Grafton, Illinois

Grafton is the small river town at the point where the Illinois River flows into the Mississippi, about 5 miles down Route 100 from Pere Marquette State Park. The local tourism bureau describes a narrow Main Street of specialty shops, a marina, river-view dining, guest houses and bluff-top views. It is also where the Grafton Ferry lands from Missouri.

At a Glance

Grafton at a Glance

WhereWhere the Illinois River meets the Mississippi

Distance to the parkAbout 5 miles on Route 100

Getting there from MissouriGrafton Ferry from St. Charles County

Known forRiver views, Main Street shops, river dining

WinterBald eagles; live eagle meet-and-greets

Area visitor info(618) 465-6676

Why Visit Grafton With the Park

Grafton is the town nearest the park on IDNR's map. It was once a busy stop for river traffic on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, and today the tourism bureau sells it on its views of the two rivers and its downtown.

Things to Do in Grafton

The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau lists:

Main Street: specialty shops, a flea market and a historic hotel along a narrow riverfront street.
River dining: restaurants with views over the Mississippi.
A river cruise on a tour boat.
A lift ride to the top of the bluffs, which rise about 300 feet over town.
A full production winery.
Zip lines and a riverfront water park in summer.
The marina, for boaters on the two rivers.

Hours, prices and seasons for these change; check with each business or the tourism bureau before you go.

Getting to Grafton

From Pere Marquette: about 5 miles on Route 100, per IDNR's park map.
From Alton: Route 100, the Great River Road, along the bluffs.
From St. Charles County, Missouri: the Grafton Ferry crosses the Mississippi to a landing near the Grafton Lighthouse and the public boat ramp off Market Street.
From Calhoun County: the free Brussels Ferry crosses the Illinois River near town.

Grafton in Winter

Eagle season, December to March, is a good time to come. The tourism bureau and the World Bird Sanctuary have run free live-eagle meet-and-greets at the Grafton visitor center on January Saturdays, and eagles perch along both rivers. See eagle watching.

Grafton Plus the Park: a Day Plan

Morning: hike to McAdams Peak and stop at the Visitor Center.
Lunch: drive the 5 miles back to Grafton for a river-view meal.
Afternoon: take the Brussels Ferry across the Illinois River for the ride, or follow the Great River Road toward Alton and the Piasa Bird.

A two-story historic brick hotel building with storefronts on Main Street in Grafton, Illinois

A low stone building under large shade trees in the Grafton historic district

FAQ

Grafton, Illinois FAQ

How far is Grafton from Pere Marquette State Park?

About 5 miles on Route 100, according to the IDNR park map.

What is Grafton, Illinois known for?

Its spot where the Illinois River meets the Mississippi, its riverfront Main Street, river-view dining and, in winter, bald eagles.

Is there a ferry to Grafton, Illinois?

Yes. The Grafton Ferry crosses the Mississippi from St. Charles County, Missouri, and the free Brussels Ferry crosses the Illinois River nearby.

What is there to do in Grafton, Illinois?

Shops on Main Street, river dining, a river cruise, a lift to the 300-foot bluffs, a winery, zip lines, a summer water park and the marina, per the local tourism bureau, plus Pere Marquette State Park 5 miles away.