Grafton, Illinois
Grafton, IL is a cute and lively river town. There are many shops, restaurants, and bars. Many places provide beautiful views of the Mississippi River. Some places we enjoyed in town were the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, Grafton Oyster Bar, 3rd Chute Bar and Grill, and The Loading Dock. They all have wonderful outdoor areas and many have views of the riverfront.
The drive to Grafton is pretty and known as the Great River Road. Heading east from Grafton to Alton, the cliff faces are more visible which looks even prettier. Keep your eyes peeled for the Pisa bird on the cliff from Alton to Grafton. Pere Marquette State Park is nearby and is worth a stop if visiting the area. There are trails and overlooks, and there is a nice lodge on site. If you are lucky enough with your timing, there is also a winery tasting room available as well.
