Grafton Guides

A practical guide to grocery shopping in Grafton: Costco Wholesale and its gas station, Meijer, Sendik's and Aldi, and which to use for which trip.

What to do in Grafton with kids: the summer pool and splash pad, indoor play, Lion's Den Gorge, the big playgrounds, and where to get a treat after.

The bluff trail, the staircase down to the beach, which path to take, and when to go at Lion's Den Gorge, the Lake Michigan preserve just east of Grafton.

The story of Paramount Records in Grafton: the artists, the plant on the river, and what to see now at Paramount Plaza and the Walk of Fame.

A local's guide to eating in Grafton: the destination dinners, the Friday fish fry taverns, the Asian kitchens, and the casual standbys, with what to order.

A Lake Michigan gorge, the Paramount Records blues story, a historic arts mill, riverfront parks, and a real food and craft-beer scene, all in one small town.

A guide to Grafton breweries: Sahale Ale Works and its Paramount Stout, Water Street Brewery on the river, and the best taverns for a pint.

The best coffee shops in Grafton: Colectivo, the family-run Fiddleheads, and the Arts Mill Coffee Roastery in a historic 1846 mill. Where to go for what.

Where to get pizza in Grafton: Eaton's take-and-bake, Even Odds Detroit-style and delivery, and Redheads' Sheboygan cracker crust. Every style covered.

A guide to Grafton's parks: Lion's Den Gorge on Lake Michigan, Lime Kiln Park's ruins, quiet river trails, a dog park, and the Interurban Trail.

Where to shop in Grafton: the historic Arts Mill full of artist studios, the Book and Cranny bookshop, Antiques at Gordons, and local boutiques downtown.

Golf in Grafton: Edgewater Golf Club, a mature nine-hole course with a great fish fry, and River Island, a free three-hole par-3 on an island in the river.

A season-by-season guide to Grafton weather and the best time to visit: what summer, fall, winter and spring are really like on the Milwaukee River.

How to get to Grafton, WI: just north of Milwaukee off Interstate 43. Directions from the city and the airport, plus how to get around town.

Where to stay in Grafton: the top-rated Hampton Inn, the value Comfort Inn, and extended-stay TownePlace Suites, plus the historic inns of nearby Cedarburg.

A Grafton to Cedarburg day trip: historic Cedarburg is minutes northwest, with a covered bridge, a mill winery and festivals. How to combine the two towns.