St. Charles manages, all at once, to feel like a big city, a small historical town, and a quiet, friendly suburb. There is a mix of architecture which includes plenty of historical revival, giving the city an established feel. Easy access to the outdoors and many fine wineries and pubs give St. Charles a more relaxed feel.

Settled in 1769 by Louis Blanchette (and originally named "Les Petites Cotes” for the small hills located here), this river town was an important location for trading and exploration. In 1804, St. Charles was the launching site for the Louis and Clark Expedition and would later serve as the first state capitol of Missouri. The legendary Daniel Boone settled in the area, which would forever associate St. Charles as a cornerstone of the American pioneer spirit.

Interstate 70 runs through St. Charles, as do highways 370 and 364. This makes it about a 30 minute drive from the city, and a quick drive to Lambert St. Louis International Airport.

History is alive and well in St. Charles, which celebrates the journey of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the pioneering culture of the state. The historic riverfront and downtown area, besides featuring restored historical buildings, also hosts a number of celebrations throughout the year, including a Christmas Traditions Festival, The Festival of the Little Hills, and a very popular Fourth of July parade and fireworks show. St. Charles also shows off its culture heritage with Oktoberfest (German) in the fall, and Tartan Day (Scottish) in the Spring. The MOSAICS Missouri Festival for the Arts is also held in St. Charles.

The main strip running through downtown St. Charles near the riverfront has a historic shopping district, featuring numerous restored buildings that are home to restaurants and specialty stores.

St. Charles is also a favorite of Missouri wine lovers, home to several vineyards that offer tasting, tours, and direct purchases. For romantic getaways, bed and breakfast accommodations can also be found in the surrounding area.

The explorer in you can enjoy the rolling hills and scenic trails of St. Charles County. A favorite of bikers and hikers alike, the Katy Trail runs through the area and along a portion of the Missouri River. For those that enjoy tent camping, be sure to check out the well-maintained Klondike Park, which is accessible from the trail (near Augusta) or by car on Highway 94.

The City of St. Charles school district has five elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and the Lewis & Clark Tech Building located on Zumbehl Road. Some parts of the city are located within the Orchard Farm and Francis Howell school districts as well, and there are also a number of private schools.

St. Charles is home to two institutions of higher learning: St. Charles Community College and Lindenwood University.

Blanchette Park | Features a baseball diamond, three tennis courts, fitness court, 1/2 mile jogging track, Aquatic Center, and Rau Gardens, a lovely area covered in floral splendor. Blanchette Aquatic Center is complete with two water slides, an otter slide, a children's water playground, lily pad walk, diving area, lap swimming, and more.

McNair Park | Features a baseball diamond, 9 tennis courts, soccer field, and Braille Trail, a 1/4 mile figure eight trail dedicated to the blind. McNair boasts some of the most beautiful floral displays in the country. The McNair Aquatic Center features one water slide, a large children's water playground area, a lily pad walk, lap swimming and sand volleyball court.

Boonslick Park | Features a tennis court and pool. The pool is a traditional rectangular swimming facility complete with a children's area and diving. 

Wapelhorst Park | Features two tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, and Aquatic Center which boasts a water rapids inner tube ride, one dark underground water slide, one open waterside, a children's play area and a general swimming area.

Kiwanis Park | Features a volleyball court. 

Fox Hill Park

Jaycee Park | Features a soccer field. 

Bales Park | Features a soccer field. 

Frontier Park | Features Jaycee Stage.

Kister Park | Features a gazebo. 

Blanchette Landing | A 20-acre area containing a public boat ramp.

Westwinds Park | A neighborhood park with complete playground facilities. 

Circle Drive Park | A neighborhood park with complete playground facilities.

Berthold Square | Neighborhood park. Serene setting with park benches and lovely trees. 

Frenchtown Park | Neighborhood park. Serene setting with park benches and lovely trees.

Population: 60,000

Zip Codes: 63301, 63302, 63303, 63304

Hospital: St. Joseph's

Libraries: McClay Branch, Kathryn Linnemann Branch, Kisker Rd. Branch

Connect: St. Charles, MO, Historic St. Charles, MO

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