Discover over 250 years of history on the Hit the Bricks walking tours. These St. Charles history tours cover the fascinating people, places, and moments that happened right where you’re exploring, shopping, and dining. Founded in 1769, Saint Charles has hosted famous pioneers, a saint, early legislators, and even witches! Four tours give you the opportunity to learn more about the stories the centuries-old bricks hold. Sign up for the tours online and get ready to become an expert in St. Charles history the next time you’re visiting.

1. See Main Street like You’ve Never Seen It Before

Uncover hidden stories of Main Street St. Charles in just one hour! What you see today as shops, boutiques, and restaurants once held different things. While walls don’t talk, our tour guides do! Learn how Main Street weathered the Civil War, the industrial revolution, and the ever-changing times, you certainly won’t look at it the same again.

2. Use View Masters to See Historic Photos from the Spot They Were Taken

Use view masters – yes, like the fun ones from your childhood – to see historical photos of Main Street in the exact spot they were taken in. Look back in time at key points on each tour. See what Main Street looked like in 1990 when a Disney movie was filmed here,  in 1878 when a dare devil hopped out of a hot air balloon with a parachute at the intersection of Main and Jefferson, and other notable events. This immersive element brings history to life before your very eyes.

3. Choose from Four Different Tours

Whether you’re interested in the history of South Main Street, North Main Street, a mix of both, or the dark side of Saint Charles, there’s a Hit the Bricks tour for you! These tours place you right where history happened – where Lewis & Clark attended service before they began their expedition, where an American vice president plotted to take over the country, where “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” author Washington Irving spent a night, and more.

Our evening tour, Macabre Main Street, uncovers true tales of treason, crime, and paranormal of Saint Charles. Learn about ruthless gangsters, vengeful spirits, and murderous mobs on this spooky not scary walking tour.

4. Passionate Guides Who Know St. Charles Inside and Out

Our tour guides know St. Charles Main Street like the back of their hand. With an endless knowledge of little-know facts and stories of Saint Charles, they even know which bricks to avoid tripping on! They’re happy to answer any questions you have about the area - historical and otherwise.

5. Good Photo Opportunities of Main Street St. Charles

Hit the Bricks tours allow you to take in Main Street from a different perspective. Have you ever noticed the stars on the side of buildings like Kilwins? What about the metal eagles on the roof of 708 South Main? While these are picturesque architectural touches, they served a practical purpose when the buildings were built in the nineteenth century.

Spanning several blocks of St. Charles Main Street, there are plenty of good spots on the tour to take a memorable group photo. Get your photo taken outside iconic buildings like Stone Row, the First Missouri State Capitol, and the Grand Opera House (where a famous Disney voice was first discovered, as well as where Taylor Swift’s grandmother, Marjorie performed, whom Swift wrote about in her song “Marjorie” on the Evermore album).

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your walk on Main Street, looking for things to do in St. Charles on a weekend visit, or curious about your hometown’s history, it’s time to hit the bricks. Book your walking tour today.