If you are looking for things to do in Grafton, Illinois, there are many different options that you can consider. You can visit several parks and see some of the many attractions the area offers.
Grafton is an Illinois town with a beautiful landscape. The city was originally a port city with plenty of things to do. For example, visitors can see the bald eagles in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers during winter.
Grafton is also excellent for shopping for antiques and other locally made items. Some top spots to shop include Harrison’s Antiques, Lady LaMarsh Gallery, and Gifts. These stores offer unique items such as lawn ornaments, handcrafted cutting boards, and dishware.
Pere Marquette State Park
If you love nature and the outdoors, you’ll want to check out Pere Marquette State Park. This park is located near Grafton, Illinois, and is home to various recreational activities. The park offers many outdoor activities, including horseback riding, biking, camping, fishing, and hiking.
The park is home to several wildlife species, including the American bald eagle. Bald eagles are Pere Marquette’s signature bird. Hundreds of these birds nest in wetland areas to the north. During winter, bald eagles congregate in the park’s wooded areas.
The park is also home to various outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, and boating. Several trails, including the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail, connect Grafton and Alton.
Pere Marquette is an 8,000-acre state park. It is located in Jersey County, Illinois, and is part of the Confluence Greenway. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Illinois River and the surrounding landscape.
Pere Marquette State Park is a great place to visit during the fall. The area is known for its colorful trees and fall foliage. Some trails wind around the park, providing an excellent scenery view. Moreover, there is a climbing area where visitors can climb up a rock wall.
Raging Rivers WaterPark
For those looking for a fun day at the beach, Raging Rivers WaterPark is the place to go. It features several attractions, including two large body flumes, a wave pool, and a lazy river. The park also has cabana rentals, a handful of food and beverage options, and a free bus shuttle for school buses.
There are a handful of other attractions at Raging Rivers, including a shark slide, an endo-mite slide, and an underwater aquarium. One of the most impressive rides is the Cascade, a 500-foot-long body flume with a water slide at the bottom. Another is the ginormous shark slide, which incorporates three rides into one.
In addition to the waterpark, Raging Rivers also operates a gift shop, the Port of Call, which carries a wide range of merchandise.
Aerie’s Resort
Aerie’s Resort in Grafton, Illinois, is a premier destination in the Riverbend area. Located on a limestone bluff overlooking the town of Grafton, it offers a variety of lodging and recreational options. It also boasts an excellent view of the Missouri and Illinois rivers.
The property is a winery and resort with overnight lodging, a gondola ride, a restaurant, and a conference center. Guests can choose from hotel rooms, kitchenettes, and suites. Two vacation villas offer multiple arrangements. Each villa includes access to a clubhouse and private deck space.
Visitors can also enjoy a trip to the onsite winery, where they can sample some of the wines produced by the vineyard. Additionally, guests can participate in a sky tour or zipline tour. This is a perfect way to experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Another unique feature of the resort is its Alpine coaster. The track is nearly 4,000 feet long and has eight waves, seven hairpin turns, and a lush forest canopy. The coaster is ideal for families and groups at just over three minutes.
Aerie’s Resort is an excellent option for travelers looking for a relaxing vacation in the Riverbend region. If you’re planning a family reunion or a birthday party or want to get away from the city for a few days, this is a great place to stay.
Eckert’s Grafton Farm
If you’re looking for a family day out, a great way to spend a fall weekend is at Eckert’s Grafton Farm in Illinois. This scenic farm is located on the Mississippi River Bluffs and features fresh produce and display pumpkins. In addition, it offers carnival rides, miniature golf, a petting zoo, and a Field Access Pass.
Eckert’s Grafton Farm is one of three farms owned by the Eckert family in the St. Louis area. The family business also has a pick-your-own orchard in Versailles, Kentucky.
As one of the most extensive pick-your-own orchards in the country, the Eckert family offers a wide range of activities. They grow fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, blackberries, asparagus, and summer squash. In addition, the farm is known for its fall harvest of pumpkins.