St. Donatus Pieta Chapel
St. Donatus: A historical Luxembourg settlement
Luxembourg American Cultural Society describes the Way of the Cross:
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“The winding path takes you through the quiet serenity of touring trees and ancient rock formations. Don’t be surprised if you see a group of friendly sheep roaming the way of the cross grounds. They serve in providing old-fashioned lawn care! The culmination of the trek up the mound is the Pieta Chapel. Perched atop the mound, the Pieta Chapel can be seen from the village below and it also offers spectacular views of the St. Donatus countryside…The chapel is modeled after the Chapel du Bildchen in Vianden, Luxembourg. Inside the chapel is a simply altar with a statue of the Pieta. The Outdoor Way of the Cross and Pieta Chapel are self-guided tours that continue the great spiritual tradition of the Luxembourgers in St. Donatus.”
The Gehlen House and Barn are historic buildings located in St. Donatus, Iowa, United States. Both buildings were built by Peter Gehlen (originally Jahlen), an immigrant from Luxembourg who settled in this area in 1846. He built a flour mill on the Tetes des Mortes Creek in 1848. As other immigrants from Luxembourg settled here they built distinctive houses from the local limestone.
Of these the Gehlen house was the most significant. It is located at a crossroads, and because of its size it served as a community center. At one time or another it served as the post office, hotel, and general store.
Gehlen Barn
The Gehlen Barn, which sits immediately behind the Gehlen House, is significant as one of the few stone barns in Iowa. The house and barn were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and were included as contributing properties in the Village of St. Donatus Historic District in 1989.
Enjoy the Local Area
Mines of Spain Recreation Area (10 mi)
Dubuque, Iowa
The Mines of Spain Recreation Area and E.B.Lyons Interpretive and Nature Center are located on 1437 acres of beautiful wooded and prairie land just south of Dubuque, IA. The area has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and includes Julien Dubuque’s Monument at a point just above where Catfish Creek meets the Mississippi. One of Iowa’s “Watchable Wildlife Areas,” it features the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center which serves as the Visitor Center and the Park Office.
Crystal Lake Cave (8 mi)
6684 Crystal Lake Cave Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003
Spelunking, Mining, and More! With guided tours of well-lit passages of intricate formations through over three-quarters of a mile of cave tunnels there is alot to explore and many fascinations to see. You are invited to visit and witness the ongoing miracle that created this natural masterpiece of underground panorama.
Historical Bellevue (10 mi)
Bellevue, Iowa
Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, Bellevue was settled in the early to mid-1800s. The historic downtown area is full of shops and cafes. You'll want to spend the afternoon exploring and shopping here. Stop in for a delicious meal and live music at Flatted Fifth Blues and BBQ in the restored Potter's Mill.
24668 US-52, Bellevue, IA 52031
Bellevue State Park has a garden specifically to attract butterflys by providing nectar plants for adults and host plants for caterpillars. Some 60 species of butterflies expected to come to the park each year.
Potter's Mill (10 mi)
300 Potter Dr, Bellevue, IA 52031
An historic 175 year old grist mill on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, home to Flatted Fifth Blues + BBQ and A Corner to Fill in Bellevue, Iowa. Built in 1843, Potter's Mill has become a cultural landmark along the Grant Wood Scenic byway, a National Historic Registry site, and oldest gristmill in the state of Iowa.
Fenelon Place Elevator (13.4 mi)
512 Fenelon Pl, Dubuque, IA 52001
Historic cable car. Also known as the Fourth Street Elevator, this funicular railway has been called "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway." Great view of downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River and 3 states. Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily April 1 though November 30.
350 E 3rd St, Port of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA 52001
Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium inspires stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive! Our 14-acre campus on the banks of the Mississippi River features two separate two-story buildings and an expansive outdoor plaza. The Museum & Aquarium is home to over 100 species of animals and thousands of historic artifacts. With so much to see and do, there's always a chance to #ExploreSomethingNew
American Lady Riverboat Cruises (15 mi)
1630 E. 16 th St Dubuque, IA 52001
Specializes in 1.5 to 2-hour public cruises on the Mississippi River along the banks of Dubuque, Iowa. Depending on which day you go, they will have a combination of Lunch, Happy Hour, and Sunset Dinner Cruises.
Iowa Greyhound Park and Q Casino (15 mi)
1899 Greyhound Park Rd, Dubuque, IA 52001-2381
Q Casino is an entertainment and gaming complex that incorporates both greyhound racing and casino gaming located in Dubuque, Iowa. Live Greyhound racing May thru October each year. Full card simulcast racing from the top greyhound and thoroughbred tracks. Open Wednesday thru Sunday - May to October and Friday thru Sunday - October to May.
3800 Arboretum Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001-1040
The Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens 52 acres are an arboretum and botanical gardens established in 1980 and located at 3800 Arboretum Drive, Dubuque, Iowa. It is open, without charge, daily throughout the year. The arboretum is the largest in the United States staffed entirely by volunteers.
16991 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002
Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque, Iowa is one of the best Midwest ski resorts and the premier destination to take your family skiing and snowboarding this winter! Conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest, Sundown Mountain Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders of all abilities looking for their winter adventure. Midwest winter experience. Sundown is a true Midwest ski resort destination offering great snow and an unforgettable winter experience.
Chestnut Mountain Resort (35 mi)
8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd, Galena, IL 61036
Boasting an impressive array of amenities, accommodations, comforts and activities, Chestnut Mountain is the choice Illinois travel destination. Conveniently located near historic Galena, nestled neatly amongst the hills overlooking the Mississippi, it’s the perfect base for exploring all the greater tri-state region has to offer.