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The Big Move: Why Riverland & Lumberjack’s Are the Game Changers Grafton Has Been Waiting For
Let’s be real: we’ve always known Grafton is a crown jewel of the Great River Road. But come Summer 2026, the stakes are being raised. We aren’t just talking about a few new parking pads and a fresh coat of paint. We’re talking about a massive, multi-dimensional expansion at Raging Rivers WaterPark that turns a "day trip" into a "full-blown residency." Riverland RV Park and the Lumberjack’s Resort are officially landing, and if you thought this was just going to be a plac
Apr 135 min read


Seven Days a Week, Year-Round: The Grafton Ferry Just Got a Whole Lot More Neighborly
We all gathered ’round for the official ribbon cutting of the Grafton Ferry, and let me tell you... this isn't just a seasonal "maybe it’s running" situation anymore. We are officially moving to a 7-day-a-week, year-round operation.
Apr 102 min read


From Rust to Riverfront: The 20-Ton Transformation of Grafton’s Crimson Caboose
We’ve all seen "themed" rentals that look like a movie set, but the Crimson Caboose is the real deal. It’s a 20-ton slice of railroad history that Danny personally scouted, transported, and painstakingly restored.
Mar 272 min read


Meet the Kamps: Grafton’s Power Couple Raising the Bar on Riverfront Hospitality
In a town like Grafton, we see a lot of people come and go, but business owners like Jacqi and Nathaniel are a rare breed. They don’t just "own" businesses; they invest. They invest their own sweat, their own hands, and their own hearts back into the properties and the community we all love.
Mar 103 min read


🎨 Meet the Maker: Deseray Hardwick & the Heart of her "Eclectic Collective"
Deseray isn't just a business owner; she’s a neighbor. In March 2022, she took her passion for local artistry and holistic wellness and turned it into a sanctuary for the community. What started as a creative dream has blossomed into an Eclectic Collective... a space where "Mind, Body, and Soul" aren't just buzzwords, but a way of life.
Mar 32 min read


A Beacon of Sweetness in Grafton: Lighthouse Coffee
While the name says "Coffee," your sweet tooth is in for a serious treat. Owners Jody and Mike have curated a menu that goes way beyond your standard latte.
Feb 122 min read


$50 Million Transformation: Red’s Landing and the Future of our Neighbor, Calhoun County
Nestled on the rugged west side of Calhoun County, a massive transformation is underway. Driven by a $50 million federal investment through the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) program, the area surrounding Red’s Landing and Gilead Slough is being reimagined.
Feb 55 min read


Discovering Grafton's Hidden Treasures
From yellowed newspaper clippings of the May 3, 1973, edition of the Democrat News to a beautifully preserved tourism brochure from the late 1980s, these finds are a love letter to the grit, heart, and spirit of Grafton.
Jan 192 min read


Grafton Moves Toward 20-Year Ferry Agreement; Public Hearing Addresses Fare Hikes and Expanded Service
The future of the Grafton Ferry took center stage at City Hall Thursday night as residents and officials gathered for a public hearing to review a proposed 20-year operations agreement. The deal, which could see the City of Grafton take ownership of the vessel, aims to transition the ferry from a seasonal weekend attraction to a year-round, seven-day-a-week regional transit link.
Jan 162 min read


The Loading Dock is Your New Winter Tradition
Down at The Loading Dock, something incredible happens when the flea market tables are packed away. The historic Boatworks building transforms into a genuine Winter Wonderland that feels like it was plucked right out of a holiday movie. If you haven't made it down here for the ice skating yet, you need to put it on your calendar immediately. It is a total local treasure.
Dec 16, 20253 min read


🎅 Thank You for Making Grafton SantaCon the HOTTEST Party of the Season!
If you were here in Grafton for Grafton's SantaCon 2025, you already know the magic that happens when hundreds of people trade their winter coats for Santa suits, elf costumes, and ugly sweaters. Even with the chilly weather, our community spirit, and a little help from Santa's Heated Sleigh, kept the energy at an all-time high!
Dec 15, 20252 min read


A Tidal Wave of Fun: Raging Rivers Announces Massive 2026 Expansion!
Our friends over at Raging Rivers WaterPark have officially announced a massive expansion plan that is going to completely transform the family fun landscape in Grafton starting in the summer of 2026.
We have watched with so much pride as Grafton has grown into a true family-focused destination over recent years.
Dec 11, 20253 min read


Breakfast with the BEST view in the Midwest at Aerie's Resort
Prepare for a breakfast experience unlike any other! The Terrace at Aerie's Resort recently announced they're officially opening their doors (and raising the gate!) to welcome guests for a full weekend breakfast Thursdays - Sundays.
Oct 1, 20252 min read
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