Visitors Guide for Events in Grafton and Elsah Jersey County, Illinois
		The 7-mile stretch near the river communities of Grafton and Elsah along the upper portion of the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway area is an area that bustles with activities for visitors throughout the year. Grafton and Elsah hold a variety of events in all seasons that range from historic tours and festivals on the riverbank to activities promoting fall foliage and the American Bald Eagle. Pere Marquette State Park, the largest in the state, hosts a variety of free programs focusing on the natural beauty and heritage of this region of Illinois. For additional nearby events check out the Jerseyville area calendar.

To find out about other activities in nearby areas check out our Main Calendar Page.
BALD EAGLE VIEWING PROGRAMS Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Selected days during February & March 2012 8:30 am Visitor Center A video presentation is followed by an observational drive. Dress warm and have a full tank of gas. Binoculars are recommended. Free, reservations required For more information call 618-786-3323
WILDLIFE WEEKENDS Dow, IL		January 7 - February 25, 2012 Saturdays: 10 am - 2 pm TreeHouse Wildlife Center, 23956 Green Acres Road Visit the Treehouse Wildlife Center on Saturdays in January and February to view live bald eagles being rehabilitated at the center. While you're there, visit some of the other wildlife that call the center home - hawks, owls, falcons and more. Free For more information call 618-466-2990   or visit www.treehousewildlifecenter.com
SPRING & MUSHROOM FESTIVAL Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Sunday, April 22, 2012 11 am - 3 pm Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center Celebrate mushroom season, the beginning of warmer weather, and Earth Day with this annual mushroom and spring festival.  The festival features artisans and craft vendors displaying their wares for purchase, live entertainment, and a competitive morel hunt in Pere Marquette Park (weather permitting). Free For more information call 618-786-2331
PRINCIPIA TRIATHLON Elsah, IL		Saturday, April 28, 2012 8 am The Principia Triathlon is a stunningly beautiful and fun challenge for all ages and skill levels in historic surroundings! Come on your own to accept the challenge or bring a team of family or friends. You must register in advance at Active.com. There will be no registration on race day. For more information go to http://www.principiaathletics.com/sports/2010/1/13/multisport.aspx
ANNUAL SWAP MEET & FLEA MARKET Jersey County, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA May, 2012 7 am - dusk both days Tri-County Antique Club Grounds, IL-3 between Grafton and Jerseyville Come buy, swap and sell anything and everything, except illegal or obscene materials, and poultry and livestock. There is something for everyone at the annual gas up and swap meet. Free For more information call 618-466-7206
HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Sunday, June 3, 2012 11 am - 3 pm Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center Hummingbirds prosper in the wonderful environment of The Lodge, seeking it out on their annual migration. Join The Lodge’s staff at this annual Hummingbird Festival and be able to see these "always on the go" magnificent little birds up close. The Illinois Audubon Society will on hand banding the birds. Visitors will be able to adopt one for a small fee and receive updates on how your bird is doing and where it is. Free For more information call 618-786-2331
TWO RIVERS FAMILY FISHING FAIR Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		Saturday, June 9, 2012 10 am to 4 pm A family event held in celebration of National Fishing week and Illinois Free Fishing days. Fair goers will learn knot tying, fish identification, fish cleaning, casting, and many other skills. Games, activities, and learning stations for kids of all ages, including a 5,000 gallon aquarium stocked with local fish. Refreshments will be available. Children will receive an assortment of educational materials and a free prize. No license or fishing gear is needed. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1
TOUR DE CURE BIKE RIDE Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA June, 2012 Raging Rivers Water Park Check-In Time: 6:30 am - 7:30 am Starting times begin at 7 am Join hundreds of cyclists in this fund raising event for the American Diabetes Association. Travel along the Great River Road, flat & moderately hilly country roads on routes of 16, 30, 50, and 100 miles crossing ferries and bridges. There will be support vehicles patrolling the routes and stocked rest stops every 9 to 12 miles. Following the ride all cyclists enjoy complimentary lunch, live music and free admission into Raging Rivers Water Park! Registration and minimum fund raising requirement For more information call 1-888-DIABETES
