AREA ATTRACTIONS

Located along the western edge of Illinois, where the waters of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers meet, is the town of Grafton. Founded in 1832 by James Mason, Grafton is the oldest city in Jersey County, IL.

At the center of the region’s Bald Eagle watching area, Grafton proudly calls itself “The Winter Home of The Bald Eagle.” Eagles begin arriving early December and can usually be spotted until March. Although you may see a local or two year round, the peak time to spot eagles in Grafton is from mid-December to mid-February. By early March, most have left for the north. The American White Pelicans, one of the largest pelicans and the only white pelican in North America, arrive in the Grafton region beginning in March and depart in early April. The prime times to see huge flocks of these magnificent birds are from mid-March and mid-October upon their return.

Main Street is lined with locally owned shops including woods, antiques, & other crafts, along with a generous variety of coffee shop cafes, restaurants, & wineries. Grafton is a very a popular stopping place for bicyclists on the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail. As you enter town from the Great River Road, make your first stop at The Visitor’s Center & Museum to take a walk through the History of Grafton. Plus, the Grafton Art Gallery and Grumpy Grizzly offer one of a kind finds to make for must-see-stops on your trip through town. Pick your own apples, peaches, or pumpkins July through October at Eckert’s Orchard, a short nine minutes from Grafton. Five miles west of Grafton is Pere Marquette State Park, which is Illinois’ largest and most popular state park.

Nearby attractions include a journey through history at Lewis & Clark State Heritage Site and Interpretive Center located in Hartford, IL. Or, tour an operational lock & dam on the Mississippi River at the National Great Rivers Museum at Melvin Price Lock and Dam near Alton, IL. Just minutes from Argosy Casino and Fast Eddies of Bon Aire.