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St. Charles is a city of about 33,000 people on both banks of the Fox River in Kane County, Illinois, roughly 40 miles west of downtown Chicago. Settled in the 1830s, it grew as a mill town and later became one of the most attractive of the Fox Valley river towns, with a walkable downtown of brick storefronts, churches and grand 1920s buildings.
Much of that downtown character comes from the 1920s, when local philanthropists funded the riverside Hotel Baker and the Spanish-style Arcada Theatre, both still in use today. The St. Charles Riverwalk follows the Fox River through town, the Fox River Trail runs along both banks for cyclists, and from Pottawatomie Park a paddlewheel riverboat takes visitors on summer cruises.
St. Charles is also known for events and shopping: the Kane County Flea Market draws bargain hunters to the fairgrounds every month, and the Scarecrow Festival fills downtown each October. Nearby Geneva and Batavia, also on the Fox River, make easy add-ons for a day trip from Chicago.
A Spanish-style theater opened in 1926 on Main Street, now a busy venue for concerts, comedy and tribute shows. Its ornate interior, with Spanish-style plasterwork and balconies, is worth seeing on its own. Book shows ahead, and pair the evening with dinner at one of the downtown restaurants nearby.
A historic hotel built in 1928 on the banks of the Fox River by local philanthropist Edward J. Baker, known for its Spanish Revival style, glowing sign and elegant ballroom. It is still a hotel and event venue. Even if you are not staying, walk past the riverside gardens and terrace for a look.
A landscaped path along both sides of the Fox River in downtown St. Charles, with benches, gardens, bridges and views of the dam and Hotel Baker. It links shops and restaurants on Main Street with riverside parks. It is lovely at dusk, and summer evenings often bring music and events nearby.
A large St. Charles Park District park on the east bank of the Fox River with a golf course, pool, picnic areas and the dock for the St. Charles Belle paddlewheel riverboat, which offers narrated summer cruises. Check the park district schedule for cruise times, as boats run seasonally.
The regional Fox River Trail runs through St. Charles on both banks of the river, a paved path linking the city with Geneva, Batavia and other Fox Valley towns. It is ideal for an easy bike ride or a long walk under trees. Rent a bike nearby and ride south to Geneva for lunch.
A local history museum on Main Street housed in a restored 1928 gas station, with exhibits on St. Charles families, industry, the river and the town's philanthropic 1920s boom. It is small and friendly and takes under an hour. Check opening hours, and ask staff about walking tour maps of downtown.
A restored 1840s farmhouse at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve on the west side of St. Charles, furnished to show how early settler families lived. Costumed volunteers lead tours and seasonal programs, and a historic one-room school stands nearby. Opening days are limited, so check before visiting.
A large, long-running flea market held one weekend each month at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, with hundreds of dealers selling antiques, vintage furniture, collectibles, tools and crafts. Go early on Saturday for the best finds, bring cash, and wear comfortable shoes.
A fall festival held each October in downtown St. Charles, where dozens of hand-made scarecrows line the streets and parks. Expect crafts, food vendors, live music and family activities over a long weekend. Parking fills quickly, so arrive early or use the shuttle and street parking further out.
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