GREAT RIVERS TOWBOAT FESTIVAL Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA June, 2012 Grafton Riverfront 11 am - 5 pm Catch a rare glimpse inside the giant towboats that travel America's Great Rivers. Conditions permitting, there will be a boat docked on the riverfront at the corner of Water & Market Streets (Route 3) for tours from noon to 4 pm on both days. Live music performed throughout the weekend. Company flags on display and special river-towboat exhibits throughout the festival. Free For more information call 618-786-3494
FIREWORKS ON THE WATERFRONT Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA July, 2012 Grafton Riverfront Fireworks at dusk Grafton business owners will be offering food and drink specials, live entertainment and games for children. Then watch the fireworks over the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers from the decks of one of the many businesses or from a spot on the riverbank. For more information call 618-786-7000
BLESSING OF THE FLEET Portage des Sioux, MO Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA July, 2012 Participating boats will launch at 1 pm from the Yacht Club of St. Louis proceeding downstream or at Harbor Point  proceeding upstream in the main channel of the Mississippi River. About 2:15 p.m. the parade will arrive at Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine in Portage des Sioux, and end in Grafton.  The parade will be visible from the Great River Road. Free For more information call 618-786-7678  or visit www.blessingofthefleetstl.com
MUSIC IN THE PARK Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA June, 2012 Every Thursday at 8 pm Grafton's Music in the Park is a free concert brought to you by Grafton's Chamber of Commerce and participating Grafton businesses every Thursday evening throughout the summer. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy great music while experiencing the majestic views of the Mississippi River. Concerts will last 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Rain or inclement weather will cancel this event. Free For more information call 618-786-2722
		13TH ANNUAL ELSAH PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT Elsah, IL August 18 - October 28, 2012 Friday - Sunday, 1 pm to 4 pm Village of Elsah Museum Amateur and professional photographers will be displaying photographs of the Village of Elsah and the immediate area in every season in an exhibit entitled "Elsah - Like No Other." Free Click here for additional information
GREAT RIVER RENDEZVOUS Grafton, IL & West Alton, MO		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA August, 2012 Registration begins at 10 am Begins in Grafton and ends at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, IL Be a part of this canoe and kayak race on the Mississippi River. Rendezvous in Grafton where the race will begin at 12 pm. Then, race your way 18 miles down river to the end of the race at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, MO. Clubs, shops and spectators are invited to attend. In addition to the race, there will social paddles, skills clinics, family paddles, food and music. There is a registration fee with all proceeds going to the Treehouse Wildlife Center of Madison County. To pre-register, go to www.greatriverwatertrail.org or call 314- 518-0950. For more information call 618-462-6979   or visit http://www.greatriverwatertrail.org
PEACH FESTIVAL Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA August, 2012 11 am - 3 pm Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center If you like peaches then this is the festival for you and if it is made with peaches then you will find it here.  Come enjoy crafts, food, children's games, balloon artist, face painting, pie eating contest, largest peach contest, book signings, peach drinks, and of course peaches. Free For more information call 618-786-2331 ext. 338
BOBCAT PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA August, 2012 10:30 am Meet at the Visitors Center Come discover the mysteries of the bobcat . Placed on the Illinois' first list of threatened species in 1977, these animals are indigenous to Illinois and prefer large forested or wooded areas like Pere Marquette State Park. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more about Pere Marquette State Park
ANNUAL OLDEN DAYS FESTIVAL Jersey County, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA August, 2012 Saturday: 7 am - 7 pm Sunday: 7 am - 5 pm Tri-County Antique Club Grounds Illinois Route 3 between Grafton and Jerseyville Antique Tractors and Farm Equipment. Learn how people used to live from a variety of demonstrations. Arts & Crafts, Antique Car Show, Food and Live Entertainment! Adults $3, Children under 12 admitted free. For more information call 618-639-4192
