Between Redwood Falls and Marshall, Minnesota, you’ll find a section of road flanked by passing semitrailers and vast open fields as your sole companions.
However, if you chance upon a look towards the northern side beyond the town of Vesta, you could easily find yourself looking twice.
“I think it’s wonderful. Everybody should see it,” Shirley Mortensen said.
The place is called Reflection Park, and it’s where you’ll find five bronze statues of Jesus.
Kenny Dolan stated, “I grew corn here. This was farmland I once worked.”
A decade back, Kenny Dolan’s sibling, Mike Dolan, along with his spouse, conceived the notion of constructing a park featuring sculptures situated precisely amidst their cornfields and soybean patches. This inspiration struck during their journey through Omaha, Nebraska, where they encountered a comparable exhibit.
Kenny Dolan stated, “He asked the man, ‘Can you come up and make me some crosses for this?’” That was the beginning of it all. Then, in 2016, he constructed the very first one.”
Several years afterward, the artist constructed an additional sculpture for the Dolan family, followed by three more pieces subsequently. This elaborate and meticulous piece of art depicts the “Sorrowful Mysteries,” concentrating on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Because of zoning limitations in Redwood County, these buildings were restricted to a maximum height of 35 feet.
Each year, it gets much better,” Kenny Dolan stated.
Kenny Dolan is both the greeter and the caretaker. Over the years, he’s had visitors from all over the world and all walks of life.
Austria, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Netherlands. Additionally, we have visitors from Africa, Canada, and Mexico,” Kenny Dolan stated. “My regulars include bikers who often stop by for their midday meal at the tables here.
Being the eldest among 13 Irish Catholic brothers and sisters, Kenny Dolan believes it’s his duty to stay involved, so he consistently plants more trees and flowers whenever the temperature rises.
“It’s the only thing I got left, you know,” Kenny Dolan said. “My wife passed away three years ago, and my sister Rose passed away after my wife did.”
Kenny Dolan stated that both his wife, Marie, and his sister, Rose, would wish for everyone to feel welcomed here — irrespective of whether they hail from a big Irish Catholic family or not.
Mortensen stated, ‘I believe everyone can appreciate it. This isn’t solely meant for Christians or anyone like that. I feel it’s intended for all people.’
This is a location where introspection holds the same weight as religious beliefs.
“What we have here is essential. Everyone should have this in their hearts,” stated Kenny Dolan.
The artist behind the bronze sculptures is Michael Montag, and he operates out of Nebraska.
Reflection Park is situated on Highway 19 in Redwood County, approximately four miles southwest of Vesta.
