The Loading Dock in Grafton, Illinois
Once the area's best kept secret, the Loading Dock has become known as a top St. Louis destination
It's considered one of the region's best outdoor bar and grills, with the best scenic view, at the end of the best scenic drive.
The Loading Dock Restaurant
The majestic views at The Loading Dock are not to be missed. Watch the river roll by while listening to live entertainment. The Loading Dock offers a variety of salads, hamburgers, some barbeque and their famous chips and salsa. This is one of the few places that you can dine right down on the river at their outside deck. Start off with an order of freshly made Dockside Salsa, and the Catfish Fritters and White Fish Sandwich are worth the stop.
Hours of Operation
April - October
Sun. - Thur. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri. - Sat.: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
November - March
Sun.: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri. - Sat.: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Grafton Riverside Flea Market
Along the banks of the river in Grafton, rare finds are waiting for you the fourth Saturday & Sunday of the month, from April through October, at the Grafton Riverside Flea Market. Housed in the Historic Boatworks building at the Loading Dock, one man's junk is another man's treasure with more than 60 vendors displaying their wares – books, furniture, glassware, tools, crafts, candles, antiques and more.
MORE: Additional events
2022 Schedule
Last Saturday & Sunday (April through October)
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days
April 23 & 24
May 28 & 29
June 25 & 26
July 23 & 24
Aug. 27 & 28
Sept. 24 & 25
Oct. 22 & 23
The Loading Dock Ice Rink
The Loading Dock Ice rink offers a place like no other to celebrate ice and winter right on the riverfront. It is located inside the Boatworks building and offers semi-outdoor ice skating fun for the entire family. Skate rental is available. Special group rates, as well as birthday, holiday parties and private rink rentals are also available.
Opens Nov. 19, 2022 and runs through Feb. 26, 2023.
The Loading Dock Guest Houses
Keep the fun going at one of four The Loading Dock Guest Houses, perfect for an intimate getaway or an all night get-together.
The Loading Dock: Riverside Cottage
311 E. Water Street, Grafton, IL 62037
Relax in this riverfront cottage located a block from Main Street in downtown Grafton. This unique, art-filled guest house is just a stone's throw from the Mississippi River. the flower-filled back deck faces the river and the historic Boatworks building, which houses the monthly riverside Flea Market. A restful atmosphere and overstuffed, comfy furniture will entice you to read by the fireplace or paint a picture at the artist's easel. A full kitchen allows for snacks or cooking in style. This cottage has a queen sized bed and designed for two.
313 E. Front St., Grafton, IL 62037
A second level guest house, Tree Tops is located in the heart of Grafton and is perfect for a family getaway or a staycation with friends. With a queen-sized bed and two twin beds, this cozy cottage is designed to sleep 4.
Tree Tops boasts breathtaking views of the Mighty Mississippi from the private deck and shared patio below.