Belleville, IL: St. Louis Chapter, Our Lady of the Snows Hike + Millpond Social

HIKE DESCRIPTION
Please join us for a group hike as we walk a 4.7-mile route along paths on the campus of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. All paths are paved with minimal to no traffic. The route is easy to moderate, with some hills that will get your heart pumping and blood flowing. Most sections of the route are shaded.

Special thanks to Mary Baldree for leading this hike.

GATHERING SPOT​
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Shrine Gift Shop/Visitor’s Center Parking Lot
442 S De Mazenod Dr
Belleville, IL 62223

While the gift shop does not open until 10:00 AM, the visitor center doors will be open for us to access restrooms and water fountain before stepping out on our walk.

Upon return to the parking lot at hike’s end, pilgrims may opt to pop into the gift shop.

LOCATION INFO
This 20-acre campus includes the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, the Millennium Spire, Stations of the Cross, Shrine Amphitheater Church, Christ the King Chapel, and more. Our route will follow paths along the campus perimeter and we will walk by all of these sites.

There is a lot to see on the campus, and more than we will have time to take in during our group hike (nor likely want to in the August heat), so pilgrims are encouraged to take photos and return at another time to fully appreciate all the shrine has to offer.

Learn more: snows.org

AFTER-HIKE SOCIAL
Following the hike, we will head to Millpond Brewing in nearby Millstadt, IL, about a 15-minute drive from the shrine. We will gather for social time where you can continue to enjoy time with fellow pilgrims and ask your Camino questions. The brewery opens at 12:00 PM.

While the brewery does not offer food service, they do welcome guests to bring in outside food. Mary Baldree’s husband David has graciously offered to pick up a group-sized order of pulled pork, beans, and cole slaw from nearby Shorty’s BBQ and meet us at the brewery. Amy Horton will supply plates, utensils, and napkins.

We do ask pilgrims dining with us to contribute to help cover the cost of the meal; cost will be determined based on final count, however we do not anticipate it being more than $10/person. While we are unable to take special order requests, if you have special dietary requirements, you are welcome to carry in your own meal.

Pilgrims may purchase their own beverages at the brewery.

Learn more: millpondbrewing.com