On the River to Grafton

A day driving to the Locks at Alton and lunch at the Loading Dock in Grafton. Meeting at Westport St. Louis Bread Company at 9:30am and leaving at 10am.

We will tour the National Great Rivers Museum and get a tour of the lock and dam system.

https://www.mtrf.org/touring-melvin-price/

the National Great Rivers Museum & the Melvin Price Locks & Dam, operated by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Saturday, May 23^rd, 2026 at 11am, for a guided tour of the Locks & Dam.

The National Great Rivers Museum and Melvin Price Locks and Dam is located at #2 Locks and Dam Way, East Alton 62024.  

We will have a $5 per car fee for JAGSL. 

Itinerary Overview

• Meet & Depart: 9:30 AM at the St. Louis Bread Company (Panera) in Westport Plaza area (15 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043). Leave by 10:00 AM.
• Destination: National Great Rivers Museum & Melvin Price Locks & Dam, #2 Locks and Dam Way, East Alton, IL 62024.
• Tour: Guided tour of the locks and dam at 11:00 AM (group-friendly timing).
• Entry: $5 per car (as noted).
• Lunch: The Loading Dock Bar & Grill, 401 E. Front Street, Grafton, IL. Waterfront spot with river views, outdoor seating, live music sometimes, and a casual menu (burgers, sandwiches, fish tacos, etc.). Good for groups.

Quick Driving Notes

• Westport/Maryland Heights to Museum (East Alton): Roughly 45–60 minutes via I-270 E to I-255 N or similar routes across the river. Aim to arrive by ~11 AM.
• Museum/Locks to Loading Dock (Grafton): Short, scenic drive north along the Great River Road (IL-100). It's beautiful with bluffs and Mississippi River views—highly recommended for the drive itself.