St. Charles is a city along the Fox River, west of downtown Chicago, known as the “Pride of the Fox.” This area became increasingly popular in the late 19th century and has grown tremendously into today’s vibrant city. You’ll find an exciting range of dining, art, and entertainment, including live venues like the Arcada Theatre. The Park District helps maintain the area’s riverside parks and go-to attractions and aims to ensure beautiful and tranquil settings. With a vibrant core offering restaurants, shopping, cultural venues, and parks, it’s easy to spend hours exploring this lovely city. If you’re interested in things to do in St. Charles, look no further.
The Baran Group has compiled a list of the best things to do in the area, from free attractions to family-friendly entertainment. Read on for our favorites.
FREE ATTRACTIONS IN ST. CHARLES
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN
One of the trendiest areas of St. Charles is its lovely downtown. Exploring the charming main street lined with trees, vintage street lamps with flower baskets, and an enticing array of things to do is an excellent place to start. You’ll be met with stunning architecture in Art Deco styles and the Spanish Revival Hotel Baker, circa 1928, the first luxury resort in town. Downtown St. Charles is where you’ll find all the locals milling about, wandering the local shops, restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors.
ST. CHARLES HISTORY MUSEUM
The St. Charles History Museum opened in 1933 and is located in the McCornack Oil Company building, built in 1928. Extensive collections are inside, with over 15,000 artifacts and photos dedicated to St. Charles and its progress through the years. Visitors can explore various exhibits, like the Jack and Kathy Brens exhibit hall, where you can view the history of St. Charles through multiple lenses and perspectives. History lovers will find fascinating temporary exhibits on topics like the Underground Railroad and the city’s connection to the Titanic.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN ST. CHARLES
ARCADA THEATRE
The Arcada Theatre is a shining beacon on Main Street that has graced the area since 1926. This Spanish Revival theatre previously screened silent movies and was originally one of the hottest vaudeville stages in the Fox River Valley. Aside from minor renovations, the Arcada Theatre is noteworthy for having stayed open throughout its history and is an excellent place to catch live performances of all varieties. Notable artists like Kenny Rogers, Jerry Lewis, Martin Short, Mickey Rooney, and Paul Anka have performed here.
STEEL BEAM THEATER
Another exceptional place to see performances and gather with your community is the Steel Beam Theater. This outstanding venue features incredible art performances ranging from children’s plays to adult shows. In addition, guests can take acting classes, various workshops, and more. The Steel Beam Theater is an excellent place to enjoy beautiful performances and indulge in your creative side.
OTTER COVE AQUATIC PARK
A famous destination for families in St. Charles, the Otter Cove Aquatic Park is an excellent place for fun. This recreation center has various pools, a lazy river, waterslides, and a diving board for those who love thrill-seeking. The Otter Cove Aquatic Park also organizes several events for families to enjoy, so make sure to check their calendars. If you want a place to create a fun and memorable experience, Otter Cove Aquatic Park is an excellent choice.
HICKORY KNOLLS DISCOVERY CENTER
The Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is a great place to spend the day with children exploring and learning. The exhibits throughout the center offer spaces for children to interact closely with creatures, like reptiles, and improve their skills and education. They’ll learn about the Ice Age, see interactive murals, and explore trails full of beautiful flowers and wildlife. The Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is an excellent place to spend the day exploring.
PRIMROSE FARM
A working farm on the western edge of St. Charles, Primrose Farm offers various activities and experiences for visitors. Children can feed the animals, like cows, chickens, and goats, or hang out with the farm’s horses. Several other activities include goat yoga, needlework sessions, and milking cows. Visit for the experience, or stop by the farmstand selling fresh produce, open spring through fall.
PARKS IN ST. CHARLES
POTTAWATTOMIE PARK
One of St. Charles’s most coveted parks is Pottawattomie Park along the Fox River’s eastern bank, not far from downtown. With a history dating back to the 1830s and preliminary plans to build a grand resort, residents are fortunate that this park exists in all its glory. You can still find a pavilion and tower along the riverfront as a reminder of the unfinished project from its past.
Most guests prefer today’s attractions, like the outdoor Swanson Pool, which is an excellent spot in the summer months. It offers swim lessons, aqua aerobics, and an 18-hole river view mini golf course. Grab a paddle-wheeler and head on the Fox River for an afternoon in the sun, take the children to the playground, enjoy tennis, sand volleyball, or softball, or visit the amphitheater and enjoy a community event. Whatever your reason for visiting Pottawatomie Park, you won’t be disappointed.
MOUNT SAINT MARY PARK
Mount Saint Mary Park is a gorgeous public space along the Fox River that offers various areas for people of all ages. The multi-use recreational ground allows for picnics on the manicured lawns, a biking and walking path, a skate park for children with launch ramps, grind boxes, quarter pipes, playgrounds, and more. Unique sculptures are scattered throughout the park to enjoy while you wander the paths or explore the river.
INTERESTED IN ST. CHARLES? TALK TO A TRUSTED AGENT TODAY
If you want to learn more about St. Charles real estate or are considering moving to the area, contact Ruta Baran or Nick Baran today. As leaders in St. Charles IL real estate, The Baran Group can expertly navigate you through the process.