See Southwest Illinois on a Riverboat Cruise

At the Confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, climb aboard a riverboat from the Grafton Harbor Marina.

Riverboats are floating pieces of history that let you see Southwest Illinois in a unique, nostalgic way. These iconic riverboats offer 360° sightseeing of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, dining, and live entertainment. Step aboard and experience this classic mode of travel for yourself!

Grafton Harbor Marina
Hakuna Matata Cruises
Grafton Oyster Bar
Plan Your Trip

Grafton Harbor Marina

Grafton Harbor Marina is a full-service riverfront dock where boaters, day-trippers, and adventurers come to dine and enjoy Mississippi River fun. They offer protected docks, gorgeous views of glowing river sunsets, and fresh food and drinks. Grafton Harbor Marina on the Great Loop is a perfect stop for slowing down and enjoying the river.

Reserve a seat aboard the Hakuna Matata and enjoy a river cruise on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, or step ashore for an on-site wine tasting at the ARRR Bar. Plan for a lunch or dinner date at the Grafton Oyster Bar, open nearly year-round, with plenty of nearby cities and attractions just a short trip away before heading back out on the water.

Wet Slips Rentals

Boating in yourself before boarding a river cruise tour? Grafton Harbor offers 300+ slips for boats of all sizes, including covered options and PWC ports.

Boat Rentals

Ready to take your own river cruise tour? Boat rentals and charters at Grafton Harbor make it easy to experience the Mississippi River your way. Cruise, celebrate, or explore with flexible rental options.

Hakuna Matata Cruises

The Hakuna Matata is a 53-foot, Coast Guard-licensed tour boat that can carry up to 49 passengers. Climb aboard for scenic cruises along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Passengers can enjoy enclosed lower-deck seating, or an open-air upper deck with 360-degree views. The boat has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip, including restrooms, refreshments, and a tiki bar. Seasonal cruises are available in May through November, as well as private event charters.

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Grafton Oyster Bar

Conveniently located at Grafton Harbor, you'll find the Grafton Oyster Bar! With seasonal hours, usually ranging from February to November, you can enjoy live music, Cajun cuisine, signature drinks, and, of course, fresh oysters.

colorful cocktails at Grafton Oyster Bar

Plan Your Trip

With various cruises available throughout the warmer months, there's no better time to book your riverboat excursion for a unique itinerary stop during your visit to Southwest Illinois. Still need a place to stay? Check out our accommodations page and find the right lodging for you and your family.

Plan Your Trip

Hakuna Matata Learn More
Rare Finds on the River Learn More
Best Mississippi River Cruises Learn More
Top 25 Summer Stops Learn More
Cruises & Tours Learn More

About the Author

Great Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois

Great Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois

Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau is the state-certified regional Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMO)-501C6, which represents Madison, Macoupin, Montgomery, Jersey, Calhoun, and Greene counties, and the City of East St. Louis in St. Clair County in southwest Illinois. Founded in 1985 as the Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, the bureau transitioned to Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau in 2018 as the size and scope of the organization grew.