The St. Charles Trolley offers a free and easy alternative to driving, taking you right through the heart of St. Charles. Running until December 24th on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 AM to 7 PM, it’s a convenient and enjoyable way to explore many of the City’s highlights. Just hop aboard and create your own day tour with fun stops and activities along the way. Here are the top attractions and best hidden gems along the trolley route.
The Streets of St. Charles
Start your St. Charles, MO, trolley day tour by hitting the Streets of St. Charles, a vibrant and lively mixed-use development with dining, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment, plus hotels for easy starting points. Grab a gooey, cheesy pie at Dewey’s Pizza, catch a comedy show at Funny Bone Streets of St. Charles, or stop in MOD Boutique for chic apparel for women.
Ameristar Casino Resort Spa
Feeling lucky? Why not try your luck at a slot machine or one of 70 table games at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa? After all, you might just hit the jackpot. Inside the resort, you’ll also find seven dining options, bars, an entertainment venue, and a full-service luxury day spa.
Country Inn & Suites
Located on South Main Street, Country Inn & Suites sits off the Katy Trail, offering peace and quiet while still being close to the action. Stop here and go on a hike, check out authentic St. Louis barbecue at Hendricks BBQ, or take a quick walk to the Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum where you can learn more about the famous explorers’ ties to St. Charles.
Main Street & Perry
This public transportation option in St. Charles, MO, conveniently stops at the intersection of South Main Street and Perry, where you’ll find a selection of stores and restaurants to browse. Scoop up home decor at Laura’s La Petite, stock up on gourmet foods at Di Olivas Oil & Vinegar, or check out whimsical jewelry at Moonumental Jewelry Emporium & Makerspace.
Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing glass of chardonnay at The Wine Cafe, head to Bike Stop Cafe for artisan coffee blends, or satisfy your sweet tooth at Sugar & Slice Bakery on Main.
Tourism Center
Whether you need dining recommendations, a map of Main Street, or simply need to use the free public restrooms, the St. Charles Tourism Center is here to help. Take one of the signature history walking tours to learn about the fascinating people, places, and moments of historic Main Street. Stop in the First Missouri State Capitol next door where you will find exhibits about the state’s early government, politics, and the daily life of locals in the 1820s. Enjoy classic American fare on the third story balcony of Lewis & Clark’s across the street, get a scoop of ice cream at Kilwins, and pick up a new read at Main Street Books during your Main Street adventure.
North Main Colonnade
Step off the St. Charles Trolley at the North Main Colonnade and find yourself surrounded by a variety of bars and restaurants to satisfy your taste buds. Sip on a margarita at La Tia & Panchos, indulge in Italian dishes at Novellus, or try a juicy steak at Tony’s on Main. Listen to live music and get your groove on (most nights) at Little Nashville, Main Street Honky Tonk, and The Midwestern. Just don’t forget to arrange transportation if you plan on staying out late, the trolley service stops at 7 PM.
Frenchtown
Explore the historic Frenchtown district with convenient St. Charles Trolley access. This growing arts community is home to craft coffee, antique shopping, unique vendors, and more. Enjoy globally sourced and locally roasted beans at Course Coffee Roasters, treasure hunt for vintage goods at Black Cat Antiques, have a pint of a local brew at Good News Brewing, or test your climbing skills at Climb So iLL.
Foundry Art Centre
The Foundry Art Centre is St. Charles’ vibrant home to the arts, featuring the Grand Hall, three art galleries, and multiple studio artists. Stop by and admire the art exhibitions, speak to working artists, and get creative yourself at an art class. Visit from 5 to 8 PM on the first Friday of every month for the Foundry’s First Friday events, where you can enjoy free art programming, live entertainment, and special events.
Riverside Drive
The St. Charles Trolley stop on Riverside Drive puts you right behind historic Main Street, giving you easy access to local restaurants, shops, and the Katy Trail. Go for a walk in Frontier Park, visit the Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum, where you can find a one-of-a-kind replica of the keelboat used on the expedition, grab a bite to eat at Shay’s Creole Smokehouse (a local hidden gem), and shop for adorable children’s clothing at Lass & Laddie.
Mark Twain Village
Stop at Mark Twain Village, where you’ll find a number of outlet stores and big-box retail brands. Shop for Carhartt staples at Dungarees, purchase active and work wear at Duluth Trading Company, pay a visit to one of the most successful Bass Pro Shops in the nation, or grab a bite to eat at a restaurant.
St. Charles Convention Center
The St. Charles Convention Center sits right off of Interstate 70 and features over 80,000 square feet of meeting space used by conventions, tradeshows, consumer shows, weddings, banquets, and other special events. The Embassy Suites is connected to the convention center, making it a great spot for business travelers to stay. This St. Charles Trolley stop is a convenient way for convention-goers to explore more of what St. Charles has to offer, especially if they don’t have a car.
No matter how you choose to spend a day here, the St. Charles Trolley offers one of the best and easiest ways to see the city.