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St. Charles is a historic city of about 70,000 people on the north bank of the Missouri River, about 20 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis. Founded in 1769 by the French-Canadian trader Louis Blanchette as Les Petites Cotes, the little hills, it is one of the oldest settlements on the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark set off from here up the Missouri in 1804, and the town served as Missouri's first state capital from 1821 to 1826.
The brick-paved historic Main Street is the heart of a visit, lined with restored 18th and 19th-century buildings that now hold shops, restaurants and the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site. Frontier Park stretches along the river, with the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center, replica keelboats and access to the Katy Trail, the long rail-trail that crosses Missouri.
The Foundry Art Centre shows contemporary art in a former railcar factory, and the Ameristar Casino and Family Arena add evening entertainment. Festivals such as the Festival of the Little Hills in August and Christmas Traditions in winter draw big crowds.
A brick-paved street of restored 18th and 19th-century buildings along the Missouri River, home to boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, pubs and wine tasting rooms. It is one of the largest historic districts in Missouri. Stroll it in the evening when the lights come on, and look for the historic markers.
A historic neighborhood just north of Main Street, settled by French and later German families, with brick and frame houses in the French Colonial and German vernacular styles, antique stores and small shops. It is quieter than Main Street. Walk the side streets to see the old houses, and stop in the antique shops along North Second Street.
The restored row of brick buildings on Main Street where Missouri's first state legislature met from 1821 to 1826, with period rooms, a general store and the Peck family home. Guided tours explain the early days of statehood. Tours are offered on a schedule, so check times and plan about an hour.
A museum on the riverfront with full-size replicas of the keelboat and pirogues used by the Lewis and Clark expedition, along with exhibits on the journey, the Native nations they met and the river's wildlife. Kids enjoy the dioramas. Check for reenactments, and pair it with a walk through Frontier Park.
A riverfront park along the Missouri River beside the historic district, with lawns, a pavilion, statues of Lewis and Clark and their dog Seaman, and a trailhead for the Katy Trail. It hosts many festivals during the year. Bring a picnic, watch the river, and rent a bike nearby to ride the trail.
A contemporary art center in a restored railcar factory building near Main Street, with rotating gallery exhibitions, working studios where you can meet artists, and classes. Admission is free. Browse the galleries, stop by the open studios, and check the calendar for art walks and special events.
A large casino resort on the Missouri River with slot machines, table games, a poker room, a hotel, a spa and several restaurants and bars, including a buffet and a steakhouse. Guests must be 21 or older for the casino floor. It is just off Interstate 70, with free parking and river views from some rooms.
A multi-purpose arena in St. Charles that hosts concerts, comedy, family shows, minor league and college sports and community events. It seats around 10,000 for big shows. Check the schedule online, and allow time for parking and traffic before major events, especially on weekend evenings.
A shrine honoring Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, the French nun who founded the first free school west of the Mississippi in St. Charles in 1818. The shrine holds her tomb, and the grounds include historic buildings of the Academy of the Sacred Heart. Visitors are welcome to enter quietly outside of services.
A popular holiday festival on historic Main Street from late November through December, with costumed carolers, Santas from around the world, Dickens characters, parades and festive shop windows. It is fun for families. Visit on a weekend evening for the best atmosphere, and dress warmly for the strolling performances.
A large arts and crafts festival held each August in Frontier Park and along Main Street, with hundreds of craft booths, food vendors, live music and children's activities. It draws big crowds from across the St. Louis region. Go early in the day to beat the heat and crowds, and park outside the district.
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Photo: w_lemay, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Smallbones, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: w_lemay, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
