St. Charles, Missouri

St. Charles is larger in population than we typically recommend for a small town. But the downtown historic district is very impressive and reminiscent of the main street in an historic small town. St. Charles was Missouri's first state capital and is the county seat of St. Charles County. Founded in 1765, it is the third oldest city west of the Mississippi. Its historic significance was as a starting point for wagon train excursions in the western expansion. It lies on the Missouri River, just 20 miles northwest of St. Louis. St. Charles is the eastern terminus of the 250-mile long Katy Trail bicycle path. The Christmas Traditions Festival, one of the nations largest Christmas festivals, takes place on the streets of St. Charles every year starting the day after Thanksgiving until the Saturday after Christmas. EARNS OUR HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION