How to Plan a Trip to St. Charles, Missouri

Louis and Clark can be credited with putting St. Charles, Missouri, on the map, since the city was one of their first stops in their exploration of the West. Today, it's a terrific starting point for anyone touring the region.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Passport

Get Around St. Charles

1. Fly into the Lambert/St. Louis International Airport. It's the closest airport to St. Charles and the most accessible to travelers from the United States and abroad.
2. Drive I-70 from St. Louis. St. Charles is about 15 to 20 minutes west of the city.
3. Take the train from St. Louis to St. Charles. Metro train traffic passes through the city on its way to points farther west in Missouri.

Find Accommodations in St. Charles

4. Use St. Charles as the starting point for an adventure across the West. Accommodations in St. Charles are affordable, perfect for your base camp.
5. Visit St. Charles at Christmastime for a taste of true holiday spirit. Book accommodations near the town center and head to the seasonal festivals, amid the strolling Victorian-era carolers.
6. Book accommodations during the Festival of the Little Hills. This world-renowned crafts festival has been listed in the top ten national Christmas festivals several years in a row.

Explore St. Charles

7. Venture down the Katy Trail, one of the longest trails in America and a popular Missouri destination. Hundreds of miles of trails originate here in St. Charles and are open to bikers, hikers and joggers.
8. Grab some chips and head out to the Missouri River for some high-stakes riverboat gambling. Slot machines, roulette, poker, blackjack and other games of chance are available.

Tips & Warnings

• Rent a car while visiting St. Charles. Public transportation is limited to commuter lines for residents.
• Be aware of the latest security restrictions enforced on air travel in the United States. Being unprepared can turn the process of getting to St. Charles difficult.
• Weather during the summer months can be problematic. Be aware of thunderstorms and the potential for tornadoes.