Grafton: Limestone History, Parks and Trails

Grafton brings together a tangible industrial heritage, parks, water activities and a regional trail. There are also artist studios and a craft brewery. The experiences offer their own distinctive features: limestone history and disc golf at Lime Kiln Park, kayak access and views at Cedar Creek, winter ice skating on the Milwaukee River, and an outdoor swimming pool and the Interurban Trail. When planning your trip, it is worth first deciding what mix of history, activity and culture you are looking for.

Limestone History at Lime Kiln Park

The 19-acre site of the Milwaukee Falls Lime Company lies mostly within Lime Kiln Park in the Village of Grafton. The company produced lime from 1890 to 1926. The name Lime Kiln Park itself refers to a lime kiln and thus reflects the site’s connection to lime production. The same park also has a 9-hole disc golf course. This brings a clearly defined industrial connection and a recreational option together in one park; the two offer different ways to experience the area.

Parks with Different Connections to the Water

Grafton Lions Park offers views of Cedar Creek, as well as kayak access and a trail for cyclists and pedestrians. This park brings together waterfront views and activity on foot or by bike. Veterans Memorial Park has a launch point for canoes and kayaks, as well as a kayak rental station. During the winter months, visitors can also go ice skating on the Milwaukee River there. The parks’ connections to the water are therefore different: Cedar Creek offers views and kayak access at Lions Park, while the Milwaukee River provides a winter activity at Veterans Memorial Park.

The Grafton Family Aquatic Center adds another option: an outdoor swimming pool with a level, step-free entrance. It also offers numerous classes and programs. If you are looking for a swimming pool rather than a river activity, this provides a different kind of water experience. The range of options makes it easier to choose the right focus for your stay, rather than treating kayak access, winter ice skating and an outdoor pool as interchangeable.

A Regional Trail for a Range of Activities

The Interurban Trail runs through Grafton. This paved route is 30 miles long and extends the entire length of Ozaukee County. Possible activities include cycling, hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing and birdwatching. The range spans everything from exercise on the trail to observing nature. As a regionally extensive route, the trail differs in scale from the individual park offerings. You can decide whether to include it in your trip plans based on which of the listed activities you would like to pursue.

Art and Local Brewing Culture

Grafton’s cultural side also has specific places to visit. The Arts Mill is located in the historic Grafton Mill and houses more than fourteen artist studios. The studios offer a distinctive artistic focus alongside the industrial heritage and outdoor activities. Sahale Ale Works is a craft brewery in Grafton, Wisconsin. Guests can enjoy small-batch beers in its taproom and on its patio. Art and brewing culture thus complement the park and trail offerings as additional themes to consider when planning your stay.

Choosing a Vacation Rental Based on Your Plans

When looking for a vacation rental in Grafton, you can start with the kind of day you have in mind: Should your trip focus mainly on limestone history and disc golf, kayaking and river activities, or the trail, outdoor pool, art and brewing culture? The offerings vary by theme and, in some cases, by season—especially ice skating during the winter months.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Port Washington, Mequon, Belgium, Cedarburg, Saukville.

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