Grafton Visitor Center / Museum

The Grafton Visitor Center, located at the eastern entrance of town on the Great River Road (Illinois Route 100), serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the area. Currently open 7 days a week from 9:00am – 5:00pm

The center is a hub of information, offering maps, brochures, and guidance on local attractions, dining, lodging, and recreational opportunities.  Within the same building, visitors can explore the Edward Amburg History Museum, which showcases Grafton's rich past. 

The museum features exhibits on the region's Native American history, early 20th-century life, and the town's connection to the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Artifacts on display include tools, historical photographs, and items from the early 1900s, such as a period-accurate room with furniture and a cooking stove. 

A notable exhibit highlights the "Dinky," a historic converted bus that once ran on train tracks between Grafton and Alton. The museum also delves into the history of river boating and the Grafton Boat Works, which played a significant role in military and civilian boat production.