Categories: St. Louis History
Historic St. Charles
Author: Lauren Berger
The oldest city on the Missouri River and the first state capitol of Missouri, historic St. Charles is an area wrought with cobblestone streets and a view of the past. Step into quaint shops and breathe in the fresh scents of cinnamon and chocolate. Delight your ears as street musicians serenade you with the folk songs of yesteryear. Enjoy crafts demonstrations and learn what it was like to be a pioneer during one of the most exciting periods in American history.
Historic St. Charles Attractions
History comes alive in historic St. Charles, Missouri, where you can step back in time to enjoy restaurants housed in historic buildings, unique shops, and dozens of fun family events.
- Lewis and Clark Boat House & Nature Center
- Katy Trail
- Lewis and Clark Monument
- Missouri's First State Capitol
- Foundry Art Centre
Lewis and Clark Boat House & Nature Center
You'll find adventure, knowledge, and fun at the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center. Follow the story of the intrepid explorers as they traverse the Missouri River with the Corps of Discovery. See replicas of Lewis and Clark's boats, learn about the fragile eco-system of the Missouri River and get a glimpse into the lives of the citizens of St. Charles in the early 19th century. Visit www.lewisandclark.net/boathouse for more information.
Lewis and Clark Monument
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark stand 14 feet high and are accompanied by Lewis's Newfoundland, Seaman at this monument in Frontier Park, on the bank of the Missouri River.
Foundry Art Centre
Feeling creative? Visit the Foundry Art Centre, where the arts, artists, and the public come together to create a unique art experience for all. Take a class, view award-winning exhibitions, and meet local artisans as they create. See www.foundryartcentre.org for current exhibitions and classes.
Katy Trail
If you are craving the outdoors, head for the Katy Trail, a 265-mile biking/hiking trail that begins in St. Charles and ends in Clinton, Missouri. This limestone trail was originally a railroad right-of-way that crossed most of Missouri. Today, the trail serves bikers, hikers, and equestrians, meandering through small towns and giving outdoor types the opportunity to enjoy a taste of small town America. See www.katytrailstatepark.com for more information on the trail.
Missouri's First State Capitol
Missouri's legislature met in these stately buildings, which have been restored to their original appearance, from 1821-1826. For more information, see www.mostateparks.com/firstcapitol.
Dining in Historic St. Charles
Historic St. Charles offers a range of dining experiences at restaurants located within its vintage buildings. Courtyard cafes beckon during fine weather, while meals incorporating the town's French and German heritage, plus sports bars, steakhouses, and home-style restaurants entice diners year-round.
- Trailhead Brewing Company
- Little Hills Winery
- Bella Garden Café
- Mother-In-Law House
- Miss Aimee B's
- Magpie Cafe
Trailhead Brewing Company
St. Louis may be a Budweiser town, but historic St. Charles is all for Trailhead Brewing Company, maker of such fine microbrews as “Old Courthouse Stout” and “Riverboat Raspberry Fruit Beer.” Even the kids are sure to enjoy watching the brewing process while enjoying a diverse menu that includes wood-fired pizzas, tasty sandwiches, and eclectic entrees.
Little Hills Winery
Little Hills Winery isn't just home to some of Missouri's finest wines and gifts. The restaurant has a wide selection of lunch and dinner items designed to make the tastebuds happy. Enjoy a succulent 10 oz. ribeye or a simple grilled chicken wrap. Try the accompanying recommended wine for a very pleasurable meal. On Tuesdays, kids eat free with an adult meal, so be sure to bring them along.
Mother-In-Law House
Victorian fine dining at reasonable prices can be found at the Mother-In-Law House. Such elegant offerings as Filet Mignon and Chicken Vironique can be enjoyed amidst oil lamps and antique candelabras for a truly unique dining experience.
Miss Aimee B's
The tearoom of this charming Victorian home, built in 1865, offers elegant breakfast items like Dutch Baby Pancakes and Praline French Toast. Freshly prepared lunch specialties like Florentine Crepe Pie St. Charles and desserts like the Queen of Chocolat Cake are heavenly. In nice weather, an inviting patio shaded by mature trees beckons. (636-946-4202, 837 First Capitol Dr.).
