Bald Knob Cross of Peace
Alto Pass, IL
A 111-foot white cross on one of the highest hills in southern Illinois, with wide views over the Shawnee Hills and nearby wine trail.
The Bald Knob Cross of Peace near Alto Pass, Illinois, is a 111-foot (34 m) cross on Bald Knob in Shawnee National Forest. Its base sits a little over 1,000 feet (about 310 m) above sea level. The cross was completed in 1963, and the Easter sunrise service on the mountain goes back to 1937. It borders the Bald Knob Wilderness.
The cross is visible from far away and lit at night. Roadside America describes a view over about 7,500 square miles (roughly 19,000 km²). An observation deck at the foot of the cross opened in 2017; the inside of the cross is not open to the public. The drive leads from Route 127 at Alto Pass up Bald Knob Road, about 4 miles (6 km) up the mountain. The parking lot is small (12 to 15 vehicles in 2017), so if you travel in a large RV, check access ahead of time. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, with wineries, is nearby and combines well with a visit. Check opening hours and conditions before you drive up (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Alto Pass, IL
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 37.5530, -89.3310
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Trail of Tears CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Bald Knob Cross of PeaceToilets
- Pine Hills CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Bald Knob Cross of PeaceToilets
- Little Grassy Campground & MarinaCampsite12 mi from Bald Knob Cross of Peace
- Crab Orchard CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Bald Knob Cross of PeaceTentsCaravans
- Kinkaid Lake Campsites (Annual Lease)Motorhome stopover18 mi from Bald Knob Cross of PeaceMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Turkey Ridge Tent CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Bald Knob Cross of Peace
All campsites in Illinois · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bald Knob Cross of Peace?
Bald Knob Cross of Peace is in Alto Pass, IL, at GPS 37.5530, -89.3310. It is about 6 mi from Pomona Natural Bridge.
Can you camp near Bald Knob Cross of Peace?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Trail of Tears Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 31 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Bald Knob Cross of Peace?
Bald Knob Cross of Peace is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Shawnee National Forest: southern Illinois hills.
What is there to see near Bald Knob Cross of Peace?
Places worth a stop nearby: Giant City State Park (8 mi), Little Grand Canyon (10 mi), Superman Statue (43 mi) and Sainte Genevieve Historic District (49 mi).
When is the best time to visit Bald Knob Cross of Peace?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)