Grafton, Illinois: Great Reasons I like to Visit

I visit Grafton Illinois at least a few times a year. I live about an hour from Grafton. It's a place that I find so marvelous. Grafton Illinois is such a special place that it's hard to say when is the best time to visit. American Bald Eagles reside here during winter months. Tourists find it amazing to walk or bike along the trails near the river and watch the eagles feasting on fresh fish atop floating ice. All along the Great River Road , cars pull to the side of the road and groups gather to watch these majestic birds soar along the tops of the trees. There are even guided tours for novice eagle watchers. The unique experience of getting so close to these beautiful birds makes a winter trip to Grafton well worth it.

Fall brings along hunting season. This area abounds with wildlife and the hunting is fantastic. There are check in stations dotted all along the river and on Brussels Island. Hunting has been a part of the area for ages and there are plenty of seasoned pros ready to offer advise on the best spots. The town of Alton offers pawn shops for anyone that's forgotten something. With the abundance of wildlife and beautiful scenery, Grafton is a perfect destination for hunters.

There are also a few festivals and special events in the area in Fall. It's a perfect time to relax in one of the wineries or take in some scenery on the porch of one of the local eateries. Most of the restaurants in Grafton offer outside seating. You might want to doggy bag your leftovers and take them down to the river to feed the fish or birds. Up in front of the State Park there are park benches just beside the river. It's a great place to picnic and toss a ball while catching the breeze off the river.

Spring is the perfect time to camp in Grafton. With Pierre Marquette State Park and all the other surrounding campgrounds, it'd be hard not to find the perfect spot. Campgrounds vary greatly when it comes to the type of people staying at each place. Some are definitely more family orientated than others. It's one of the beauties of Grafton that they offer partying fun campgrounds for young people as well as quiet family campgrounds for all ages. I've camped at quite a few spots and find it a good idea to drive through each one you see till you find one that suits you.

This is also a fantastic time to explore the bird sanctuary on Brussels Island. There is a free ferry that will take you across the river in your car to Brussels. If you take that ferry and travel about a mile north you'll find the bird sanctuary. Once there , there is a point where only foot traffic is allowed. Those that travel beyond this point will find beautiful scenery and wildlife at almost every turn in the path. Remember to bring proper clothing and comfortable shoes. I'd also recommend plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. There are so many species of birds in this area that you'll probably see a few for the first time in your life.

Summer beats it all in Grafton. There are three rivers to choose from to play in . Certain areas of the rivers that are calmer waters are loaded with sailboats and jet skis. Pontoon boats gather together for near the shore parties. There's a water park that sits right on the Great River Road. The water park offers slides and pools for all ages. Boat and kayak rentals are available at many points along the river. Even just a picnic lunch and a kick back day is fantastic in Grafton. There are so many things to see and so many people coming and going. The town is known for it's wineries and it's free ferry ride across to Brussels Island. Don't miss this fantastic town the next time you're in Illinois!

As I said, I visit Grafton often. I've been going there for many years now. One season is as fun as another and I've never been disappointed with my visits. Here's hoping you make it there and Enjoy!