Magpie Cafe
If you want to order like the locals do, then don't miss the baked potato soup—always on the menu and always good. Other delicious choices include sandwiches on home baked French bread, quiche and homemade desserts. Rest and refresh in the lush garden patio that is separate from the hustle and bustle of Main Street . (636-947-3883, 903 S. Main).
Shopping in Historic St. Charles
Restored historic buildings line historic Main Street, home to over 125 shops full of antiques, collectibles, and crafts.
Main Street Marketplace
The employees at Main Street Marketplace know their spices. And dips. And teas. Sample unique items such as wasabi mustard, or buy a kit and make buttermilk ranch dressing in the comfort of your very own home. Main Street Marketplace also has a wide array of country collectibles and decorative items.
The Plank Road
Visit the Plank Road if you have a hankering to find some of the most unique gifts in the area. Hand-carved wooden bowls, dulcimers, and pottery can be found at this quaint shop, housed in the oldest building in St. Charles. Christy Sawyer, a local artist, can be commissioned to create fine oil paintings of you and your loved ones.
J. Noto Chocolatiers
Satisfy your sweet tooth at J. Noto Chocolatiers. Here, you can find over 140 varieties of hand-dipped chocolates, rock candy, taffy, and biscotti. Choosing may be difficult, but rest assured, you will not be disappointed by anything in this family-owned and operated gem.
Thistle and Clover
An importer of everything Scottish, Irish, and Welsh, Thistle and Clover (636-946-2449, 330 S. Main) offers authentic men's kilts, tartan ties, Balmorals, Glengarry bonnets, and Ghillie brogues. In addition, you'll find family crests (printed on anything), and everything Guinness.
Website: www.thistleandclover.com
Check out places of interest near Historic St. Charles:
Bella Garden Café
524 S Main,
St Charles, MO 63301
If you're looking for fast, fresh, and friendly, look no further than Bella Garden Café. Discover the “Great Wallini” or just enjoy a simply great salad or Reuben. For more sophisticated tastes, they even offer a Brie plate featuring Brie, grapes, and garlic crostini.
Little Hills Winery
501 S Main St,
St Charles, MO 63301
Little Hills Winery isn't just home to some of Missouri's finest wines and gifts. The restaurant has a wide selection of lunch and dinner items designed to make the tastebuds happy.
Enjoy a succulent 10 oz. ribeye or a simple grilled chicken wrap. Try the accompanying recommended wine for a very pleasurable meal.
On Tuesdays, kids eat free with an adult meal, so be sure to bring them along.
Magpie Cafe
903 S. Main,
St Charles, MO 63301
If you want to order like the locals do, then don't miss the baked potato soup—always on the menu and always good. Other delicious choices include sandwiches on home baked French bread, quiche and homemade desserts. Rest and refresh in the lush garden patio that is separate from the hustle and bustle of Main Street .
Magpie's Cafe
903 S. Main Street,
St. Charles, MO 63301
Homemade soups, quiche, desserts. Sandwiches on home baked French bread. Tapas style (small plate) menu Tues. 5-9 PM. Lunch daily 11-3. Dinner Wed-Sat 'til 9. Lovely patio.
Mother-In-Law House
500 S Main St,
St Charles, MO 63301
Victorian fine dining at reasonable prices can be found at the Mother-In-Law House. Such elegant offerings as Filet Mignon and Chicken Vironique can be enjoyed amidst oil lamps and antique candelabras for a truly unique dining experience.
Trailhead Brewing Company
921 S. Riverside Drive,
St. Charles, MO 63301
St. Louis may be a Budweiser town, but historic St. Charles is all for Trailhead Brewing Company, maker of such fine microbrews as “Old Courthouse Stout” and “Riverboat Raspberry Fruit Beer.” Even the kids are sure to enjoy watching the brewing process while enjoying a diverse menu that includes wood-fired pizzas, tasty sandwiches, and eclectic entrees.
Foundry Art Centre
520 N. Main Ctr.,
St. Charles, MO 63301
Feeling creative? Visit the Foundry Art Centre, where the arts, artists, and the public come together to create a unique art experience for all.
