23 Best & Fun Things To Do In Grafton, IL
Are you searching for fun activities in Grafton, Illinois? Regardless of your status as a local or a visitor, this guide features the 23 best and most enjoyable things to do to make the most of your time in this charming river town.
Situated along the scenic Great River Road, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, Grafton is known for its breathtaking views, historic charm, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
As a beloved destination in Jersey County, Illinois, this picturesque town offers a wide range of activities, from exploring Pere Marquette State Park to enjoying the local wineries and unique shops, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience while visiting.
23 Best And Fun Things To Do In Grafton, IL (2024)
1. Grafton Visitors Center
Commence your Grafton exploration with a visit to the Grafton Visitors Center, a facility beneficial and dedicated to providing information on fun, entertaining, and educational things to do in Grafton, IL, for visitors.
The center prides itself on restrooms, a plaza for pedestrians and cyclists, a parking space, scenic sights of the Mississippi River, nearby cliffs, and information resources for tourists.
Advisably, the Grafton Visitors Center should be a focal point to visit on landing Grafton, as it offers beneficial information and a picturesque riverside setting.
Address: 950 E Main Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States
2. National Great Rivers Museum
Located in Alton, about a 24-minute drive from Grafton, paying a visit to the National Great Rivers Museum, a treasure house devoted to enlightening visitors about the Mississippi River’s past and significance.
To facilitate a host of unique things to do near Grafton, IL, for art enthusiasts, the museum boasts hands-on displays, a theater, a classroom, and a gift shop.
Enjoy a fun and engaging way to learn about the potent Mississippi River, starting from its part in transportation to its influence on animals and plants.
Address: 1 Locks and Dam Way, Alton, IL 62002, United States
3. Grafton Winery The Vineyards
A stop by Grafton Winery The Vineyards, a winery and scenic getaway with rolling vineyards and a stunning pond, should make your bucket list of the most romantic things to do in Grafton, IL, for couples.
The winery features an 11,000-square-foot space with a production structure, a taproom, a fireplace, and an extensive outdoor pavilion for events, wine tastings, and tours.
Experience relaxing and enjoyable experiences as you can savor tasty wines, take in the lovely scenery, and attend a unique occasion.
Address: 21028 Eckert Orchard Road, Grafton, IL 62037, United States
4. Grafton Harbor
Grafton Harbor is a full-service marina situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to give room for fun things to do in Grafton, IL, this weekend.
The harbor provides amenities like covered and uncovered slips for different boat sizes, jet ski ports, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a convenience store to cater to boaters of all kinds.
Dock your boat and explore the beautiful town with its picks of restaurants, wineries, and exciting activities when you stop by Grafton Harbor.
Address: 215 West Water Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States
5. Ridge Valley Riding Stables
Relishing a visit to the Ridge Valley Riding Stables, a family-owned and managed horseback riding amenity, is one of the exciting things to do in Grafton, IL, for families.
Established in 1972, the stables present different services like trail rides, pony parties, horse boarding, and riding tutorials for inexperienced riders.
At Ridge Valley Riding Stables, visitors can experience horseback riding in a beautiful setting, appropriate for all ages.
Address: 286 Upton Street, Grafton, MA 01519, United States
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6. Grafton Ferry Landing
Discovering the beauty of the Mississippi Rivier and Missouri on Grafton Ferry Landing, a transportation service linking the Mississippi River to St. Charles, Missouri, is one of the best things to do in Grafton, IL, for travelers.
The ferry curtails travel duration between the two towns and allows passengers to alight from their vehicles and appreciate the vistas of the river during the ride.
A Journey on the Grafton Ferry Landing presents a picturesque way to voyage between Missouri and Illinois, offering a pause from driving and an opportunity to enjoy the Mississippi River.
Address: Market Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
7. Grafton Riverside Flea Market
One of the indoor things to do in Grafton, IL, today is exploring Graftn Riverside Flea Market, a vast market held at The Loading Dock.
The market offers over 60 sellers vending an extensive assortment of items, including antiques, crafts, collectibles, furniture, food, and special discoveries.
