Grasshopper Chapel

The original chapel built in 1877 was destroyed by a tornado less than 10 years later. The new one built in 1952 commemorates the grasshopper plagues of the 1870s. In 1873 grasshoppers descended on the farming community intent on eating every plant in sight. Every year after the grasshoppers hatched anew and began their destruction once again. In a desperate attempt to eradicate the swarm of insects Father Leo Winter asked his congregation to build this chapel in 1877. Miraculously the grasshoppers disappeared soon after construction started as told by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The quaint granite structure stands in a peaceful clearing and still holds services every Thursday evening. Additionally, every August 15 a special Mass is given to give thanks for relieving the community of its scourge.