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Alton Grafton IL Top 10 Vacation Spots
Alton Grafton IL Top 10 Vacation Ideas
1) Lewis & Clark State Historic Site -1 Lewis & Clark Trail
Hartford, IL 62048 (618) 251-5811 www.campdubois.com
Come back to where the journey began at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. As National Trail Site #1 on the Lewis & Clark Trail, this museum is dedicated to telling the Illinois side of the Lewis & Clark journey. It was here in Illinois that the Corps of Discovery spent five months preparing for the journey. It was here in Illinois the common men became soldiers embarking on a military expedition. It was here in Illinois on May 14, 1804, that journey westward began. Experience Lewis & Clark like never before with five exhibit rooms, the film "At Journey's Edge", and 55-foot full scale "cutaway" keelboat.
2 ) Lewis & Clark Confluence Tour 435 Confluence Dr.
Hartford, IL 62048 (618) 251-9101 www.ConfluenceTower.com
The new Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower is located in Hartford, Illinois, two miles from the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, which is National Trail Site #1 on the Lewis & Clark Trail. The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower was built in commemoration of the historic expedition. The 180-foot tower has three viewing platforms at 50, 100 and 150-feet connecting the two towers that represent Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Each level of the tower tells stories about the area’s history, including the Village of Hartford, the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, Lewis and Clark and the confluence of two great rivers - the Mississippi and Missouri.
3 ) Piasa Park Piasa Park on IL. Rte. 100
Alton, IL 62002
The dragon-like beast that still inhabits the river's bluffs today as a painting was first discovered and recorded by Father Jacques Marquette in 1673 during his exploration of the mighty Mississippi. The legendary bird which terrorized and devoured people was carefully painted on the bluffs by the Indians who finally destroyed the bird. A replica of the painting can be found today at Piasa Park along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway outside of Alton.
4) Antoinette's Haunted History Tours-Alton (618) 462-4009 http://www.hauntedalton.com/
Go to places in Alton that have lingering spirits you can go on a walking tour, a dinner tour or even a trolley tour reservations are required. Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-4009
5) Float With Us Private Cruises - Grafton . 215 W. Water St. Grafton, (314) 650-5065 http://www.floatwithus.com/
Enjoy a day on the Mississippi with Captain Ric & Renee, come relax and enjoy the scenery and stay and have lunch or dinner! Minimum ride is 2 hours and you need reservations.
6) Raging Rivers Water Park – 100 Palisades PKWY Grafton, 618-786-2345 http://www.ragingrivers.com/
This park is located right on the bluff next to the Mississippi River! Incredible views along with incredible fun for the entire family! Make a splash with an afternoon, staying cool at Raging Rivers Water Park. Choose from four winding waterslides, brave the waves at the Breaker Beach or float along the Lazy River.
7) Wineries-Grafton
If you brake for wine, get ready to pump your pedal in Grafton. Here the Napa Valley meets the Mississippi Valley with award-winning wines and spectacular scenic view. Light crisp fruity wines are the perfect pair for your picnic lunch, while the blend of Cabernet Zinfandel and Syrah marry for smooth red wine. Yield at the next crossing, and plan a rest stop to enjoy a sip riverside.
Grafton Winery & Brewhaus
300 W. Main St. Grafton
618-786-3001
Award-winning wines and brews are prepared on-site from combination of California and locally grown grapes and fruits. More than 15 wines are featured under the Grafton Winery Label.
Piasa Winery & Pub-22 W. Main Street-618-786-WINE www.PiasaWinery.com
Piasa Winery offers 15 of their own award-winning wines made from grapes grown locally. Taste them all as you sit on the deck looking out at the confluence of the Mississippi & Illinois Rivers.
Aeries Riverview Winery
Just 5 blocks up Mulberry Street
from Main Street in Grafton, lllinois.
618-786-8439 www.aerieswinery.com
Aeries Riverview Winery in Grafton, Illinois offers the most incredible view, wines, food, live music, service and selection of any winery in Missouri or Illinois. Come to Aerie's and see why people from all over the country crave to be on our deck. Drive up the "Nationally Designated Scenic Byway", (The Great River Road), come across the Grafton Ferry from St. Charles or head south from Pere Marquette State Lodge and ENJOY Aerie's Winery.
Also check out the Ice House Winery http://www.jenij.com/
8) Eagle Watching – Grafton
Grafton is nestled on the banks at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers where eagles are spotted daily during the end of December, January and February In Illinois, Bald eagles are seen primarily near large rivers, reservoirs and waterfowl refuges.
9) Shopping-Alton & Grafton
www.visitalton.com/visitors-shopping.cfm
First stop at Grafton and take in all the quaint little shops in the neat river town. Grafton is one of those towns that you walk, enjoy the shops, ice cream shops, wineries and food. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon. Then drive to Alton and enjoy all the shopping in this river town.
10) Just Drive!
The Alton & Grafton area is a perfect day trip from Harpole’s Heartland Lodge. Pack up the car and hit the road. Where the wheels meet the pavement, life meets an escape. It’s just you, the river and the open road. Let your wheels lead the way as the road bends with the river beneath the towering limestone bluffs along 33 mile Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Roll the windows down, set the cruise control and enjoy the ride.
This day trip can be combined with a trip to St Louis, St Charles and Pike County Missouri. Just take a bridge or ferry across the river to Missouri and come back the Missouri Side!
Please contact each location directly to check on hours they are open and directions.
