Overview
St. Charles, Missouri is outside of St. Louis on the bank of the Missouri River. It was Missouri's first state capital and was one of the first stops by Lewis and Clark on their journey to explore Louisiana Territory. The historic Main Street has largely been restored to its 1812-era appearance including gas lights a boardwalk and is lined with shops selling artwork, handicrafts, home decorations, antiques. There are also many restaurants.
4 sights · 4 things to do · 8 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about St. Charles
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
A great place to visit.
Ameristar Casino
Watch the parades.
J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts
Touring acts , exhibitions and other live events are held here.
Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Museum
M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Historic buildings and parks. Adults $2.50, under 17 $1.50. Detailed exhibits and artifacts offer a great learning opportunity and view into the past.This is a must do stop. A recreated wooden…
Foundry Art Centre
Has a great collection of art and exhibitions along with art classes.
Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 24°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby St. Louis)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- STL St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St Louis — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BLV Scott AFB/Midamerica Airport, Belleville — 40 mi away. Directions
St. Charles is on Interstate 70 with several new corridors and exits for more precise navigation from I-70 to the streets, college and entertainment 15 minutes West of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. There are new developments on highway 70 as well. With hospitals and lodging easily accessible for most.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, Main St, Foundry Art Centre
- Lunch Llewelyn's Pub
- Afternoon Ameristar Casino, J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts
- Dinner Lewis and Clark American Restaurant and Public House
- Evening Ethyl's Smokehouse & Saloon
Day 2
- Morning Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center
- Lunch The Trailhead Brewery
- Dinner Tony's on Main Street
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are many fine restaurants in St. Charles City and County. Among them are:
On North Main St.:
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
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Map
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Get in
St. Charles is on Interstate 70 with several new corridors and exits for more precise navigation from I-70 to the streets, college and entertainment 15 minutes West of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. There are new developments on highway 70 as well. With hospitals and lodging easily accessible for most.
Get around
The city's Historic District, Casino and new developments like Streets of St. Charles are easily accessible on foot from the public parking garage on North Second Street. next to the courthouse. Parking on Main Street (brick road) itself is often difficult to find during the day. The easiest parking opportunities are near the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and on Riverside Drive. Parking is usually free and open outside of special events. Little public transportation is available, but horse-drawn carriages make an enjoyable, if not entirely practical, way to visit the historic area. A cab service is available at 636-724-1234.
See
See Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Museum
M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Historic buildings and parks. Adults $2.50, under 17 $1.50. Detailed exhibits and artifacts offer a great learning opportunity and view into the past.This is a must do stop. A recreated wooden vessel of one used on Lewis and Clark's exhibition is on display most of the time unless its out on the water!
- This site offers a historic look at daily life in St. Charles during its time as the State Capital.
- Much of the space is partitioned and rented by artist to work their crafts. This site is also home to a farmers market during some day of the week.
Do
- Attend the many festivals on Main Street and nearby Frontier Park. St. Charles is home to the [ https://www.festivalofthelittlehills.com/ Festival of The Little Hills], from August 15th to 17th, 2025.
Do Main St
Boasts many great restaurants with patios overlooking Main St. The street itself is stone-paved with many shops and boutiques. The central parkette offers public restrooms disguised under a beautifully landscaped garden and gazebo. The many benches along the street allows for a break to rest tired feet.
- Hike or bike the Katy Trail, the longest rails to trails park in the U.S.
- The RecPlex in nearby St. Peters offers swimming, diving, a fitness center, indoor jogging, ice skating, and rock climbing and has been the home of U.S. Olympic Trial diving competition.
- There are a number of county and city parks offering a wide variety of activities , and .
- - located in St. Charles
Buy
- Historic Main Street has largely been restored to its 1812-era appearance or remodeled interiors and is lined with shops selling artwork, handicrafts, home decorations, and antiques. These aren't all crafty folk type shops. Some offer antiques unique luxury items and local favorites.
Eat
There are many fine restaurants in St. Charles City and County. Among them are:
On North Main St.:
Eat Lewis and Clark American Restaurant and Public House
Others in the city:
- Pio's on First Capital Drive.
- Concetta's on First Capital Drive.
Eat Shogun Japanese Steak and SuShi
- Vivian Vineyards North Second St.
In the county:
- Rizzo's Mexico Rd. in O'Fallon.
- Erio's Jungerman in St. Peters.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, 3020 Highway K, O'Fallon, 379-3994
- Mellow Mushroom, 4716 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, MO
Drink
- City Club Tavern, corner of First Capitol and Main Street. Loud, smoky watering hole for locals lacking anything in the way of class or style. An increasingly popular hangout for twenty-somethings looking for a bargain. Bands play on some Friday nights and pool is free in the back. $2 domestic bottles. $3 specialty. $7 pitchers. Open till 1:30AM. Cash only.
- Llewelyn's Pub, on Main St. is a converted bank with great food and daily specials. The outdoor patio offers a great place to eat while overlooking the Missouri River. The restaurant offers a variety of food with one of the best Caesar salads around. Private dining can be had in the vault with its original vault door nicely on display.
- Kubrik's Did you just step into someones mom's basement or a tribute to one of the best film makers to live.
Sleep
Stay Country Inn & Suites
Go next
St. Charles County is filled with things to see and do. The Missouri Weinstrasse, State Highway 94, offers a lovely drive through the Missouri wine country, with many wineries to visit and scenic overlooks as it winds its way through hills and valleys and quaint villages along the Missouri River. The Daniel Boone Home and Village is nearby with tours for the public. The August Busch Conservation Area, a few minutes from downtown St. Charles, offers a multitude of lakes for fishing, hiking trails, a shooting range and a nature museum.
- Troy is a short drive from St. Charles and offers many places to shop and eat as well as Cuivre River State Park. The State Park offers acres and acres of hiking, fishing, hunting and swimming.
- Defiance, MO
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