Grafton is one of the oldest cities in Illinois and is located near the confluence of the Mississippi River and Illinois River. According to the most recent census, Grafton’s population was 626. Prior to 1993, its population was about 1,000. The city is located in Jersey County, Illinois.
116 FREE OR CHEAP ACTIVITIES
If you live in Graham, Illinois, you have plenty of options for cheap or free things to do. You can go for a walk, play a game of tennis, or take a video camera experiment. Graham is located on the outskirts of Chicago, which makes it easy to reach a variety of attractions.
116 WILDLIFE ATTRACTIONS
Located at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, Grafton has been a quintessential river town since 1832. Its riverfront location offers excellent opportunities to view wildlife. A seasonal ferry service connects the Illinois and Mississippi sides of town. The ferry is located at the foot of Illinois Route 3, alongside St. Charles County Airport.
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Grafton is a city located 37 miles northwest of St. Louis along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. The town is located at the confluence of the two rivers. As it turns to the southwest, the Mississippi changes its course to the east and west. The Grafton business district extends over two miles along the two rivers.
Grafton was originally settled by the Rippley brothers, who established a tin shop and grocery store. In the late 1800s, the brothers began producing livestock feeders and feed cookers. By the early 1900s, they were also producing the famous “Rippley Roof,” a standing seam metal roof. The Rippley brothers’ hardware store was located on the southeast corner of Main and Oak streets. Later, they founded the Rippley Boat Company at the former Rippley Manufacturing Company site at the foot of Oak Street. It became a notable company during World War I.
There are plenty of activities in Grafton. It offers a number of attractions for families and kids of all ages. Zipline Adventures and Grafton Visitors Center are just a few attractions that can be enjoyed inexpensively. Another attraction to check out is the Grafton Harbor Floating Winery.
Grafton is a riverside community. A number of businesses have been developed in the riverfront area of town. The city’s riverside location is a popular tourist attraction. There are also many historic buildings in Grafton.
116 RIVER TRIP ATTRACTIONS
The Great River Road is a scenic 15-mile stretch of road that links Grafton and Alton, Illinois. You’ll find beautiful homes, soaring limestone bluffs, and stands of autumn trees along the way. You’ll also find the Mississippi River, which was once a gateway to the area for early explorers.
After getting your bearings, you’ll want to head down to the riverfront for a relaxing stroll. It offers beautiful views of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. You’ll also get to see the local wildlife and the iconic lighthouse, which commemorates the town’s survival from the flood of 1993.
Grafton has a rich history centered around the river. It began as a small river port in the 1830s, growing into a trading and riverboat support center. Many of these buildings still stand, and are now quaint shops and galleries filled with handcrafted home goods.
If you love the outdoors, Grafton’s scenic bluffs offer a scenic backdrop for a day trip. There are several trails that can be hiked, and you can even ride a horse and enjoy the scenery. The park also has a museum where you can learn about geology and local history.
116 WINERY ATTRACTIONS
Wine lovers should not miss the Grafton Winery and Brewhaus, located on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The facility offers a variety of wine tastings, bourbon tastings, and tours. The facility also offers live music and private events. In addition, guests can enjoy local artisanal food and artisanal beverages.
Visitors to Grafton can also take advantage of zipline adventures, which will give them a thrilling thrill. This scenic attraction is only 40 minutes from St. Louis and can be easily reached by car. There are also several wineries within a half-mile radius.
Grafton offers many wineries and state parks. This location provides an opportunity to enjoy a scenic wine region while escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. Many wineries even offer overnight stays. Guests can stay at Grafton wineries and resorts for a comfortable, relaxing getaway. Some of the accommodations also offer large balconies and outdoor pools. Some of them even feature a porch where visitors can sip wine during the day.
116 FERRY TRIP ATTRACTIONS
The town of Grafton, Illinois, is situated on the Illinois River and is a popular biking destination. Its Main Street is lined with restaurants and antique shops. The town is also a popular stop for cyclists on the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail. There are many attractions in and around Grafton, including Eckert’s Orchard, five miles west of town. The city is also home to the Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois’ largest state park. You can also visit the Lewis & Clark State Heritage Site and Interpretive Center in Hartford, IL, and the Melvin Price Lock and Dam, where you can view the National Great Rivers Museum.
Another great attraction in Grafton is the Grafton Ferry, which runs along the Illinois River seasonally. The Ferry is located near the Grafton Lighthouse and the public boat ramp on Market Street. Visitors can also enjoy the Grafton SkyTour, where they can view the city from a high altitude. Grafton is also home to a full-production winery.
The Grafton Winery offers an idyllic setting where wine lovers can taste delicious wines. Visitors can also enjoy wine slushies and chocolate wines. Besides wine tasting, the Grafton Winery also offers themed cruises on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. You can also observe American Bald Eagles while on the cruise, as they hunt small rodents.