Check out these unique destinations that reflect the genuine character of our region.
Saint Mary Roman Catholic Oratory Grotto
517 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 965-5971, institute-christ-king.org/rockford-home
Rockford built its first Catholic church on North Second Street in 1852. As the city’s Catholic flock grew, parishioners organized St. Mary’s on the west side in 1885.
The congregation first heard Mass in an unfinished basement that December and dedicated the completed church in 1887. A school, convent and rectory followed. In 1928 the campus added a dim, cool grotto, designed for quiet reflection and prayer…