Bask in a gem-hunting experience with the option to find something unique from various vendors.
Address: 401 Front Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
8. Grafton Sky Tour at Aerie’s Resort
A ride on the Grafton Sky Tour At Aerie’s Resort, a panoramic chairlift ride offering spectacular views is among the multiple exciting things to do in Grafton, IL, with friends.
This attraction allows you to select between an enclosed gondola and an open-air chairlift for a simple 300-foot ascent to the top of the ridges.
Your tour on the Grafton Sky Tour gives panoramic views of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers meeting, ideal for relaxation and taking charming pictures.
Address: 3 W Clinton, Grafton, IL 62037, United States
9. Eckert’s Grafton Farm
Exploring Eckerf’s Grafton Farm, a family-managed pick-your-own orchard priding itself on picturesque cliffs and fresh air, should make your list of free things to do in Grafton, IL, in the fall.
The farm provides seasonal produce picking like peaches, blueberries, apples, and pumpkins, and has a spellbinding country store, bakery, and even cooking tutorials.
Eckert’s Grafton Farm promises outstanding outings, allowing you to pick your produce, enjoy the beautiful location, and partake in treats from the bakery.
Address: 20995 Eckert Orchard Road, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
10. Pere Marquette State Park
Unearth an array of family-friendly things to do in Grafton, IL, for all ages at Pere Marquette State Park, a nature preserve serving as a confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
Spanning 8,050 acres, the park prides itself on picturesque overlooks, long hiking and horseback riding trails, a campground, and a historic accommodation.
Families and groups visiting Pere Marquette State Park can explore opportunities for open-air fun, and wildlife observation, and immerse themselves in the scenery of the rivers’ meeting point.
Address: 13112 Visitors Center Lane, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
11. Raging Rivers Waterpark
Experiencing a splash-tastic day out at Raging Rivers Waterpark, an extensive riverside waterpark with many tools, slides, and attractions, is one of the most exciting things to do in Grafton, IL, for all ages.
The waterpark presents exciting slides, a soothing wave pool, a lazy river, a children’s play area, and private cabanas for rent.
You are guaranteed a day filled with splashy adventures, ideal for beating the summer heat and creating lasting summer memories, making it one of the best things to do in Grafton, IL, this summer.
Address: 100 Palisades Parkway, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
12. Grafton Fudge and Ice Cream
Grafton Fudge And Ice Cream, a shop blending delicious treats with a notable setting, presents lovely things to do with friends in Grafton, Illinois.
The company proffers hand-scooped ice cream, soft serve, frozen yogurt, specialty sundaes, milkshakes, floats, fudge, and a gift shop.
Relaxing at Grafton Fudge And Ice Cream gives fun with standard treats and bonuses of going through a landmark like the McClintock House.
Address: 321 E Main Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
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13. Great Rivers Tour Boat Company
Taking cruises with Great Rivers Tour Boat Company, a sailing company giving sightseeing cruises on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers should make your checklist of adventurous things to do in Grafton, IL, this week.
The voyage company utilizes a 49-passenger tour boat named Hakuna Matata for frequent sails and private cruises on request.
Learn more about the history and geography of the rivers while relishing scenic views from the river, or request special cruises with food and drinks.
Address: 215 West Water Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
14. Buena’s Vista Art
Shopping at Buena’s Vista Art, a gift shop owned and managed by an innovative family, is one of the best things to do in Grafton, IL, for families.
The gift shop focuses on handmade items like jewelry, lamps, pottery, soaps, and scrubs made by the owner or acquired from local artisans.
Stopping by Buena’s Vista Art gives the option to find special pieces made with local pride and support mini businesses in the community.
Address: 307 E Main Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
15. Designs by Deseray – Grafton, Il
Discover unique things to do in Grafton, IL, for art lovers at Designs by Deseray, a creative studio focused on personalized crafts and artistic experiences.
They present paint parties, Do-it-Yourself paint tools, personalized decor items, and engraving services that permit visitors to engage in paint parties and make their craft projects with DIY tools.
