"Union County, IL Anna" Anna by annalees

Union County has many place to hike, bike, climb, drink wine and more.

The Base of the cross is 1,034 ft. above sea level. The Cross stands 111 ft tall, is 22 ft square at the base,16 ft. square at the top, and it's arms extend horzionally 63 ft.

A Easter Sunrise Service is held annually. The first one was held in 1937. Bald Knob is the most prominent elevation in Southern most Ill. Surrounded by the rugged scenic beauty of the Shawnee National Forest, Bald Knob rises more than 700 ft, above the valley below. Each year the thousands who vist express wonder at the magnifcence of the setting.

The area is interdenomational and available to all religious groups. It is highly spiritual area. Any worthy group with high standards can use the area and its facilities by complying with the grounds rules.

Bald Knob Cross is located between interstates 24,55 and 57 in Southern Ill. From Ill 127 at Alto Pass, take exit for Bald Knob. Then follow the signs for four miles to Bald Knob Cross. The last four miles are a scenic wilderness.

About the Wine Trail...

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail wineries are located in Jackson and Union Counties in southern Illinois. All twelve award-winning wineries are just a few minutes from each other. Enjoy twelve unique and different wineries on a day trip or spread out over a long weekend. Most of the wineries offer picnic areas for you to bring along picnic baskets and enjoy your lunch or snacks with an award-winning southern Illinois wine. Hedman Vineyards offers Swedish Cuisine in their Peach Barn Cafe'.

• In a nutshell:Small town with lots of nice people and shops.