You can experience life in a real river town. Grafton, Illinois is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. It is tucked in the river bluff only minutes away from urban conveniences. It has the resort atmosphere that makes you take a new look at life. 

The vitality of the town is evident in the gift shops, antique stores, and wineries, award winning bed and breakfast inns, restaurants, fudge and ice cream shops, “hot fish” sandwich stands and the famous Ruebel Hotel. A marina and public boat ramp bring recreation to your door step.

Outdoor recreation abounds as Grafton is located on the National Scenic Byway. The famous Vadalabene Bike Trail gives bikers access to travel to the St. Louis Gateway Arch in one direction or the 8000 acre Pere Marquette State Park to the west of Grafton. As you bike or drive along the river you will enjoy the scenic river bluffs and the towboats pushing the barges up or down the rivers.   Canoes kayaks and boats are available for the adventurous. Fishing is popular and record fish have been caught in this area. Wildlife abounds through the Mississippi flyway where ducks, geese herons, pelicans and bald eagles are plentiful. Ferries are available to access beautiful drives through Calhoun peach and apple country or the historic St. Charles, Missouri downtown district which is only twelve miles away by ferry.

Other activities include an annual tow boat festival the fourth weekend in June.  Bargain hunters can enjoy the Riverside Flea Market held at the old Grafton Boat works on the fourth weekend of the month from April through October. Visit the Grafton Winery where you can see the wine being made and bottled. Taste their quality wine or have your own wine made especially for your own taste. Visit the micro brewery and taste freshly brewed beer right from the fermenting tank.   Music and good food abounds on weekends where your favorite type of music is certain to be found at one of many venues with both inside and outside dining.   During the summer months various music groups share their talent with the public at open sessions of music in the park.

Sunrise and sunset give you a thrill every day as the sun, clouds and occasionally the river fog create a new masterpiece that the local artists attempt to duplicate on canvas. The fall colors and moonlight on the river are also routine subjects of these artists. These sights from your home make Grafton the getaway that is only minutes away.