History Is Alive on St. Charles Main Street

St. Charles is very proud of its past and has preserved a chunk of old Main Street just as it was when Daniel Boone might have dropped in for a visit. Historic St. Charles is great day trip whether you're wanting a history field trip for the kids, a shopping trip with the girls, or a romantic date with your special someone.

First Capitol Building: St. Charles is home to Missouri’s first capitol building, a plain brick and timber building on Main Street where the House and Senate met while Jefferson City was being constructed. For several years the state government ran in a few rooms on the second floor over a general store and a carpenter’s shop.

The fully restored building is now run by the state park system. Tours are $4 for adults, $2.50 for kids under 12 and free for children under 6. Because of the historic artifacts in the building you can only see the inside while on a guided tour. If you don’t have time for the 45 minute tour, you’re free to step into the courtyard and peer through the large windows to see much of the building’s interior.

The parks department runs a gift shop inside the old general store where you can also start your tour.

Main Street: Shops around the First Capitol are housed in buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th century. There’s ten blocks of shops with collectibles, antiques,  trinkets, soaps, candles, gourmet food, spices and art. Mixed in with retail shops are many sweet shops and restaurants.  None of the shops on Main Street would interest the average child, so if you’re taking youngster on a historical tour stick to window shopping and keep your eyes peeled for Grandma’s Cookies or Riverside Sweets.

Main Street is also home to several restaurant's, many of which have charming courtyard dining. Try Little Hills Restaurant and Winery or the Trailhead Brewing Company to sample a local beverage with your meal.

Lewis and Clark: St. Charles played a part in Lewis and Clark’s big trip out west. You can easily walk from Main Street to the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center. This unusual museum is home to the Discovery Expedition, a group of Lewis and Clark historical reenactors and their boats. Upstairs is a museum dedicated to both the Lewis and Clark expedition and wild life on the Missouri River. The museum costs $4 for adults and $2 for kids under 17. If you’re looking for a frontier themed toy or souvenir of your trip to Old St. Charles, this is the only place to go.