The Loading Dock is Your New Winter Tradition

Grafton Gal
6 days ago
3 min read

If you ask folks around here, they’ll tell you Grafton is the place to be in the summer. And they’re not wrong... we love our sunny days on the river, the patios, and the boat traffic. But if you think we roll up the sidewalks when the temperature drops, you are missing out on one of the most magical experiences the Midwest has to offer.

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.

A Wonderland on the Ice

It’s not just a rink; it’s an experience. They go all out with the atmosphere. We’re talking festive decorations in every corner, twinkling lights, and overstuffed couches where you can gather with friends. For the little ones, there is even an adorable dollhouse that is always a hit.

Whether you are a wobbly beginner grabbing onto the rink wall or a pro doing figure eights, the vibe is total J-O-Y! It’s the kind of place where you can rent a pair of skates (or bring your own!) and just let the kids burn off that winter energy while you kick back and soak up all the holiday vibes.

Local Tip: If you live close by, look into their Season Passes. For just $75, you can skate all winter long. It pays for itself in just a few visits!

Cozy Up or Party Down

One of the coolest things they offer are the private party spaces. Gather your family or a group of friends in your own heated party tent right next to the rink. It’s the perfect home base for a winter birthday, family reunion, or your favorite pals.

And let’s talk about the refreshments. They whip up a special seasonal drink menu that is absolutely delicious: think spiked ciders, adult coffees, and rich hot chocolates that warm you from the inside out... all with alcohol free versions for the whole family.... and if the skating and kids get to be a little loud (we’ve all been there), the Loading Dock bar side offers a quiet escape for the adults.

The New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop 🎈

If you are looking for a way to ring in the New Year that is actually family-friendly, this is it. On New Year’s Eve, The Loading Dock hosts a massive Balloon Drop at 8:00 PM.

Hundreds of balloons fall from the high rafters of the Boatworks ceiling, raining down onto the rink below. It's a spectacular sight, and because it happens at 8 PM, the kids can celebrate in style and still be in bed at a reasonable hour (or, let's be honest, you can be in bed at a reasonable hour!).

Make Grafton Your Winter Tradition

We really want to emphasize that Grafton isn’t just a warm-weather fling. We are a year-round destination. So why not turn a day trip into a real getaway?

We have so many cozy lodging options tucked into the bluffs and along the river, perfect for getting the whole family away from the daily hustle. It’s a chance to put the phones down, disconnect for a bit, and just enjoy spending real time together.

You can plan your entire vacation; from finding the perfect guest house to picking your dinner spots, right here at Graftonillinois.com. Pack up the car, grab the mittens, and come start a new tradition down by the river. We promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Know Before You Go:

Location: The Loading Dock
Regular Winter Hours: Friday 5pm-10pm | Saturday 12pm-10pm | Sunday 12pm-7pm
Extended Holiday Hours: Open DAILY starting late November (Check their website calendar for specifics!)
Rates: All Day Skate Pass $10.50 | Skate Rental $5