One of my very favorite places to visit when in the area is the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows located on Highway 15 in Belleville Illinois. The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows sits on about 200 acres and has a Grotto that I tend to visit when I am in the area.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Snows is a childhood memory for me (Rhonda) as my family used to visit pretty much every year on certain holidays. While the Grotto is a favorite place for me, I sometimes walk in the area as the Shrine offers an opportunity to be in nature and in a peaceful and meditative setting, and it always feels good to just be.
The Shrine offers Walkways, Memorial Gardens, an Outdoor Arena and a couple of Chapels that are unique and beautiful on the inside. There is also a Gift Shop in the Visitor Center. For those who might be interested, they have Stations of the Cross and Masses; also a Hotel for those who might be interested in staying at the Shrine. And there are different events throughout the year such as their Holiday Lights during the Christmas Season. For more information, you can visit their website here.
It is a popular place and soothing to the soul and is visited by thousands each year. I would like to encourage you to stop by and enjoy spending time at the Shrine if you are ever in the area.
