6 Fun Things to Do in St. Charles, the #1 Town in Missouri

It’s official. St. Charles, Missouri was recently named #1 in the state and #32 in the nation in MONEY Magazine’s 50 Best Places to Live in the United States, and we couldn’t be more excited about it!

Established as the first state capitol of Missouri in 1769, St. Charles was founded by French Canadian fur trader Louis Blanchette, who initially named the town Les Petites Cotes (“The Little Hills”). It began as an important trading center for pioneers because of its location on the river and easy access to the West. Now, the charming riverside town is home to just over 68,500 people. While it’s rich in history, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in St. Charles! Here are 6 ways you can do just that:

Visit Main Street – Take a little trip back through time by checking out St. Charles’s Main Street! This stretch of road, which sits only a few steps away from the Missouri River, is paved in brick and is listed as a Nationally Registered Historic District. Take your shopping game to the next level by visiting unique stores within restored historic buildings, and come away with one-of-a-kind gifts and specialty items for your friends and family (or yourself!).

Grab a Bite – Among all of the hustle and bustle of Main Street are several eateries waiting for you to try! Step into one of the many local cafes or restaurant, sit back, and enjoy as the cozy atmosphere envelopes you. With an array of specialty foods on hand, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in St. Charles!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth – From decadent handmade chocolates to luxurious ice cream, fudge, and more, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a dessert you won’t like. Take a few minutes to savor every single bite of your sweet indulgence at an outdoor table or a nearby park.

Take a Breather at Frontier Park – Speaking of nearby parks, we recommend checking out Frontier Park. Nestled between Main Street and the Missouri River, this beautiful park is great for walking along the extensive Katy Trail, listening to a local band, picnicking, and taking in the scenery. Don’t forget to visit the Lewis & Clark statue, which commemorates the city’s unique tie to the famous explorers!

Unwind with Award-Winning Wines – Take a short trip out of the city of St. Charles on to visit a few quaint wineries on Highway 94. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings as you sip and sample a variety of wines and delicious food with your friends and family. It’s the perfect place to wind down after a day full of adventure!

Relax at a Quaint B&B – At the end of the day, check in and kick back at a local bed and breakfast. There are several charming places for you to stay within and close to St. Charles, whether you’re getting away from it all for only one day or a long, slow-paced weekend.

The next time you’re around the neighborhood, be sure to take the time to explore (or rediscover) St. Charles and all of the fun it has in store. You won’t be disappointed!