There’s A Monastery Hidden In The Prairie In Iowa And You’ll Want To Visit

Have you ever been inside a monastery? These churches and retreats are run in an ancient tradition, by monks who have chosen to dedicate themselves to a simple life of devotion and contemplation. The roots of New Melleray Abbey in Peosta go back to old Europe, but those who want to discover the way of life and crafts of these monks only have to go about fifteen miles from Dubuque.

New Melleray Abbey may be located only a short drive from Dubuque, but this old-fashioned monastery is a different world.

Containing a church, a guest house, a large plot of land, and living quarters for around 28 monks, it is open to the public for tours and retreats.

The monks who first built it came from the legendary Mount Melleray Abbey in 1849, making it one of the first Trappist monasteries in Iowa.

The monks who live on site follow a strict daily schedule of prayer, study, ministry, and work on the grounds - and you can experience it for yourself.

Ranging from a brief two-hour lunch and prayer to intensive multi-day retreats for prospective monks, the leadership is eager to welcome guests with a program that works for them.

The monks are highly self-sufficient and run an organic garden on-site.

A forest nearby offers both a source of lumber and a great location for quiet reflection.

The monks also run the business Trappist Caskets, where they hand-craft wooden coffins, urns, and other burial and memorial items.

A stately cemetery on the grounds serves as both a testament to the monks' work, and a historical document of just how long this monastery has been operating in Iowa.

Have you ever stepped inside the world of the monks at New Melleray Abbey? Let us know about your visit in the comments section. The monks open their doors for visitors every day, so visit their website to learn more about tours. If you're interested in their business, visit Trappist Caskets to learn more about their unique approach to end-of-life celebrations.