Grafton is the oldest city in Jersey County, Illinois, and is situated near the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. The city has a population of 626 as of the 2020 census, down from a population of over 1,000 before 1993. There are a number of interesting attractions to see and things to do in Grafton.
Raging Rivers Water Park
The Sprawling riverside spot is a water-sports paradise that offers a variety of slides, pools and flumes. It also features cabanas, stages and eats to keep visitors busy while they soak up the rays.
The water park has been expanding for years, and this season, it will introduce a new monster-sized water slide. The new slide, dubbed the Mississippi Monster, will feature three hidden chambers and an enclosed tube with a massive splash at the end. Corporate Director of Operations Ken Handler said the slide’s construction progresses every day.
There are eight water-park attractions at Raging Rivers. The park offers exciting rides for children and adults of all ages, including the 500-foot dual Cascade Body Flumes and the 600-foot Runaway Rafts adventure. Another attraction is the Shark Slide flume, which floats riders down a 45-foot tunnel flume before ending in a catch pool. There is also a two-bowl attraction known as the Swirlpool. The two-bowl structure combines three rides in one.
Raging Rivers Water Park is a great place to go in Grafton, Illinois. It’s less than an hour’s drive from St. Louis, and offers a variety of water activities and food options. The park is also a great venue for group meetings and birthday parties.
Raging Rivers Water Park is a fun, family-friendly attraction in Grafton. It offers a variety of attractions and a healthy menu. It is also conveniently located near the Treehouse Wildlife Center and Pisa Winery & Pub.
Eckert’s Farm
If you love fresh fruits and vegetables, then Eckert’s Farm is the place to go. Every summer, this farm opens its blackberry and apple orchards for pick-your-own season. The farm also has a petting zoo, miniature golf, and carnival rides. Visitors can buy a Field Access Pass, which allows them to explore all the farm’s activities, including the orchard.
Located on picturesque Mississippi River Bluffs, Eckert’s Farm is a fun way to spend a day in Grafton. The farm offers pumpkin-picking and free wagon rides during select seasons. Visitors can even purchase farm goods from the farm’s store.
The farm’s farmstand and cafe are great places to buy fruit, vegetables, and other seasonal produce. You can also enjoy delicious meals in the Eckert’s Farm Café. The Eckert’s Country Store features farm-fresh items like apples, potatoes, and fresh produce. The Eckert’s Garden Center offers fresh blooms for every season of the year.
Located just outside Grafton, Eckert’s is a great place for family fun. Visitors can pick their own fruit and vegetables, and purchase fresh produce from the Eckert’s Farm Country Store. The country store is open seven days a week. Monday through Friday, it is open until 8 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday, it is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The farm also offers a restaurant, which is a great place to enjoy an afternoon with the family. The restaurant has a full bar, and there is also a place to relax outdoors. Guests can also enjoy a frozen drink at the Grafton Loading Dock.
Pere Marquette State Park
Pere Marquette State Park is an 8,050-acre protected area in Jersey County, Illinois, just near the city of Grafton. It is located at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. This beautiful park is a great place to spend the day.
During the fall season, Pere Marquette State Park is a great place to see the spectacular colors of fall. In the winter, you can watch bald eagles soaring overhead. Other great activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and interpretive programs.
The park is named for the Jesuit missionary, Father Jacques Marquette, who led a 1673 expedition along the Mississippi River. Its purpose was to explore the region. By doing this, it was able to map the Illinois River’s mouth and return from the Mississippi to the Great Lakes.
Pere Marquette State Park is located just an hour outside of St. Louis and is a great place to take a day trip or weekend getaway. The area is also dotted with wineries, ziplining, and restaurants. It also has a visitor center and a lodge. There are many hiking trails, which are moderate and short in length, but offer a great view of the Swan Lake.
The lodge in Pere Marquette State Park is an elegant retreat. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1930 and has been expanded recently. It has a huge stone fireplace and a 50-foot-high ceiling. The lodge also features a conference center and an indoor pool. There are also rental cabins available for use by guests.
The park is home to many wildlife, including bald eagles. The park also has a visitor center, where visitors can learn about the park’s wildlife.
TreeHouse Wildlife Center
TreeHouse Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization that focuses on environmental awareness and education. For more information, call the center at 618-466-2990. You can also visit the center’s website. A 501(c)(3) organization, TreeHouse is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness through education.
The Wildlife Rescue Center is located outside of Grafton’s downtown business district, in Dow. The center is known for caring for injured wildlife. Isaac Newton, the turkey vulture, is just one of the many creatures you can meet here. It was originally saved from an old farmhouse that was slated to be demolished.
While visiting TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Grafton, consider making a donation. The center’s mission is to promote environmental awareness through education and habitat preservation. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. In addition to tours of the indoor education center, the center also offers horseback rides through nearby Pere Marquette State Park.
A great place to visit for family fun is Pere Marquette State Park, which is located near Grafton. The park has natural formations dating back millions of years. There are many hiking trails in the park, and the park is free to visit. Children will enjoy the Raging Rivers Water Park, which has slides and comfort stations.
The Grafton Winery is conveniently located behind the property. This is a fantastic place to enjoy a glass of wine while watching the birds. The property is stocked perfectly for wildlife viewing. The bedrooms are located on the main level. There’s also a rec room. The property has a serene, country-like feel, and is perfect for families.
Grafton Harbor Floating Water
Grafton, Mississippi, is known for its beautiful riverside scenery and is a favorite destination for boaters and motorists along the Great River Road. While the city is still recovering from the historic flooding, the city’s marina and surrounding area has been attracting visitors and generating business. This area offers visitors the chance to go on pontoon tours, enjoy alfresco dining, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Grafton Harbor is home to the Grafton Harbor Floating Winery. Located along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, this enchanting area offers visitors an opportunity to sample a variety of wine from across the globe. The winery also offers boat tours, private boat rentals, and live music. If you’re not a wine lover, the Floating Winery has a selection of six different varieties of wine.
In addition to enjoying the picturesque riverside scenery, the area offers a variety of lodging options. You can stay at the Ruebel Hotel, where historic architectural stained-glass windows are prominently displayed. The hotel’s accommodations feature Emerald soft pillow top beds, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and complete satellite service. If you’re looking for a casual meal or drink, check out Grafton Harbor Floating Water’s pub for daily promotions and food.
Grafton has many restaurants and wineries. The Loading Dock offers the area’s largest flea market. It also has an ice rink, and offers stunning views of Southern Illinois. You can also take the Skytour, which consists of a series of gondolas and chairlifts. The ticket office is at 3 W. Clinton St., Grafton, IL 62037.
While visiting Grafton, Illinois, you should stop by Grafton Winery & Brewhaus. They have year-round wine selections as well as seasonal brews. You can also sample some of their delicious fruit wines or try a wine tasting. The Aeries Resort is another great option.
