Author: Diane Prost

Workers getting ready to mark trail.

Workers having lunch before walk starts.

One of the beautiful sites along the trail.

A view of a few of the lights along the trail.

A view of the lights & the snow.

 

A beautiful fall walk in Illinois.

Members of the 60 Chicks will sing Christmas Carols with Girl Scouts during registration in the Visitor’s Center.

Welcome to the annual “Way of Lights” Walk. Experience the tradition – bring your family and friends on this most unique volksmarch in the metro-east Illinois area as you walk among over one million miniature lights illuminating trees, figures, and displays that depict the true Christmas story. The walks starts  at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Snows Visitor Center & Restaurant, 442 South De Mazenod Drive, Belleville, Illinois. The walk is open to the public. Start between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm; finish by 8:30 pm. The fee is $3 for all walkers. The fee for Girl Scouts is $4 which includes a Girl Scout patch.

Workers marking the trail for the walk stopped for a picture.

Madison’s Tea Room and Banquet Center provided a beautiful start location and the walkers enjoyed the breakfast, lunch and desserts they served.

One of many homes decorated for Halloween & the oldest tri level house in Illinois.

More sites to see in Wood River.

Registration 8:30 am & Walk 8:45 am.

More sites that walkers will see on the walk.

Everyone is invited to come help plan walks for 2019. Bring ideas for walks or come to volunteer to be a POC for a walk. Committee will also be working on plans for the Way of Lights Walk on November 13, 2018.

So many historic places to see on this walk.

Walkers stopped for a photo op.

An unexpected find on the walk.

The Lincolns came out to meet walkers.

Walkers passing the Lincoln Museum.