Alto Pass, Illinois: Bald Knob Cross of Peace

111 feet tall, and at the top of Bald Knob, which makes it easy to spot. Built 1959-63, renovated 2009-11.

Bald Knob Cross of Peace

We visited on July 2, 2011. The renovation of the Cross has been completed. It was an awe inspiring sight.

[Ron Asher, 07/03/2011]

Bald Knob Cross of Peace

We visited on August 22, 2010 and were pleased to see great progress has been made on the cross renovation. The south face has been re-sheathed, and most of the sides were complete. The north face was still bare, but the man at the visitors center said that construction was steady and should be completed soon.

I was told at the visitors center that the original sheathing was panels from old freezers. A local company that manufactured commercial freezers had gone out of business and the panels were purchased to cover the cross. They saved the first panel that was removed.

The new sheathing is lightweight but strong. I recall it being dense foam with a white aluminum or plastic outer coating.

Until construction is complete, walking up near the cross is prohibited.

[Trent Dowler, 11/01/2010]

Bald Knob Cross of Peace

Bald Knob Cross is currently undergoing complete renovations. It is huge; when you stand beside it almost compares to the Eiffel Tower, with the steel girders.

[Lisa Boswell, 07/17/2010]

Bald Knob Cross of Peace

111 foot tall white cross set on top of the high point of Bald Knob, within the Shawnee National Forest in Union County, IL. Sunrise services at Easter, religious events by various denominations and Christian biker gangs, etc. There is a visitor's center at the site, but it is not reliably open. The Alto Pass area has several wineries, vineyards, and apple/peach orchards that are worth visiting. Alto Pass is also very close to the Trail of Tears route.

[Jenny, 09/09/2006]