"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 three tour opportunities:
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.
FRI & SAT: 10:30 AM | SUN: 12:30 PM
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!
FRI & SAT: 12:30 PM | SUN: 2:30 PM
- Tours are about one hour long
- Each tour is $7 per person
Tours are offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from April 4th thru September 28th with the following exceptions:
April 20 (Easter), July 4 (Riverfest), August 15, 16, & 17 (Festival of the Little Hills)
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, villainy, 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
- Each tour is $20 per person
Tours are offered every Friday from May 23 thru October 24th with the following exceptions:
July 4 (Riverfest) & August 15 (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 for 20 or more people, please click here.
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