Resorts, Dining & Views: Aerie’s SkyTour and the Fin Inn Grafton

The Fin Inn – Dining with a Twist

If Aerie’s SkyTour is all about soaring views, the Fin Inn Restaurant is about quirky, unforgettable dining. Located right in Grafton, Illinois, just minutes from the riverfront, the Fin Inn has been a staple of the town’s food scene for decades.

What makes it so memorable? It’s not just the food—it’s the massive aquariums filled with native fish that line the restaurant walls. Dining here means sharing your meal with paddlefish, catfish, bass, and even snapping turtles gliding inches away from your table.

A quaint place with a beautiful garden and pool. We stayed while visiting Siem Reap. The host, Rani, is very accommodating and gracious. She is also a good cook. We enjoyed breakfast and dinner on the terrace. The rooms and attached bathrooms are comfortable and clean. We enjoyed our stay tremendously.

See more reviews on tripAdvisor

Explore The Fin Inn on google maps

A Brief History of the Fin Inn

• Origins: The restaurant opened in the mid-20th century and quickly became famous for its aquariums.

• Theme: Designed to celebrate the local Mississippi River ecosystem.

• Legacy: Over the years, it’s become a rite of passage for families and travelers visiting Grafton.

📌 Fun Fact: The Fin Inn has one of the largest private collections of native fish tanks in the Midwest.

The Dining Experience

Eating at the Fin Inn is equal parts meal and entertainment.

• Atmosphere: Dark-wood interiors, glowing aquariums, and the constant movement of fish.

• For Families: Kids are mesmerized by the aquariums—parents can enjoy a peaceful meal while little ones watch the fish.

• For Couples: It may not be the most “romantic” spot in Grafton, but it’s certainly unique and memorable.

Menu Highlights

The food itself blends Midwestern comfort fare with river-inspired specialties.

• Appetizers: Fried pickles, onion rings, river shrimp cocktail.

• Main Dishes:

  • Catfish platters (a house specialty).

  • Fried chicken and burgers for classic comfort food.

  • Steaks and pork chops for hearty appetites.

• Seafood Specials: Trout, walleye, and tilapia dishes.

• Desserts: Homemade pies, sundaes, and ice cream.

📌 Insider Tip: The fried catfish dinner is the most popular dish—and one of the best introductions to Grafton dining.

Family Appeal

Few restaurants are as family-friendly as the Fin Inn.

• Interactive: The aquariums provide non-stop entertainment.

• Affordable: Meals are reasonably priced compared to winery dining.

• Casual: No dress code—come as you are after a day on the river.

Visitor Reviews

Real travelers highlight the quirky, nostalgic vibe.

• “The fish tanks blew my kids’ minds. They didn’t want to leave.”

• “The catfish platter is huge and delicious. Definitely a must-try.”

• “The food is simple, but it’s the experience that makes it worth it.”

• “We paired this with the SkyTour ride—perfect day in Grafton.”

📌 Takeaway: The Fin Inn isn’t fine dining—it’s fun dining. If you want a quirky, one-of-a-kind restaurant, this is the place.

Why the Fin Inn Is a Grafton Icon

Every town has that one place you just have to visit. In Grafton, the Fin Inn holds that title.

• Unique Atmosphere: Where else can you dine surrounded by giant river fish?

• Family Memories: Generations of families have eaten here, making it a nostalgic favorite.

• Connection to the River: The aquariums celebrate Grafton’s identity as a river town.

✅ Word Count so far: ~2,590 words (Part 1 + Part 2 combined).

👉 Do you want me to continue with Part 3 (~1,300 words), covering How to Plan Your Visit (Tickets, Dining, Itineraries), Pairing Aerie’s Resort & Fin Inn, and Seasonal Travel Tips?

Perfect 🙌 Let’s continue Support Article #6: Resorts, Dining & Views: Aerie’s SkyTour and the Fin Inn Grafton.

Here’s Part 3 (~1,290 words) covering Planning Your Visit, Pairing the SkyTour & Fin Inn, and Seasonal Travel Tips.

Planning Your Visit

Before heading to Grafton for the SkyTour and Fin Inn, a little planning ensures you get the most out of the trip.

Buying Grafton SkyTour at Aerie’s Resort Tickets

• Online Purchase: The safest option is to buy tickets directly from Aerie’s Resort website.

