It was first mentioned in 1277 as Grafhorst, and means "burial height".[3] Even though it was given city rights, it was never fortified and remained small. In 1775 and 1825, it was flooded.[4] The economy used to be based in fishing with some agriculture culture. In 1849, it was home to 411 people. On 5 May 1849, nearly the entire city burnt down except for some farms and a couple of remote houses.[5] In 1962, a church was built.[4]
Grafhorst was a separate municipality until 1937, when it became a part of IJsselmuiden;[6] it is now a part of Kampen.