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA September, 2012 1 pm Meet at the Visitors Center Learn about the park's natural history and experience the beauty of nature by hiking along one of the many hiking trails. Wear good hiking shoes and bring binoculars for this adventure that will last about 2 hours. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on hiking at Pere Marquette State Park
GIRLS ON GRAPES BOYS ON BREW Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA September, 2012 1 pm - 5 pm The Loading Dock, 401 E. Front Street Enjoy a sampling of delicious wine, beer, and food from Grafton area restaurants and local wineries. The event will be held in the Historic Boatworks at the Loading Dock in Grafton. Proceeds benefit Alton Memorial Hospital's White Cross Auxiliary. Dress is casual. Tickets required; no one under 21, please. For more information call 618-463-7872
ANNUAL ART FESTIVAL Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA September, 2012 Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm Grove Park, Downtown Grafton This annual art festival features artists displaying and selling their work, an apple bake-off, live music, a pet parade, and children's activities. Free For more information call 618-780-9197
BECOMING AN OUTDOORS WOMAN Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA September, 2012 The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites women to attend a weekend of adventurous outdoor activities.  You can try charting a course, calling a bird, shooting a bow, firing a shot, tying a fly, catching a fish, building a campfire and more.  Attendees enjoy the natural beauty of Illinois, companionship, exercise and skill building.  Program instructors provide a supportive, safe, nonthreatening and noncompetitive learning environment.  The program is open to all women age 18 or older. A fee of $150 per person includes instruction, program materials, use of demonstration equipment, seven meals and lodging. Pre-registration required. For more information contact Mitch Ingold at mitch.ingold@illinois.gov
FALL FESTIVAL Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 Saturday 11 am - 11 pm Sunday 11 - 6 pm St. Patrick’s Church on Route 100 Enjoy fall festival fun all weekend long near the riverfront in Grafton. They’ll be serving up fish, brats, delicious homemade pies, and other goodies. In addition, there will be crafts, theme baskets, thousands of pumpkins & colorful gourds, & Indian corn, a country store, basket raffle, kids' games, bingo, charitable games, washers and much more. The "Night Owls" will be performing on Saturday with Dan Sproat entertaining throughout the day Sunday. Pancakes and sausage will be served Sunday morning from 8 am to 11 am. Free For more information call 618-786-3512
APPLE FESTIVAL Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 11 am - 3 pm Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center Come out to beautiful Pere Marquette Lodge for apple fever and join us for an afternoon of fun, festivities and apples. There will be live entertainment, craft vendors, tons of family friendly fun and all the ripe, juicy apples you can eat! Don’t miss the Apple Pie Walk at 12:30pm! Free For more information call 618-786-2331 ext. 338
OWL PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 8 pm Meet at the Visitors Center A variety of owls inhabit Pere Marquette State Park and the surrounding area. A lecture by the Park staff will tell you what these bird sound like and the individual habits of each species. After the lecture there will be a short 1 1/2 mile hike (part of the hike is uphill) to listen for these fascinating birds. After the hike there will be a marshmallow roast. Please bring one flashlight per family. Marshmallows and drinks will be provided. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on owls at Pere Marquette State Park
WHITE PELICAN PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 9 am Meet at the Visitors Center Have you ever seen the white pelican with wingspans of up to 10 feet soaring over the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers? After a short informational program, the Park staff will lead a drive to view these magnificent birds in the wild. Dress warmly and bring binoculars. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on White Pelicans in the Middle Mississippi River Valley
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 1 pm Meet at the Visitors Center Learn about the park's natural history and experience the beauty of nature by hiking along one of the many hiking trails. Wear good hiking shoes and bring binoculars for this adventure that will last about 2 hours. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on hiking at Pere Marquette State Park
COMMUNITY DANCE Elsah, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 7 pm - 10 pm Farley's Music Hall, 37 Mill Street The Historic Elsah Foundation is sponsoring an evening of Contra dancing, where couples dance in two facing lines. Live music will be provided by Wayne Schell and friends. All dances will be taught - no experience or partner necessary. Admission: $5 per person, $15 max per family, students with ID 1/2 price. For more information call 618-374-2024
