"Hit the Bricks" Tours - History in Every Step

Join our expert HisTOURy Guides as they invite you to "Hit the Bricks". Discover the fascinating people, places, and moments that have made Saint Charles historically awesome since 1769.

Discover the area that called to the adventurous spirit of pioneers and famous explorers. Walk in the footsteps of early legislators, scoundrels, and even a (literal) saint. Learn how Main Street weathered the Civil War, the industrial revolution, and the ever-changing times. One thing is guaranteed, you'll never look at Saint Charles the same way again.

We currently offer four tour opportunities:

Hit the Bricks header

MO THAN MEETS THE EYE: SURPRISES OF THE FIRST STATE CAPITAL
[300 S - 300 N blocks]

Learn about the important role that Saint Charles played as Missouri's first state capital, stand where tumultuous events helped ignite a spark leading to the American Civil War, discover Saint Charles' unlikely starring role in the world of entertainment, meet a local saint, learn how ordinary citizens aided the war effort during World War II, and more!

Fridays at 10:30 AM

HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT TOURS
[100 S - 600 S blocks]

A perfect overview of the vibrant past of Main Street. Travel through 250 years of Saint Charles history as your guide introduces you to the iconic figures and moments that have shaped the legacy of the area. From its humble beginnings as a settlement founded by a French Canadian fur trader, through the city’s role in Lewis and Clark’s legendary Corps of Discovery expedition that changed the course of American history.

Saturdays at 10:30 AM

THE KEY TO THE WEST: PIONEERS, EXPLORERS, & TRADERS... OH MY!
[400-900 S blocks]

From the settlement of French Canadian fur trapper Louis Blanchette to Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery, learn about Saint Charles' pivotal role as the launching point of explorers and adventurers during its first century and a half. Along the way, uncover a forgotten graveyard, hear the story of a nefarious plot hatched by an American vice president, examine the role railroads played in local history, and find where two literary celebrities had a Saint Charles connection.

Sundays at 10:30 AM

Tours are about one hour long
Each tour is $10 per person

Tours are offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from April 3rd thru September 27th with the following exceptions:

April 5 (Easter), July 4 (Riverfest), August 21, 22, & 23 (Festival of the Little Hills)

MACABRE MAIN STREET

As night settles over Historic Main Street, St. Charles, prepare to step beyond the ordinary and into the chilling shadows of the past. Guided by your spirit host, you’ll traverse centuries-old brick streets and uncover true tales of treason, crime, and the paranormal—stories too dark for any history book. Stand at the very site where criminals met their fate on the town gallows, listen for whispers near the grounds of an abandoned cemetery, and unravel the sinister secrets of the legendary “witch house.” You’ll even discover the unexpected Edgar Allan Poe connection hidden within these haunted streets. Along the way, nearly a dozen restless specters are said to roam—can you sense their presence? From ruthless gangsters to vengeful spirits, murderous mobs to ghostly apparitions, every stop along this tour brings history to life in a way you’ll never forget.

By the time the night ends, you’ll never look at Main Street the same way again. Dare to Hit the Bricks and explore the darker side of St. Charles—if you’re brave enough?

FRIDAYS: 8:30 PM

Tours are about an hour and a half long
This is a history tour - highlighting the darker history of St. Charles
Each tour is $20 per person

Tours are offered every Friday from April 3 thru October 30th with the following exceptions:

July 4 (Riverfest) & August 21 (Festival of the Little Hills)

All tours begin at the Tourism Center (230 South Main St.)
Walking tours are held rain, shine, or snow.
Participants should expect to be standing or walking for a majority of the time. We walk at a moderate pace. Please wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather.
Should you not be able to attend the tour and need to cancel your booking, we will grant you a refund with a 48 hour cancellation notice. After that point, the tour is non-refundable.

If you are interested in booking a group tour outside of normal tour hours, please click here.

Tour Guides

Randy
Randy is from Illinois but now calls St. Charles home. His career path has ranged from cowboy, to Clydesdale handler, to park ranger. He is passionate about all of the stories that St. Charles architecture has to tell.

Diane
Diane grew up on a farm in Illinois and had a more than 20 year career in HR... she'd tell you the stories if they weren't confidential! Diane loves STC small businesses, and telling stories about the people that once called this city home.

Mark
Mark is a former teacher, and grew up on a small farm in Illinois. His favorite thing to do on Main Street is to enjoy the view from the third floor of Lewis & Clark restaurant.

Lisa
St. Charles is Lisa's hometown- she's lived here since she was 2 years old. She especially loves to walk and bike on the Katy Trail, and enjoy the parks along its path.

Megan
A Missouri native, Megan is a historic preservation professional, and has worked in archiving, history, genealogy, and leading tours. Her favorite spot on Main Street is Missouri Artists On Main.

Paul
Paul is a Missourian and taught English, Speech, and theatre for 29 years in Missouri public schools. He has also worked as a cave tour guide and zoo educational interpreter. His favorite thing to do on Main Street, is to simply walk the street.

Laura
Actress by trade, Laura grew up in St. Louis County. She has appeared in productions by many local venues and, more recently, cruise lines. Her favorite STC Business is Grandma's Cookies!

