Did you know that one of the largest American Flags on the Mississippi River is in Grafton? This quaint river town is packed full of history and makes for an excellent one or two day trip from the 370 Valley.
Located on the Great River Road, Grafton is a local and regional tourist spot with activities ranging from water sports to excursions in the hills—along with some amazing culinary delights. Take a look at our Grafton Road Trip Guide to help you plan with aplomb on this mini adventure.
The Way There
Just three miles from the neighborhoods of New Town and Charlestowne is the Golden Eagle Ferry. This makes for the perfect way to get across the border between Missouri and Illinois into Calhoun County—offering scenic views of the Mississippi River and the bucolic landscape that makes up the hills on the Illinois side. In some ways, it feels as if you are transported into the hills of Italy—with expansive views along the ridgelines and winding roads through sloping vineyards dotted within the landscape.
If you are looking for a brief rest stop, the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge offers the perfect spot to catch different kinds of birds on the Mississippi flyway.
River Views and Culinary Delights
At the end of the Calhoun County Peninsula is the second ferry that will take you into Grafton—the Illinois State operated Brussels Ferry. From there, it is just five minutes to the main street in Grafton. If you are looking for a quick bite, the Grafton Oyster Bar located at the main marina in the town offers local culinary delights, such as catfish bites— along with more seagoing fare, such as freshly shucked oysters. The floating marina also provides scenic views of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers Confluence. The many barge lines that make their runs along these waterways also provide an up-close view of the massive towboats and barges that have been moving commodities along the rivers for centuries.
A Midwest Mountain Adventure
Nestled along the shoreline, Grafton sits in front of an impressive backdrop of steep hills and karst topography. This provides access to some of the best and most immediate Midwest mountain adventures in the area. Whether it be hiking in Pere Marquette State Park or taking the gondola up from the Mississippi River to Aerie’s Resort, there are plenty of activities to keep you and your family feeling adventurous.
From Aerie’s Resort, you can access a wooded zipline course and an off-road ATV tour. If you are in a hurry to get off the mountain, you can also take the relatively new mountain coaster back down—offering the thrills of a a roller coaster with gravity being the main source of power. For the adults in the group, Aerie’s also has a full restaurant and winery at the top of the hill.
Overnight
Grafton does have a lot of lodging options, but one of the best for families is making the short trip north to the Pere Marquette Lodge—offering campsites, small cabins and full lodges on the grounds of the park adjacent to the Illinois River. The Pere Marquette Conference Center and Lodge also provides a full breakfast buffet near the grand hall each morning.
Water Sports
To balance out the land based recreation, Grafton is also a destination for watersports. As it is situated at the confluence of two large rivers, Grafton Harbor and Marina provides full-day pontoon rentals for a leisurely boat ride up the calm waters of the Illinois Waterway. If you are looking for something a bit more active, tubing and water skiing are also an option. When the water is not too high, the many sandbars along the Mississippi River offer beach like settings and fishing opportunities.
The Way Back
Although you could venture back home the same route, The Great River Road provides an extension of your road trip, all while looping you back to the 370 Valley. From Grafton head south to Alton and take in one of the widest portions of the Mississippi River with a back drop of towering river bluffs. From Alton, it is a quick route back along Highway 270 South back into the St. Charles Region.
All-in-all, Grafton provides the perfect escape for a one or two day road trip from New Town and Charlestowne. A great destination to get up into the hills, have some good food and partake in mountain-like outdoor recreation. Whether it is a last-minute trip or a planned vacation, the proximity of this location offers year-round rest and relaxation.
For more information on visiting Grafton and Pere Marquette State Park, visit: https://www.riversandroutes.com/things-to-do/road-trips/great-river-road/