OWL PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 8 pm Meet at the Visitors Center A variety of owls inhabit Pere Marquette State Park and the surrounding area. A lecture by the Park staff will tell you what these bird sound like and the individual habits of each species. After the lecture there will be a short 1 1/2 mile hike (part of the hike is uphill) to listen for these fascinating birds. After the hike there will be a marshmallow roast. Please bring one flashlight per family. Marshmallows and drinks will be provided. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on owls at Pere Marquette State Park
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 8:30 am Meet at the Visitors Center Feeling adventurous? Try this extended hike with the staff and explore some of the Park’s most interesting trails. The focus will be on exercise and stamina as the hike takes participants past creeks, 100-year old trees, and stops at two scenic overlooks. Wear good hiking shoes and bring a snack, a camera, and binoculars for this six mile hiking adventure that will last about 3 hours. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on hiking at Pere Marquette State Park
BOOK AND BAKE SALE Elsah, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 1 pm - 4 pm Village of Elsah Museum, 26 LaSalle Street This Book and Bake Sale is a fund raising event for the Village of Elsah Museum. Baked Goods will be available on Saturday. The book sale lasts until through the end of October. Free For more information call 618-374-1059
GRAFTON RENDEZVOUS Grafton, IL		October 15 - October 16, 2011 10 am - 4:30 pm daily Grafton Riverfront This event celebrates the pre-1840's fur trade era with reenactors camping along the the Illinois River in teepees and period tents. Activities includes tomahawk and knife throwing competitions, black powder and archery contests, and other period demonstrations, food, crafts, and live entertainment. Free For more information call 618-372-8672
OWL PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 7 pm Meet at the Visitors Center A variety of owls inhabit Pere Marquette State Park and the surrounding area. A lecture by the Park staff will tell you what these bird sound like and the individual habits of each species. After the lecture there will be a short 1 1/2 mile hike (part of the hike is uphill) to listen for these fascinating birds. After the hike there will be a marshmallow roast. Please bring one flashlight per family. Marshmallows and drinks will be provided. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on owls at Pere Marquette State Park
LEWIS & CLARK PROGRAM Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 Meet at the Visitors Center Staff dressed in period attire from Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford will discuss the importance that Illinois played in the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Learn about this rich and often overlooked history and learn about this famous expedition that began here in Illinois. This morning session includes a discussion lasting from 9 am - 10:30 am followed by activities for younger explorers from 11 am - Noon. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on Lewis and Clark in Illinois
FALL COLORS WALK Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 1:30 pm Meet at the Visitors Center Pere Marquette comes alive with color in the fall. Join the Park's staff for a walk to experience the brilliant colors and the many other wonders of nature first hand. The hikes are approximately 2 miles and last about 2 hours. Don't forget comfortable shoes and a camera. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on hiking at Pere Marquette State Park
AUTUMN COLORS DRIVE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 10 am Meet at the Visitors Center Come join the staff on a scenic drive to view the natural beauty that is unique to Pere Marquette State Park. A lottery will be held to decide who will be able to ride with the Park Interpreter with the rest following in their own vehicles. The drive will stop at a local restaurant and will return to the Park at approximately 2 pm. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1
NATURAL HISTORY HIKE Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA October, 2012 8:30 am Meet at the Visitors Center Feeling adventurous? Try this extended hike with the staff and explore some of the Park’s most interesting trails. The focus will be on exercise and stamina as the hike takes participants past creeks, 100-year old trees, and stops at two scenic overlooks. Wear good hiking shoes and bring a snack, a camera, and binoculars for this six mile hiking adventure that will last about 3 hours. Free For more information call 618-786-3323 ext. 1   Click here for more on hiking at Pere Marquette State Park
