Port of Grafton Parking Lot - Mississippi and Illinois Rivers - Grafton, IL - Canoe/Kayak Trips on Waymarking.com

In Grafton, near the Grafton Ferry, is a parking lot with a boat ramp and a kiosk that has suggestions for canoe and kayak trips in the area.

The parking lot is south of Illinois Route 100, and is at the end of Market Street. There are signs for it and the Grafton Ferry.

The kiosk is a stand with three signs arranged in a triangle. One of the panels shows the two rivers coming together, the marker showing where you are in relation to the rivers, and landmarks along the way.

The beginner trip is a drive up to Silver Lake, by the Illinois River. Take Ill. Route 100 to the Brussels Ferry Road to the Ferry, then cross the Illinois River on the ferry (free). There, you will have flatwater paddling with no current.

The Intermediate level suggested is to leave one car here, then drive up to Pere Marquette State Park parking lot by the river. There, paddle down to the confluence to this location. The river passes natural areas, offering opportunities to see birds, including bald eagles. The time is 1- 2 hours.

The advanced level suggested trip has you paddling south from here to riverlands, south of Elsah along the Mississippi River. Presumably, you, first park a car at the end. The time is 3 - 4 hours.

Website:
(visit link)

Parking/put-in/launching information: The Grafton parking lot had quite a few spaces when I visited, though it was late in the day. As far as I could tell, there were no parking fees. Paddling conditions to be expected: Paddling in the the rivers is not beginner level paddling. The Mississippi River current is much stronger than the Illinois. Difficulty of the trip: From this location, there are Intermediate and Advanced level trips. Length of trip: Advanced is about 3 - 4 hours (likely one way). Portages: None Permits required: Not known. Type of trip: Beginner - drive to the location (a few miles). Others, the trip can be roundtrip, but, in particular with the advanced trip, going upstream may be a challenge. Check conditions. Other information: The entire length of both rivers are beautiful. Pere Marquette State Park has camping and picnic facilities. I know less downstream. Take-out Coordinates: Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
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