WNIJ News

Restoring the Geneva Grotto's glory | Under Rocks podcast

Northern Public Radio | By Dan Libman,

Published May 28, 2026 at 4:57 AM CDT

Thousands drive past it every day, but only a few lay eyes on it. It's the Geneva Grotto. And nearly a century after it was built by local Catholic priests, the mosaic and stone structure is returning to serve as a connection between the faithful and their God.

Deep in the woods of Geneva, Illinois — just moments from the Kane County government headquarters — lies an elaborate stone and mosaic grotto. The nearly 100-year-old religious structure has been restored after decades of abuse and neglect.

In this month's Under Rocks podcast, our team heads into the woods to meet up with two of the volunteers who are bringing the Geneva Grotto back to life: Bob McQuillan and Patrick Murtaugh.

This episode was produced by WNIJ at Northern Illinois University by Dan Libman and Spencer Tritt, with additional editing by Susan Stephens. Got an idea for an Under Rocks adventure? Tell us! rocks@niu.edu

Copy Edited by Eryn Lent