One of the most visible and most famous of
South Region's attractions, the 111-foot cross tops Bald Knob Mountain near
Alto Pass in
Union County. When illuminated at night, it can be seen for miles. The road winding up to the cross is an adventure in itself and the view from the top of Bald Knob is spectacular year-round. Thousands attend the Easter sunrise services that have been conducted annually since 1937. In 1951, the Bald Knob Christian Foundation Inc. began efforts to place a permanent shrine on Bald Knob Mountain, the highest point in southern Illinois. Ground was broken in 1959 and the cross finished in 1963.
From Illinois 127 at Alto Pass, take the exit for Bald Knob then follow the signs for 4 miles to Bald Knob Cross.