Go Up on the Grafton SkyTour at Aerie's Resort

Soar 300 feet above the Mississippi River on the Grafton SkyTour and then feel the rush down an alpine coaster, all part of the day at Aerie’s Resort.

We headed out on a warm fall day along the Great River Road north of Alton, Ill., to have some fun in Grafton, Ill.

Along with the amusement park-like attractions, we also checked out a few other sites on the Great River Road.

Arriving at the Grafton SkyTour

We parked in the large gravel lot off Sycamore Street. The Sky Tour is near the intersection of Illinois Highway 3 and the Great River Road/ Illinois Highway 100.

Then we headed to the front of the lot to wait in line to buy our tickets. You can also by them online.

Admission: $10 per person, Limitless for the Day; Yearly Season Pass $59.99 per person

Hours: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11:45 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday

We decided to do the open chair lift and ride the gondola back down.

Going Up

They have you wait at painted footprints as the chair life comes to you.

Then we were up in the air.

On the left there looks like an old mill and antique store, not sure if it is open anymore.

Then we passed up above a small creek.

I take a photo of me and my son enjoying the ride.

If you look behind yourself, you have views of the Mississippi River and Grafton below. When you head back down you will have better views.

Finally, we were up at the top.

The Winery at Aerie’s Resort

Next, we stopped to have lunch at the restaurant and winery.

We found a table inside, but you can also set out on a large deck.

Out on the deck, you can take in the views and see the distant confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.

We had spinach and artichoke dip for a starter and a Meatza flatbread pizza and cheeseburger and chips.

A big TV screen allowed Andrew to watch a football game while we ate.

Hours: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday

Alpine Coaster

Next, we headed to the Alpine Coaster. It has 4,000 feet of track, 7 hairpin turns, and 8 twisters.

It is towards the right and in the back of the restaurant and Sky Tour and has its own building.

We bought our tickets and then waited in line.

A video explained that you use sidebars to make it go faster or slow down. You only stop it in an emergency.

We then started the ride down. My son loved how it twisted through the trees and downhill.

Curves add to the thrill.

Once at the bottom, you slowly head up.

It goes fast.

Admission: $18, Adult One Ride; $36, Adult Three Rides; $13, Child One Ride; $26, Child Three Rides; $28, Adult and Child One Ride; $56, Adult and Children Three Rides. Click here to buy them online.

Hours: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Daily

Gift Shop

Next, we checked out the gift shop below the restaurant before heading back to the Sky Tour.

Hours: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Daily

Going Down

Riding the gondola down was more comfortable and we luckily had it to ourselves. This is a good option on a cold day.

We waved “Hi!” as we watched others go up.

*View of the Mississippi River and Grafton from the Sky Tour.*

It has better views now that you are facing the river and Grafton and not the hillside.

DETAILS

Along with these rides and food options, the Aerie’s Resort offers Lodging, a Zipline, and Adventure UTV, which we did not have time to do that day.

Drive: Take I-270 East to the MO-367 North exit. Stay on 367 N until you cross the Clark Bridge into Alton, Ill. Turn left onto Lewis and Clark Blvd and then turn left at the traffic light onto Illinois Highway 100. Travel west to Grafton, Ill., and then make a right onto Sycamore Street right after the intersection with Illinois Highway 3. Then make a right into the gravel parking lot.

Address: 3 W. Clinton, Grafton, IL, 62037