Rare Finds on the River
Discover some rare finds along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway and this time, it's not just the views on display. Stroll the streets of Alton and Grafton, IL shopping for antiques and one-of-a-kind treasures.
Riverside Finds in Grafton
(Due to COVID-19 there Grafton Riverside Flea Market will have a shortened season. Please note, the Grafton Riverside Flea Market will open for the season the last weekend of July: Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26.)
Along the banks of the Mississippi River in Grafton, rare finds are waiting for you the fourth Saturday & Sunday of the month through October at the ever popular Grafton Riverside Flea Market. Housed in the Historic Boatworks building at the Loading Dock, wander among scores of vendors where one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. More than 50 vendors display their wares including books, furniture, glassware, tools, crafts, candles, antiques and more.
Last Saturday & Sunday of the Month (April - October)
The Loading Dock
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Flea Market is just the beginning of the treasure hunt that continues every day of the week at the quaint shops located up and down Main Street in Grafton. Handcrafted jewelry, antiques, gifts, souvenirs and even the cure for a sweet tooth or two can be found as you hop from shop to shop.
Alton’s Downtown Shopping District
Lace up your favorite shopping shoes and hit the streets of Downtown Alton with more than a dozen antique shops specializing in everything from Depression glass and vintage toys to early American furniture and fixtures. The best part about the district is the close proximity of the shops. Pick a shady parking spot on Broadway and just hop from shop to shop. Plus, Downtown Alton features more than just antiques. Specialty shops are great for picking up a one-of-kind gift or an item to treat yourself. The work of local artists come to fruition in the form of stained glass, handmade pottery, textile fashions and arts & crafts, all of which can be found browsing the shops.
Visitor Favorites:
Mississippi Mud Pottery (Alton)
Handmade pottery created before your very eyes. A variety of beautiful designs for practical use and display.
Real American Handwork and antiques, featuring quality furniture, cupboards, beds, tables, chairs, folk art, primitives and kitchenware.
JL & Co - The Mercantile (Alton)
An upscale vendor boutique with featuring products from local artists including clothing, bath products, florals, jewelry and more!
Depressions glass, antique toys, furniture, lamps, linens, trinkets and all things antique can be found under one roof.
Grafton Fudge & Ice Cream (Grafton)
Homemade fudge, hand dipped ice cream and an adjoining shop make for one sweet stop.
Find the perfect souvenir from your visit to the historic river community of Grafton. Featuring Americanan, eagles, catfish, sunset themed gifts and more!
Buena Vista Art (Grafton)
Crafted in Grafton, creativity abounds as artist Greg Brummett creates beautiful jewelry from the finest quality metals and semi-precious gemstones, as well as a unique assortment of handcrafted steampunk jewelry.
Plan Your Getaway!
Begin your shopping adventure from the moment that you step out the door with a variety of guest houses located in the heart of our shopping districts in Alton and Grafton. Check out these options:
407 E. 12th St.
Alton, IL 62002
15 Mill St.
Elsah, IL 62028
Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
13653 Lodge Blvd.
Grafton, IL 62037
217 E. Main St.
Grafton, IL 62037
1 Tara Point Drive
Grafton, IL 62037
Free Guide & Great Deals
Plan your trip with ease when you download or request the Great Rivers & Routes Travel Guide for the region. Plus, check out the Deals section of the website for coupons and overnight packages you won’t want to miss.