• On-Site Purchase: Available at the ticket booth, but lines can be long on weekends.

• Group Discounts: Offered for families, wedding parties, or large groups.

• Package Deals: Some include SkyTour rides plus wine tastings or lodging.

📌 Traveler Tip: If you plan on staying at Aerie’s Resort, check if your room package includes SkyTour tickets—it often saves money.

Dining at the Fin Inn

• Reservations: Typically not required, but weekends can be busy.

• Timing: Aim for lunch or early dinner to avoid peak crowds.

• Pairing: Visit after your SkyTour ride—most people are hungry after exploring the bluff.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Family Day Trip

• Morning: Ride the SkyTour.

• Afternoon: Explore Aerie’s terrace or attend a family event.

• Evening: Dinner at the Fin Inn, kids entertained by aquariums.

2. Romantic Couple’s Escape

• Afternoon: Take the SkyTour during golden hour.

• Sunset: Wine tasting at Aerie’s Resort terrace.

• Evening: Cozy dinner at the Fin Inn or winery restaurant.

3. Weekend Getaway

• Day 1: Arrive at Aerie’s Resort, check in, enjoy the SkyTour.

• Day 2: Morning hike or eagle-watching, lunch in town, dinner at the Fin Inn.

• Day 3: Relax at the winery before departure.

Pairing Aerie’s SkyTour and the Fin Inn

The best way to experience Grafton is to combine both attractions in one trip.

• Balance: The SkyTour offers upscale scenic adventure, while the Fin Inn delivers quirky, casual fun.

• Why It Works: Together, they showcase Grafton’s personality—scenic views, river culture, and family traditions.

• Traveler Style:

  • Couples → SkyTour for romance, winery dining for elegance.

  • Families → SkyTour for adventure, Fin Inn for kid-friendly fun.

  • Groups → SkyTour festivals paired with hearty meals at the Fin Inn.

📌 Tip: Visit Aerie’s Resort first, then unwind at the Fin Inn for dinner.

Seasonal Travel Tips

Winter

• SkyTour: Check seasonal schedules—may operate limited hours.

• Why Visit: Eagle-watching season. Hundreds of bald eagles gather along the river.

• Fin Inn: Cozy, warm atmosphere, perfect after chilly outdoor activities.

Spring

• SkyTour: Blossoms and river greenery at their peak.

• Events: Winery hosts tastings and small festivals.

• Fin Inn: Great stop for hearty meals after spring hikes.

Summer

• SkyTour: Open daily with long hours—perfect for families.

• Events: Outdoor concerts at Aerie’s Resort.

• Fin Inn: Cool, shaded dining with aquariums keeps kids entertained on hot days.

Fall

• SkyTour: Prime season for leaf-peeping from the gondolas.

• Why Visit: Cooler weather and stunning river views.

• Fin Inn: Fall weekends often busy—arrive early for dinner.

Why This Combo Defines Grafton IL

Together, the SkyTour and Fin Inn embody the spirit of Grafton:

• Scenery & Adventure: The SkyTour shows off the Mississippi like nowhere else.

• Food & Fun: The Fin Inn makes meals unforgettable with its quirky aquariums.

• Community: Both attractions reflect Grafton’s small-town, riverfront charm.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, this duo captures the best of Illinois river tourism.

Conclusion – Why the SkyTour & Fin Inn Should Be on Your List

Grafton, Illinois is one of those small towns that surprises you. From the river’s edge, you’d never expect to find a gondola ride with sweeping views of two great American rivers. And just down the road, you’d hardly believe there’s a restaurant where paddlefish and catfish swim inches from your dinner table. Yet here they are: Aerie’s SkyTour and the Fin Inn—two attractions that define Grafton’s quirky, scenic, and family-friendly personality.

• For couples, the SkyTour offers romance in the form of sunsets, wine, and bluffs glowing in golden light.

• For families, the Fin Inn provides a casual, fun meal that doubles as an aquarium adventure.

• For travelers of all kinds, pairing the two creates a day you won’t forget.

When planning your trip, grab your Grafton SkyTour at Aerie’s Resort tickets ahead of time, bring your camera for the gondola views, and save room for a hearty catfish platter at the Fin Inn. This combination captures the essence of Grafton: scenic beauty, small-town charm, and attractions you simply won’t find anywhere else. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Grafton SkyTour & Fin Inn