How to Experience the Great River Road Bike Trail (Without Bringing Your Own Gear) Bike Rental Now Available for Grafton Guests!

There’s a moment almost every visitor experiences when driving down the Great River Road toward Grafton. You look out your window, trace the majestic limestone bluffs on one side and the sweeping Mississippi River on the other, and spot cyclists gliding effortlessly along the paved Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail.

Naturally, the thought hits: “I wish we brought our bikes.”

We hear it all the time. Thanks to our direct partnership with Grotto Bike Rentals (operated by Alton Odyssey Tours right down the road at 112 E Broadway in Alton), cycling the scenic River Bend has never been easier.

A group of cyclists enjoy a leisurely ride along a scenic riverside trail, surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters on a cloudy day. Images by Megyme Productions

Here is your ultimate guide to securing bike rentals in Grafton and Alton, hitting the trail, and maximizing your riverfront escape.

Bike Rental Near Grafton has finally arrived:

Whether you are looking for a casual afternoon cruise, an electric pedal-assist boost to breeze past the bluffs, or a day-long cycling adventure with the whole family, Grotto Bike Rentals has engineered a top-tier fleet built for riverfront riding.

Fleet Options Available at Grotto Bike Rentals:

• E-Bikes (Priority Current Plus): Electric pedal-assist bikes designed to tackle distance and bluff-line inclines effortlessly.

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• River Cruisers: Smooth, upright, belt-driven bikes with flat-resistant tires made for relaxed, low-maintenance sightseeing.

  
  

• Bluff Bikes: Sleek, lightweight urban-style bikes ideal for quick stops, photo opportunities, and casual path cruising.

  
  

• Youth Bikes: Lightweight, clean three-speed setups built specifically for young riders exploring with the family.

  
  

• Note: Premium safety helmets are included free with every rental.

VIP Lodging Perk: Free Car Carrier Rentals

Here is where the magic happens for guests staying overnight in our Featured Grafton rentals.

We’ve partnered directly with Grotto Bike Rentals to make transport completely frictionless. When you stay with one of our featured Grafton lodging partners, your bike rental purchase includes a FREE complimentary bike rack/car carrier rental.

How It Works:

1. Book Your Stay: Reserve your room, cabin, or guest house with any featured Grafton lodging partner.

   
   

2. Reserve Your Ride: Book your e-bike, cruiser, or bluff bike online with Grotto Bike Rentals.

   
   

3. Pick Up in Alton: Stop by Alton Odyssey Tours (112 E Broadway, Alton, IL) on your drive in along the Great River Road.

   
   

4. Mount & Go: Staff will provide a complimentary car carrier rack so you can haul your bikes straight to your Grafton accommodations without buying extra gear.

   
   

5. Explore Grafton: Keep your bikes at your lodge, bed-and-breakfast, or rental cabin for your entire stay. Ride the trail into town for morning coffee, coast down Water Street, or hit the 20+ mile paved trail at your own pace.

   
   

6. Return on Your Way Home: Simply drop the bikes and rack back off at the Grotto in Alton as you head out.

Cycling the Sam Vadalabene Trail: What to Expect

Spanning over 20 miles between Alton and Grafton, the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail is one of the most picturesque paved paths in the Midwest.

Starting from the historic river streets of Alton, the path runs directly alongside the Great River Road, framed by towering 150-foot bluffs on one side and the expanse of the Mississippi River on the other.

Can't-Miss Trail Stops Between Alton & Grafton:

• The Piasa Bird: Take a pause right outside Alton to marvel at the giant cliff painting and learn about local river folklore.

  
  

• Raging Rivers Water Park & Palisades: Enjoy dramatic views where limestone cliffs tower directly over the paved trail.

  
  

• Downtown Grafton: Roll right up to our riverfront dining spots, local wineries, and craft breweries. Grab an ice-cold beverage, catch a river breeze, and watch the barge traffic glide past before pedaling back.

  
  

Plan Your Grafton Cycling Getaway

Don't let a lack of gear keep you off the trail. Plan your next weekend escape, book your stay with a featured Grafton lodging partner, and lock in your Grotto Bike Rental in advance.

Grotto Bike Rentals / Alton Odyssey Tours

• Location: 112 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002

• Phone: (618) 433-1392

• Reservations: Book online at AltonOdysseyTours.com

• Lodging Promo: Mention your FEATURED Grafton lodging reservation at check-out to claim your free car carrier rental. *Featured Lodging Partners are highlighted at the top of our lodging page.