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Grafton Lighthouse

F White🇺🇸Grafton, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Grafton Lighthouse

A 12-meter round tower with a lantern and gallery sits atop a 1-story square stone building at Grafton's waterfront. This structure, first lit in 2007, marks the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Its light emits a steady white flash. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed. The nearest port is Wood River, 16.9 km away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the significant confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, a key point for river traffic. It also symbolizes Grafton's recovery after the 1993 flood.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F White
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
White
Raw Code
F W

Construction & History

Year Built
2007

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
round

Structure: A 12m round tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a square 1-story stone building.

Location

City
Grafton
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Illinois
Sea Region
on the waterfront at Grafton, where it marks the confluence of the Illnois and Mississippi Rivers
Latitude
38.9692°
Longitude
-90.4352°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Wood river(16.9 km)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Grafton Lighthouse at night?+
Grafton displays the characteristic F White. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Grafton Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Grafton Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is PIASA at 7.1 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include WEST ALTON (11.2 NM ESE), Saint Charles (11.6 NM SSW), ALTON (13 NM ESE), Ferguson (15.5 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Grafton Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Grafton Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Grafton Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Grafton Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.