The early settlers of Grafton saw the potential of this plat of land at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.  It was not long before this little river town became a center for riverboat traffic, and the riverfront was packed with manufacturing companies, mills wharfs, loading docks and riverboat traffic. 

However, floods and economic depression brought continued growth of the community to a halt.  The once thriving riverboat industry in Grafton has become a thing of the past, but you can still see the towboats and barges pushing their way along the Mississippi.  On Grafton's Main Street, visitors will find many historic buildings serving as a memory of times gone by.  Flooding has continued to be a part of Grafton's history with the most recent flood in 1993 being the worst in recorded history.

Despite the threat of floods and whatever obstacles the future may hold, the people of Grafton always seem to find a reason to celebrate both the challenges and the opportunities that the river brings.   There is no better place to experience life on the river than where the Illinois and Mississippi rivers meet in Grafton.  Unique specialty shops, antique stores, wineries, and bed and breakfasts line Main Street.  If you want to try to travel part of the byway by bike, rental stops in Grafton make it possible for you to pedal your way on up to Pere Marquette or down to Elsah along the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail.