Bald Knob Cross, Abbey Ridge Brewery receive tourism funds

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, DCEO, Office of Tourism on May 21 announced funding for two grant programs which are designed to increase tourism across the state.  

The grants, which haven’t been awarded since 2015, will go to help bolster the state’s tourism industry which generated over $3 billion in tax revenue for state and local communities last year.

Grant recipients include the Bald Knob Cross of Peace Inc. in Alto Pass and the Abbey Ridge Brewery & Tap Room in Pomona. 

The Tourism Attraction Grant Program will help develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions to grow the number of visitors and overnight stays in Illinois.  

DCEO provided grant funding to 13 organizations in the amount of $1.4 million. 

There was significant demand for this grant program, receiving four times the number of requests than available funding. 

The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program will help attract major new events to the state or significantly enhance existing events to increase visitation. 

DCEO provided grant funding to four applicants in the amount of $402,160.

“Travel and tourism in Illinois is a $40 billion industry and we are glad to support our communities in their efforts to attract new and returning visitors to their attractions,” said Erin Guthrie, the acting director of DCEO. 

 “We are glad DCEO can support the tourism economy in local communities with these grant programs.”

“Developing new attractions and events is necessary to attract new audiences to visit Illinois. These grants will result in increased visitor spending in local communities, generating revenue and creating jobs for Illinoisans.” said Jan Kemmerling, the acting deputy director of the Illinois Office of Tourism.

Details about the two local Tourism Attraction grant recipients follow:

Bald Knob Cross of Peace Inc.: $53,071.50

Bald Knob Cross of Peace will construct a covered stage for annual and seasonal events; expand and resurface its parking area, add handicap accessible walking paths and purchase a handicap accessible free-standing telescope (binoculars).  

Bald Knob Cross stands 111 feet tall, overlooking the Shawnee National Forest and three states: Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri.

Abbey Ridge Brewery & Tap Room: $106,798

The Abbey Ridge Brewery & Tap Room will be rebuilt after a fire completely destroyed the structure in 2017.  

Located along the Shawnee Hills Wine and Beer Trail, Abbey Ridge was the first microbrewery in a three-county region offering craft beer, wine and cocktails paired with food, entertainment and event options. 

Once rebuilt, Abbey Ridge will continue with beer making tours, and host events including weddings and themed dinners consistent with its old medieval décor. 

The new facility will be structured with an 11th century European facade similar to the French Monastery Abbey de Senanque, where beer was brewed by monks.