Free Things for Visitors in Historic St. Charles, MO

Historic St. Charles, MO is a great place to visit in the St. Louis area. Located just across the Missouri River from St. Louis County, the historic area of St. Charles has plenty to offer out-of-town visitors as well as local residents.

If you are looking for some free things to do while visiting historic St. Charles make sure you put these at the top of your list.

#1 Shopping along historic Main Street - Window shopping is free, of course, but you may find yourself looking at something you just can't pass up. Stepping onto historic Main Street in St. Charles is like taking a step back in time. You won't find any chain stores here but you will find a great eclectic mix of small shops. The stores located on historic Main Street in St. Charles are as unique as their owners and far older than their owners or visitors. Many of the shops and homes located in the historic area of St. Charles are marked with historic markers, telling visitors the story of the early days of the city. While enjoying your walk along historic Main Street you will find stores specializing in artwork, craft items, collectibles, and holiday items.

#2 Visiting The Foundry - Sitting at the north end of Main Street in historic St. Charles is a building that was once used for building railroad cars. Today the renovated building houses studios for local artists and an art gallery. A tour of the gallery and watching the artists at work in their studios is free although donations are accepted. Each visit to the gallery is unique since the displays are changed regularly. Depending upon the time of your visit to The Foundry you may be fortunate enough to watch an artist work with clay, paint a picture or make jewelry. Because the atmosphere is open, artists are often happy to stop and talk about their work. Visitors may also purchase art from the St. Charles area artists in residence at The Foundry. A small gift shop area near the entrance of The Foundry stocks a beautiful assortment of items for visitors as well.

#3 Riding the Trolley - Visitors to historic St. Charles, MO do not want to miss a ride on the Trolley. The St. Charles Trolley is a free service that provide transportation to many of the key areas in St. Charles. Trolley rides are free and provide a great way to see the town in air-conditioned comfort during the hot summer months. The Trolley has regular stops but can also be flagged down at any point along the route. The St. Charles Trolley route runs from the north end of town to the St. Charles Convention Center and back with stops along the way; including stops at the Ameristar Casino and Bass Pro Shop. The St. Charles Trolley drivers are friendly and full of great information about the city so don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have.

Historic St. Charles, MO has plenty of great things to see and do. Don't forget some of them are free.