VISITOR MAGAZINE

VISITOR MAGAZINE

Events

Restaurants

Things To Do

Places To Stay

"Hit the Bricks" Tours - History in Every Step

MO THAN MEETS THE EYE: SURPRISES OF THE FIRST STATE CAPITAL
[300 S - 300 N blocks]

HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT TOURS
[100 S - 600 S blocks]

THE KEY TO THE WEST: PIONEERS, EXPLORERS, & TRADERS... OH MY!
[400-900 S blocks]

Tour Guides

Randy
Randy is from Illinois but now calls St. Charles home. His career path has ranged from cowboy, to Clydesdale handler, to park ranger. He is passionate about all of the stories that St. Charles architecture has to tell.

Diane
Diane grew up on a farm in Illinois and had a more than 20 year career in HR... she'd tell you the stories if they weren't confidential! Diane loves STC small businesses, and telling stories about the people that once called this city home.

Mark
Mark is a former teacher, and grew up on a small farm in Illinois. His favorite thing to do on Main Street is to enjoy the view from the third floor of Lewis & Clark restaurant.

Lisa
St. Charles is Lisa's hometown- she's lived here since she was 2 years old. She especially loves to walk and bike on the Katy Trail, and enjoy the parks along its path.

Megan
A Missouri native, Megan is a historic preservation professional, and has worked in archiving, history, genealogy, and leading tours. Her favorite spot on Main Street is Missouri Artists On Main.

Paul
Paul is a Missourian and taught English, Speech, and theatre for 29 years in Missouri public schools. He has also worked as a cave tour guide and zoo educational interpreter. His favorite thing to do on Main Street, is to simply walk the street.

Laura
Actress by trade, Laura grew up in St. Louis County. She has appeared in productions by many local venues and, more recently, cruise lines. Her favorite STC Business is Grandma's Cookies!

Request a Free Visitors Magazine

Sign up for our E-newsletter

Events

Restaurants

Things To Do

Places To Stay

"Hit the Bricks" Tours - History in Every Step

MO THAN MEETS THE EYE: SURPRISES OF THE FIRST STATE CAPITAL [300 S - 300 N blocks]

HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT TOURS [100 S - 600 S blocks]

THE KEY TO THE WEST: PIONEERS, EXPLORERS, & TRADERS... OH MY! [400-900 S blocks]

Tour Guides

Randy Randy is from Illinois but now calls St. Charles home. His career path has ranged from cowboy, to Clydesdale handler, to park ranger. He is passionate about all of the stories that St. Charles architecture has to tell.

Diane Diane grew up on a farm in Illinois and had a more than 20 year career in HR... she'd tell you the stories if they weren't confidential! Diane loves STC small businesses, and telling stories about the people that once called this city home.

Mark Mark is a former teacher, and grew up on a small farm in Illinois. His favorite thing to do on Main Street is to enjoy the view from the third floor of Lewis & Clark restaurant.

Lisa St. Charles is Lisa's hometown- she's lived here since she was 2 years old. She especially loves to walk and bike on the Katy Trail, and enjoy the parks along its path.

Megan A Missouri native, Megan is a historic preservation professional, and has worked in archiving, history, genealogy, and leading tours. Her favorite spot on Main Street is Missouri Artists On Main.

Paul Paul is a Missourian and taught English, Speech, and theatre for 29 years in Missouri public schools. He has also worked as a cave tour guide and zoo educational interpreter. His favorite thing to do on Main Street, is to simply walk the street.

Laura Actress by trade, Laura grew up in St. Louis County. She has appeared in productions by many local venues and, more recently, cruise lines. Her favorite STC Business is Grandma's Cookies!

MO THAN MEETS THE EYE: SURPRISES OF THE FIRST STATE CAPITAL
[300 S - 300 N blocks]

HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT TOURS
[100 S - 600 S blocks]

THE KEY TO THE WEST: PIONEERS, EXPLORERS, & TRADERS... OH MY!
[400-900 S blocks]

Randy
Randy is from Illinois but now calls St. Charles home. His career path has ranged from cowboy, to Clydesdale handler, to park ranger. He is passionate about all of the stories that St. Charles architecture has to tell.

Diane
Diane grew up on a farm in Illinois and had a more than 20 year career in HR... she'd tell you the stories if they weren't confidential! Diane loves STC small businesses, and telling stories about the people that once called this city home.

Mark
Mark is a former teacher, and grew up on a small farm in Illinois. His favorite thing to do on Main Street is to enjoy the view from the third floor of Lewis & Clark restaurant.

Lisa
St. Charles is Lisa's hometown- she's lived here since she was 2 years old. She especially loves to walk and bike on the Katy Trail, and enjoy the parks along its path.

Megan
A Missouri native, Megan is a historic preservation professional, and has worked in archiving, history, genealogy, and leading tours. Her favorite spot on Main Street is Missouri Artists On Main.

Paul
Paul is a Missourian and taught English, Speech, and theatre for 29 years in Missouri public schools. He has also worked as a cave tour guide and zoo educational interpreter. His favorite thing to do on Main Street, is to simply walk the street.

Laura
Actress by trade, Laura grew up in St. Louis County. She has appeared in productions by many local venues and, more recently, cruise lines. Her favorite STC Business is Grandma's Cookies!