Get outside and soak up the beautiful scenery that St. Charles and the surrounding area have to offer with these thrilling adventures for all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for a bicycle ride through nature or you’re eager to hit the greens for a relaxing round of golf, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do outside in St. Charles, MO, and beyond. From birdwatching to history tours, here are the best ways to get outdoors.
Water Sports and Fishing
Kayaking and floating on the Missouri River are summer favorites. You can access the Dardenne Creek Blueway, where Dardenne Creek and the Mississippi River connect for a scenic 8.7-mile waterway with excellent nature and wildlife viewing.
Fishing enthusiasts, rejoice! St. Charles has abundant fishing spots with opportunities to cast your line. Try August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area for more than 30 lakes to fish with an abundance of largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Remember that fishing in St. Charles requires a fishing permit, which you can easily obtain online.
Hiking and Biking
One of the best hiking trails near St. Charles, MO, is the impressive Katy Trail, a 240-mile-long trail with 26 trailheads and four fully restored railroad depots. Catch a kaleidoscope of colors during the fall foliage season, or bike the trail in spring or summer for breathtaking views and sunny weather. Need to rent a bike? Head to Bike Stop Cafe or Juiced Wheels for Katy Trail bicycle rentals.
Birdwatching and Nature Reserves
State parks near St. Charles, like Katy Trail State Park, offer unbeatable birdwatching and photography opportunities for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Other parks worth a visit for wildflowers, gardens, and picnics include Frontier Park and Klondike Park.
In total, St. Charles has more than 4,767 acres of parks in the City and County parks systems combined! Explore nature reserves and awe-inspiring views of the mighty Missouri River.
Golfing and Horseback Riding
Golf courses near St. Charles are home to lush, green landscapes perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. Hit the manicured greens of Missouri Bluffs Golf Club, or practice your swing at Cave Spring Golf Center’s driving range.
Looking for horseback riding near St. Charles? Try the Katy Trail, where horses are permitted on the 34.7-mile section from Clinton to Sedalia, plus the 15.3-mile stretch between Tebbetts and Portland. Equestrian trailer parking is available at the Henry County Fairgrounds in Clinton.
Guided Walking Tours
Ghost tours in St. Charles, like Macabre Main Street, will take you through this historic city’s spooky past and uncover the true tales of treason, villainy, and the paranormal. For a local history lesson, take a Hit the Bricks Tour to learn about the fascinating people, places, and moments that have made Saint Charles historically awesome since 1769. Walk in the footsteps of early legislators, scoundrels, and even a (literal) saint. Learn about how Main Street weathered the Civil War, the industrial revolution, the ever-changing times, and more.
Any way you choose to get outdoors, you’ll find activities for all ages and interests year-round.