prairie bells grotto

This is a unique stop along HWY 13. It was built by a local family. Take the time to walk up and ring the bells for good luck.

Not very far off of the ND 13 highway this place of calm, reflection and beauty is a lovely place to pause. Several old bells have be gathered here in a open tower. There is explanatory information there. The chances are you will be the only humans there but if you are paying attention you will note the wildlife.

Friday climbed to the top for the first time, up the fenceline alongside the threshing machines, and onto what we call Custer's Ridge, the crest, where a couple of machines have been blown over by the wind. Sublime light in the evening. Lovely walk. Site full of heritage, and graced by vistas.

Peace Peace Peace; old bells; not far from ND Highway 13; good graded road; pray for the memorialized souls and their families

I have actually enjoyed this stop several time. On a grassy knoll above the prairie, a shining statement of faith and family. The audio history of the site is educational and a secret I will share is that there is a geocache nearby. Pull the rope and ring the bells! Unique and lovely.

Just a nice quiet area in the country. I was impressed by the work put into making the Grotto and keeping the area up for visitors.

It was a grassy day in April when we walked up the path to the Prairie Bells & Grotto of the Holy Family, but that did not dim our appreciation of the site. German-Russian Country is a holy landscape studded with statements of faith--this one by the venerable Vetter family. We didn't know what to expect when we pushed the button, but we did, and were greeted by an audio history of the site. The Prairie Bells are a work of remembrance, but they also are interactive--you can pull the rope and set them pealing across the prairies. Altogether a charming place.

My children ages 3, 6, 9, 13 & 14 and myself all enjoyed this little jewel in the middle of nowhere. I was pleasantly surprised. The family that took the time to make this grotto did a fabulous job. The children all enjoyed pulling on all the different ropes to make all the different sized bells ring. It makes you stop and remember that no matter where you go you always have someone who cares watching over you.