As we reach the long, dark stretch of winter after the holiday excitement, cabin fever can start to creep in. If you’re feeling a little stir crazy, it may be time to get out and explore. Luckily, Saint Charles offers plenty of ways to beat the winter blues at several local attractions. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor experiences, there are plenty of things to do to stay active and inspired all season long.
TAKE A WALK ON THE KATY TRAIL
At over 240-miles-long, the Katy Trail offers quite the opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature. Despite the weather, it’s nice to be out in the sun and feel the cold air on your face, especially after being cooped up indoors. The mostly flat Katy Trail is made of crushed limestone, making it an easy quick winter hike in St. Charles. It runs parallel to Main Street, with two rail cars and the KATY Depot alongside it as a glimpse into its past as a former railroad. If you want to make it a short loop, branch off into Frontier Park, where a paved path takes you near the Missouri River. You may just spot a bald eagle!
FIND A CREATIVE OUTLET AT THE FOUNDRY ART CENTRE
There are only so many movies you can watch and social media to consume when it’s cold outside. Take a screen break this winter at an art class in St. Charles. The Foundry Art Centre hosts a multitude of classes in several different mediums like printmaking, jewelry making, encaustic painting, and botanical casting. Visit the Foundry’s Community Clay Studio to make your own pottery in clay classes like slab building and wheel throwing.
Don’t forget to attend First Fridays at the Foundry, a free monthly event where visitors explore the galleries, participate in free crafts, enjoy live entertainment, and sip on refreshments from the Foundry bar. Beat the winter blues with art and creativity this winter at the Foundry Art Centre.
STEP BACK IN TIME AND VISIT A MUSEUM
History is everywhere in Saint Charles. While there’s Historic Main Street with its over 100-year-old buildings and bricks, visit local museums to explore history indoors this winter. Discover a large collection of soda and Coca-Cola memorabilia at The Soda Museum, walk through an impressive collection of muscle cars, classic trucks, and late model collector cars at Fast Lane Classic Cars, and learn about how people lived in St. Charles in the early 1800s at the First Missouri State Capitol. Walk in the footsteps of frontiersmen Meriwether Lewis and William Clark at the Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum located near the start of their famous western expedition on the riverfront. Speaking of frontiersman, step back in time at the Historic Daniel Boone Home in Historic Missouri Wine Country. Tour Boone’s home and explore a reconstructed 19th-century village, offering an immersive glimpse into early American life.
ENJOY A WARM BEVERAGE AT A COFFEE SHOP
Sooth your soul with a warm cup of coffee at a cozy coffee shop in St. Charles. From hot lattes to sweet mochas, find the perfect caffeinated drink to keep you warm. Several cafes even have large windows to let lots of natural light in, which is especially nice in the winter! Stop by an old favorite or try something new to keep your winter fresh and exciting.
GET MOVING WITH INDOOR RECREATION
If you’re starting to feel stiff and want to get moving, but can’t because it’s too cold outside, don’t fret! There are several indoor recreation spaces in Saint Charles to keep you moving no matter the weather. Reach new heights at Climb so iLL, an indoor rock climbing gym with climbing walls for all skill levels. Play a game of pickleball at Chicken N Pickle’s indoor pickleball courts followed by a bite to eat at their restaurant. Hone your yard game skills during the offseason at Rec Hall where you can find over 70 arcade games, ping-pong, darts, and corn hole, plus a full bar and pizza kitchen. Don’t let the weather stop you from achieving your fitness goals.
Winter shouldn’t feel endless. Stay active and inspired at St. Charles attractions because spring will be here before you know it!