Address: 14530 Rowling Ridge Road, Grafton, IL 62037, United States
16. Grafton Zipline
Riding the Grafton Zipline, a zipline course that allows you to glide through the trees while enjoying panoramic river vistas is one of the most thrilling things to do in Grafton, IL, today.
The course prides itself on different zip lines, differing in span and height, with the adrenaline-pumping “Soaring Eagle” with a 250-foot drop, and the fast “Creek Hopper” bearing up to 45 mph.
Get adrenaline-pumping adventures amidst nature, with sensational views in a course appropriate for various thrill levels.
Address: 14 W Main Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
17. Mason Hollow Park
Check out Mason Hollow Park, an extensive beehive for families seeking fun and entertaining things to do in Grafton, IL, this weekend
Situated at the western end of Grafton, the park houses a pavilion with picnic tables making it a perfect spot for respite and open-air dining.
Relish a beautiful break, go picnicking with a beautiful view, and rest while launching into the town.
Address: 1304 W Main Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
18. Port of Grafton Lighthouse
The Port of Grafton Lighthouse, a memorial structure representing the town’s stability after the 1993 destructive flood, offers room for fun and educational things to do in Grafton, Illinois.
Built in 2007, the lighthouse stands in Grafton Lighthouse Park with the “Snapper” turtle sculpture and the largest American flag displayed on the river.
Visiting the Port of Grafton Lighthouse gives a beautiful spot to relish the riverscape, take a piece of local history, and appreciate a photo with the special landmark.
Address: XH98+6CV, Grafton, IL 62037, United States
19. Hakuna Matata
Cruising on Hakuna Matata, a 49-passenger tour boat with scenic cruises on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, is one of the adventurous things to do in Grafton, IL, this weekend.
Features like cozy seating on two balconies, restrooms, a Tiki bar with refreshments, and sails like the River Rambler, Sunset voyages, and Wine cruises.
Sailing on the Hakuna Matata guarantees ease, picturesque river views, and the opportunity to see cliffs, islands, and notable landmarks.
Address: 215 West Water Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
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20. The Loading Dock Ice Rink
Skating on The Loading Dock Ice Rink, a quasi-outdoor rink nestled within The Loading Dock entertainment facility is one of the top things to do in Grafton, IL, in the winter.
The rink features public skating sessions, skate rentals, and the choice to organize private parties in heated tents, allowing attendees to enjoy ice skating with panoramic river views and any form of celebration.
Address: 401 Front Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
21. River Bank Gifts
Unique things to do in Grafton, IL, this week await you at River Bank Gifts, a shop that marks Grafton’s charm and American liveliness.
The gift shop offers souvenirs, Grafton-styled apparel, American decor, local merchandise, and gifts with nature and lighthouse themes.
Exploring the River Bank Gifts allows you to find a keepsake of your trip, browse locally produced goodies, and find Americana gifts.
Address: 225 E Main Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
22. the Grove Memorial Park
The Grove Memorial Park is a panoramic park with facilities that aid some of the fun things to do in Grafton, IL, this summer.
Located at the corner of Market and Main Street, the park boasts a pavilion with picnic tables, a playground for children, and stunning vistas of the Mississippi River.
Relish the outdoors, have a picnic lunch, get soaked in the river scenery, let the kids play, and catch live music during the Grafton Music in the Park sequel held on summer Thursdays.
Address: Grafton, IL 62037, United States
23. Ruebel Hotel 
The Ruebel Hotel is a historic hotel featuring a storied bar offering a peaceful stay and other relaxing things to do in Grafton, IL, for travelers.
Established in 1884, the hotel has welcoming guest rooms, picturesque river views, a complimentary breakfast, and a popular bar with a rich history.
Staying at the Ruebel Hotel offers a step back in time with stylish comforts, tasty meals, and a glimpse of the Mississippi River.
Address: 217 E Main Street, Grafton, IL 62037, United States.
Plan your visit to Grafton, IL
Grafton, Illinois, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. From its scenic river views and rich history to its charming downtown and inviting community, there’s no shortage of things to do in this delightful town.
Plan your visit today and uncover all the wonderful attractions Grafton has to offer! Safe travels.
