Grafton, Illinois
A small river town at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, known for waterfront dining, bluff-top wineries, and the scenic Great River Road.
Why Go
Grafton sits right where the Illinois River meets the Mississippi, and nearly everything to do here is built around that view. The Great River Road — a federally designated National Scenic Byway — runs along limestone bluffs into town, with river vistas the whole way. Grafton itself is a cluster of riverfront restaurants, guest houses, and wineries: Grafton Winery & Brewhaus sits in town with river views from the patio, while Aerie's Riverview Winery sits at the top of the bluffs, reachable by the Grafton SkyTour gondola for an aerial view of the confluence. Boat cruises, a historic ferry, and bald eagle watching (December through March) round out a town built for a slow, scenic weekend rather than a packed itinerary.
Don't Miss
Grafton SkyTour
Good to Know
- Suggested trip length: 1–2 nights
- Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Walkability: Grafton's riverfront restaurants, wineries, and shops are concentrated along a short stretch of Main Street, though many of the bluff-top wineries and attractions require a short drive or the SkyTour gondola rather than a walk.
Worth Knowing
Several of Grafton's best-known wineries and viewpoints sit above town on the bluffs, reachable by car or the SkyTour gondola rather than on foot from Main Street. Some riverfront businesses are seasonal.