Historic St. Charles
230 S. Main St.,
St. Charles, MO 63301
The oldest city on the Missouri River and the first state capitol of Missouri, historic St. Charles is an area wrought with cobblestone streets and a view of the past. Step into quaint shops and breathe in the fresh scents of cinnamon and chocolate. Delight your ears as street musicians serenade you with the folk songs of yesteryear. Enjoy crafts demonstrations and learn what it was like to be a pioneer during one of the most exciting periods in American history.
J. Noto Chocolatiers
336 S Main St,
St Charles, MO 63301
Satisfy your sweet tooth at J. Noto Chocolatiers. Here, you can find over 140 varieties of hand-dipped chocolates, rock candy, taffy, and biscotti. Choosing may be difficult, but rest assured, you will not be disappointed by anything in this family-owned and operated gem.
Main Street Marketplace
708 S Main St,
St Charles, MO 63301
The employees at Main Street Marketplace know their spices. And dips. And teas. Sample unique items such as wasabi mustard, or buy a kit and make buttermilk ranch dressing in the comfort of your very own home. Main Street Marketplace also has a wide array of country collectibles and decorative items.
Miss Aimee B's
837 First Capitol Drive,
St. Charles, MO 63301
The tearoom of this charming Victorian home, built in 1865, offers elegant breakfast items like Dutch Baby Pancakes and Praline French Toast. Freshly prepared lunch specialties like Florentine Crepe Pie St. Charles and desserts like the Queen of Chocolat Cake are heavenly. In nice weather, an inviting patio shaded by mature trees beckons.
The Plank Road Pottery
906 S Main St,
St Charles, MO 63301
Visit the Plank Road if you have a hankering to find some of the most unique gifts in the area. Hand-carved wooden bowls, dulcimers, and pottery can be found at this quaint shop, housed in the oldest building in St. Charles. Christy Sawyer, a local artist, can be commissioned to create fine oil paintings of you and your loved ones.
Thistle and Clover
330 South Main,
St. Charles, MO 63301
An importer of everything Scottish, Irish, and Welsh, Thistle and Clover (636-946-2449, 330 S. Main) offers authentic men's kilts, tartan ties, Balmorals, Glengarry bonnets, and Ghillie brogues. In addition, you'll find family crests (printed on anything), and everything Guinness.
Foundry Art Centre
520 N. Main Ctr.,
St. Charles, MO 63301
Feeling creative? Visit the Foundry Art Centre, where the arts, artists, and the public come together to create a unique art experience for all.
Historic St. Charles
230 S. Main St.,
St. Charles, MO 63301
The oldest city on the Missouri River and the first state capitol of Missouri, historic St. Charles is an area wrought with cobblestone streets and a view of the past. Step into quaint shops and breathe in the fresh scents of cinnamon and chocolate. Delight your ears as street musicians serenade you with the folk songs of yesteryear. Enjoy crafts demonstrations and learn what it was like to be a pioneer during one of the most exciting periods in American history.
Katy Trail
320 1st St,
Boonville, MO 65233
If you are craving the outdoors, head for the Katy Trail, a 265-mile biking/hiking trail that begins in St. Charles and ends in Clinton, Missouri. This limestone trail was originally a railroad right-of-way that crossed most of Missouri. Today, the trail serves bikers, hikers, and equestrians, meandering through small towns and giving outdoor types the opportunity to enjoy a taste of small town America. See www.katytrailstatepark.com for more information on the trail.
Lewis and Clark Boat House & Nature Center
1050 S Riverside Dr,
St. Charles, MO 63301
You'll find adventure, knowledge, and fun at the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center. Follow the story of the intrepid explorers as they traverse the Missouri River with the Corps of Discovery. See replicas of Lewis and Clark's boats, learn about the fragile eco-system of the Missouri River and get a glimpse into the lives of the citizens of St. Charles in the early 19th century. Visit www.lewisandclark.net/boathouse for more information.
Lewis and Clark Monument
500 S Riverside Dr,
St. Charles, MO 63301
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark stand 14 feet high and are accompanied by Lewis's Newfoundland, Seaman at this monument in Frontier Park, on the bank of the Missouri River.
Missouri's First State Capitol
200 S Main St,
St Charles, MO 63301
Missouri's legislature met in these stately buildings, which have been restored to their original appearance, from 1821-1826. For more information, see www.mostateparks.com/firstcapitol.
