, and dozens of others.  (autumn photo)

But the main attraction is the Wonder Cave itself. (summer photo)

Inside the Wonder Cave is a labyrinth that meanders for 1/5 of a mile, passing many points of religious interest.

Illuminated tin displays of verses from scripture line the walkway, which winds down deeper into the catacomb-like cave...or does it?  It is difficult to tell how far down below or up above ground level you are as you make your way through the passageway.

Nearly all of the statues are marble, and were ordered special by Father Wagner during the building of the Wonder Cave, which began in 1935 and was not finished until 1957.

Flash photography does not do the scenes justice, as they are lit for mood and accompanied by soft music that is heard throughout the cave.

The walkway can be tight, twisting and slightly difficult for the lesser agile...not to mention a good place to bump your noggin now and then.

A two-story chamber reveals a statue of Jesus, praying alone, looking upon an angel above (not visible in this picture).

The tunnel eventually leads to the top of the cave, where visitors may descend a quick flight of stairs to exit or choose a winding path that traverses the mound itself.  (autumn photo)