WINE FESTIVAL Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA November, 2012 Noon - 4 pm Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center A day of wine is so divine – especially if you’re enjoying a glass at Pere Marquette Lodge! Come join us for a full afternoon of wine tasting. Sample wines from around the world and shop our many vendor booths for unique items you won't find anywhere else. Check out some of the fun wine-related products. The Wine Tasting Pass is $10 per person. Admission to shop the vendors is free For more information call 618-786-2331 ext. 338
TASTE OF CHOCOLATE Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA December, 2012 12 pm - 5 pm Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, 300 W. Main Street Taste the chocolates of Grafton! Enjoy a plate of homemade chocolate desserts donated by different businesses and restaurants in Grafton. There will be many different goodies from which to choose from. Recipe booklets are available for $2.50 each.  This is a great time to shop for all on your Christmas list! Admission For more information call 618-786-7000
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Elsah, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA December, 2012 Activities throughout the afternoon from 3 pm through 6:30 pm The Village of Elsah opens its doors for the annual “Home for the Holidays” house tour. Seven charming homes in this historic village will be on display, festively decorated for the holiday season from 3:00 to 5:45. In addition, two bed and breakfast inns, the village’s two churches featuring special music, the Elsah Museum, and 19th century Farley’s Music Hall will be open for the tour. The tour will be followed by an old fashioned caroling procession from the river to Selma Square where the tree lighting will take place at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Alton Visitor’s Center, at several business in Elsah, or, after 1:00 pm on the day of the tour, at either the Village Museum or at Farley’s Music Hall. For more information call 618-374-2821
HOLIDAY CONCERT Elsah, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA December, 2012 7:30 pm Cox Auditorium , Principia College campus This Holiday concert includes selected works for choir and orchestra, and a performance of “Einstein’s Dreams” by Randall Williams, a song-cycle based on the bestselling book by Alan Lightman. Free For more information call 618-374-5004
COMMUNITY DANCE Elsah, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA December, 2012 7 pm - 10 pm Farley's Music Hall, 37 Mill Street The Historic Elsah Foundation is sponsoring an evening of Contra dancing, where couples dance in two facing lines. Live music will be provided by Wayne Schell and friends. All dances will be taught - no experience or partner necessary. Admission: $5 per person, $15 max per family, students with ID 1/2 price. For more information call 618-374-2024
WINTER CRAFT SHOW Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA December, 2012 11 am - 3 pm Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center Turn your Christmas shopping into something extraordinary at Pere Marquette’s Winter Craft Show.  Enjoy live entertainment and explore our vendor booths filled with quality handcrafted items unique to Pere Marquette Lodge. Free For more information call 618-786-2331 ext. 338
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HYMN SING Elsah, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA December, 2012 3 pm - 5 pm Everyone is warmly invited to Elsah's annual Christmas Hymn Sing. This event starts in the Christian Science Church, moves across Selma Square to the Methodist Church, and is followed by cookies, punch, and coffee in Farley's Music Hall. Free For more information call 618-374-2821
BALD EAGLE FESTIVAL Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL		PROBABLE EVENT - DETAILS TBA January, 2013 11 am - 3 pm Join Pere Marquette Lodge for its annual eagle festival. The World Bird Sanctuary will showcase and teach about these majestic creatures in their Masters of the Sky show. In addition to the show, enjoy live entertainment, tons of craft vendors and fun for the whole family. Free to the event, Masters of the Sky Show tickets are $5 For more information call 618-786-2331, ext. 0

This Calendar of Events provides listings free of charge for events that are of interest to visitors to the area and that are organized or sponsored by Non-Profit or community based organizations. To have your event listed here contact the webmaster. We reserve the right to limit content. We also willing to provide a web page free of charge for these types of events to provide more details for our readers.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site	Jacoby Arts Center Alton, Illinois	McCully Heritage Project	Lewis and Clark State Historic Site