Plan A Quiet Weekend Getaway In Southwest Illinois
Spend a relaxing and fun weekend exploring charming towns and quaint local attractions from the comfort of a lovely B&B or boutique hotel.
Day 1: Grafton, IL
Where to Stay
In Grafton, choose between being immersed in nature or settled into town. Nature lovers should head straight to Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center, a stunning retreat set within Pere Marquette State Park. Your stay at The Terrace Lodging at Aerie's Resort can also be as private as you'd like thanks to a choice of traditional rooms or individual cottages.
Looking for an option with river views? Downtown, the historic Ruebel Hotel keeps you close to the riverfront and Grafton's walkable main street. For the ultimate romantic getaway in Southwest Illinois, Tara Point Inn and Cottages takes the prize, with luxurious accommodations and spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Stay at the main inn or a secluded private cabin.
Where to Eat
Grafton's restaurants lean into the town's river roots, with several spots serving fresh fish along the waterfront. The Loading Dock is a local favorite with views of the Mississippi to match the menu.
What to Do
Wine lovers will want to visit the Grafton Winery either at their vineyard location where you can enjoy a glass overlooking their lake and grapevines, or their original downtown Grafton site offering both wine tasting and beer flights from their craft brewery.
At Aerie's Resort you can climb aboard the Aerie’s Alpine Coaster which lets you race through the trees. Enjoy a leisurely ride from Grafton's Main Street to the top of the Aerie's bluffs on the Grafton SkyTour aerial lift.
Hike the trails at Pere Marquette State Park and keep an eye out for birds and wildlife along the way, or settle in next to the 700-ton stone fireplace with a glass of wine from the in-house Mary Michelle Winery.
Scenic Drive to Elsah, IL
Looking for a relaxing drive before dinner, or on your way to Alton the next day? Travel down the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway and escape to Elsah, a historic village with charm and history. Set in the bluffs of the Mississippi River, the entire village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop in at the Village of Elsah Museum to learn more about Elsah's history or scope out The Green Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast or Maple Leaf Cottage Inn to plan ahead for your next stay.
Day 2: Alton, IL
Where to Stay
Stately historic homes have been converted into boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts in Alton, Illinois. For visitors who want to wake up to the Mississippi River, the Alton Cracker Factory delivers charming accommodations with beautiful water views.
Where to Eat
A good meal in downtown Alton is never hard to find. Housed in a beautifully restored Colonial Bakery building, Old Bakery Beer Company is a certified organic craft brewery worth seeking out. Choose from a rotating lineup of seasonal and specialty beers alongside a menu of sandwiches, snacks, and specials that make it easy to settle in for the afternoon. End the day on a sweet note with a treat from local favorite My Just Desserts.
What to Do
Spend some time wandering through the different shops in Alton. Support local artists at Mississippi Mud Pottery and Alton Stained Glass Works, where you'll find handcrafted stoneware and locally made stained glass work. Those interested in more antiques should make their way over to the nearby Country Meadows Antiques which has expanded to fill two separate store fronts.
Scenic Day Trips Worth the Drive
Edwardsville, IL
Take another quick day trip to Edwardsville, a charming, historic city known for attractions like the historic Wildey Theatre. Think ahead to spending an entire day here, as downtown Edwardsville is also a walkable city.
Collinsville, IL
Pop over to Collinsville to grab a quick photo of the World's Largest Catsup Bottle Water Tower on Route 66. While there, you can also explore the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre preserving ancient Native American mounds.
Ready to go on your weekend getaway in Illinois? Use this itinerary as a starting point for your getaway and plan your trip today.
Related Content:
Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center13653 Lodge Blvd.
Grafton, Illinois 62037
Pere Marquette State Park13112 Visitor Center Lane
Grafton, Illinois 62037
Pere Marquette Lodge Winery13653 Lodge Blvd.
Grafton, Illinois 62037
The Terrace Lodging at Aerie's Resort14 W. Main St.
Grafton, Illinois 62037
Ruebel Hotel217 E. Main St.
Grafton, Illinois 62037
Tara Point Inn and Cottages1 Tara Point Drive
Grafton, Illinois 62037
The Loading Dock401 E. Front St.
Grafton, Illinois 62037
Grafton Winery & Brewhaus300 W. Main St.
Grafton, Illinois 62037
Aerie's Resort600 Timber Ridge Drive
Grafton, Illinois 62037
Aerie's Alpine Coaster14 W. Main St.
Grafton, Illinois 62037
Grafton SkyTour3 W. Clinton
Grafton, Illinois 62037
Village of Elsah26 LaSalle St.
Elsah, Illinois 62028
Green Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast15 Mill Street
Elsah, Illinois 62028
Maple Leaf Cottage Inn12 Selma Street
Elsah, Illinois 62028
Alton Cracker Factory - Great Rivers Lodging205 E. Broadway
Alton, Illinois 62002
Old Bakery Beer Company400 Landmarks Blvd.
Alton, Illinois 62002
My Just Desserts31 E. Broadway
Alton, Illinois 62002
Mississippi Mud Pottery310 E. Broadway Street
Alton, Illinois 62002
Alton Stained Glass Works412 E. Broadway Street
Alton, Illinois 62002
Country Meadows Antiques401 E. Broadway
Alton, Illinois 62002
Wildey Theatre252 N. Main St.
Edwardsville, Illinois 62025
Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower800 S. Morrison
Collinsville, Illinois 62234
Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site30 Ramey St.
Collinsville, Illinois 62234