saint charles

St. Charles is an ideal village for those who want a quieter lifestyle than a big city offers but still want culture, entertainment, and amenities. A charming and scenic Main Street is part of a historic Central Historic District. Local organizations have mapped a walking tour of more than two dozen locations, including a Romantic Revival-style hotel and Spanish Colonial Revival theater. Beyond history, the thoroughfare is packed with shops, restaurants, and services as well. The excellent park district maintains many parks and trails, an aquatic park and pool, a golf course and mini-golf, the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, and even the chance to cruise the Fox River by paddlewheel riverboat. Homes with large lots and well-performing public schools make St. Charles an excellent choice for families. For train access to Chicago, St. Charles residents can use the Geneva Metra station.

Distance from Chicago: 42 miles • Time to Loop by Car: 51 minutes • Time to Loop by Train: 1 hr 18 minutes