The "Old Town" area of historic St. Charles, Missouri, with its red-brick buildings, old-style lamp posts and restored homes and businesses that date back to the 19th century, transport visitors back to another time. This suburb of St. Louis was once a city in its own right. Among other things, St. Charles was the starting point for the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804. The city was also Missouri's first state capital. Today, it is home to a variety of tourist attractions, from historically significant buildings to modern festivals.
General Entertainment
- The Family Arena's 50,000 square foot venue has something for just about everyone. The arena puts on a variety of events throughout the year, including trade shows, concerts, circuses and high school and college level sports tournaments. It is also home to the St. Charles Chill, the area's very own minor league hockey team, and an arena football team called the Missouri Monsters.For those in search of something a bit more low-key, the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles offers a variety of options, such as luxury accommodations as well as a full service day spa open to the general public. Ara Spa offers manicures, pedicures, deep tissue massages and access to an indoor/outdoor pool. If gambling is your thing, visit the huge casino floor with 24-hour slot machines and gaming tables of every type. Seven gourmet restaurants, each with a distinct style and flavor, and live entertainment venues round out the resort's entertainment options.
Historic Sites
- Visit the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center for a look at dioramas and art work that tell the story of the famous expedition that opened the American West. The exhibits, including a full-scale replica of the boat used by the adventurers, explain what life was like along the Missouri River and some of the dangers the expedition faced as it continued its journey westward. A trip to the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, located in the heart of St. Charles, lets you explore the two-story building which served as the temporary state capitol from 1821 to 1826. The site is comprised of 11 rooms, an early 19th-century general store and a visitors center with exhibits covering the time period.
Summer Festivals
- Every 4th of July, St. Charles lets loose during Riverfest. This one-day festival takes place on the banks of the Missouri River at Frontier Park. The celebration begins with a parade followed by live music and food in the park until the evening fireworks show over the river finishes things off.In mid-August, residents welcome the annual Festival of the Little Hills. This three-day event, centered around Main Street and Frontier Park, celebrates the anniversary of Missouri's statehood. It draws nearly 400 craft vendors from across 30 states, who come to sell pottery, jewelry and wood crafts. Visitors can enjoy blues, jazz and other live musical performances.
Winter and Fall Celebrations
- A fall visit to St. Charles may have you wondering if you somehow landed in Germany. The annual Oktoberfest treats residents to a host of beer gardens scattered throughout town. Besides the beer, the Main Street parade, 5K run, wiener dog race, costume contest and antique car show are the main highlights during this three-day affair in late September.Every winter, the Old Town area is transformed with an eclectic collection of holiday traditions from around the world, including Victorian carolers, Santas from around the world and the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's difficulties in finding lodging during the days leading up to the birth of Jesus. This last event is known as Las Posadas because of its Spanish origins. More than 30 different characters dressed in period-specific costumes help residents celebrate the holidays from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve.
