Begin your St. Charles adventure right from Hotel Baker’s doorstep, with tranquil strolls through our rose gardens and leisurely downtown walks. Enjoy outdoor activities like scenic biking along the Fox River Trail, golfing, and river adventures. The friendly, knowledgeable staff at our St. Charles, IL hotel is at your service, ready to arrange equipment rentals, transportation or reservations. Keep scrolling to see our favorite things to do in St. Charles, IL and visit our travel blog for more insights and highlights of the area.
Area Activities
There’s always something exciting to do in St. Charles, regardless of the season.
Things To Do
Explore the Scenic Fox River Valley with Hotel Baker as Your Home Base
Local Activities in St. Charles, IL
Below are a few of our favorite St. Charles, IL activities. Need arrangements for equipment rentals, transportation, or reservations? We’re at your service!
Nature & Outdoors
Pottawatomie Park
A community park with a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, canoeing & kayaking on Fox River.
Prairie Landings Golf Course
An exceptional links-style golf course, noted for its beautiful layout and variety of playing challenges.
Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise
Enjoy the splendor of the Fox River from a traditional riverboat, offering scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Fox River Trail
Miles of scenic routes for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing along the Fox River, featuring breathtaking views.
St. Charles Parks and Bike Trails
Explore the local parks and bike trails and utilize ready to arrange equipment rentals, transportation, or reservations.
Lincoln Park
For a delightful winter experience, head out to the rink for ice skating at Lincoln Park in downtown St. Charles.
Dining & Drinks
ROX at Hotel Baker
Our on-site wine bar & martini lounge featuring shareable small plates, signature cocktails, and live entertainment.
Downtown St. Charles
Browse a list of dining spots in downtown St. Charles, with a cuisine filter to help you find the perfect meal for your mood.
Downtown St. Charles Food Tour
3-hour tour that combines food, drinks, and a peek at the local culinary scene, along with insights into the history of St. Charles.
St. Charles Place
An upscale steakhouse offering a vintage and romantic setting, known for its exquisite food and unique ambiance.
The Graceful Ordinary
An award-winning kitchen located on the riverside, serving creative versions of global cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
Pomodoro E Mozzarella
A family-owned Italian eatery, known for its artisan pizzas and traditional entrees, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Pollyanna Brewing Company
Offering a diverse beer menu, a wide range of distilled spirits, cocktails, and hosts local, regional, and national entertainment.
Alter Brewing + Kitchen
Full-service brewery and restaurant experience with a full bar and both indoor and outdoor seating, including a riverside patio.
The Wine Exchange
For wine enthusiasts, this venue offers a selection of fine wines and spirits, small plates, and luxury dining experiences.
Broken Brix Winery & Cidery
Small production winery serving hand-crafted wine, cider and mead produced from fruits and grapes sourced from local farmers.
Brews Cruise
The Fox Trot Walking Tour is a 3-hour tour with tastings at 3 breweries and historical insights into the city.
Geneva Commons (Geneva)
An open-air mall with many shopping and dining options, and a park-like area with an outdoor fire pit and pergolas.
Tours & Attractions
Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise
Enjoy the splendor of the Fox River from a traditional riverboat, offering scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.
St. Charles Historic Walking Tour
Take a self-guided walking tour of the original St. Charles, with 27 historic locations each featuring a historical photograph.
Downtown St. Charles Food Tour
3-hour tour that combines food, drinks, and a peek at the local culinary scene, along with insights into the history of St. Charles.
Brews Cruise
The Fox Trot Walking Tour is a 3-hour tour with tastings at 3 breweries and historical insights into the city.
Kane County Cougars Baseball (Geneva)
Class-A baseball games at Northwestern Medicine Field, with a reputation for high attendance and league championships.
Horse Carriage Rides
Ideal for special occasions or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of St. Charles. Inquire for specific details and availability.
Shopping
Downtown St. Charles
Browse through a list of downtown area shops, with a category filter to help you find what you’re looking for.
Kane County Flea Market
Bargain hunting at Kane County Fair Grounds with over 600 vendors offering antiques, vinyl records, and more.
Geneva Commons (Geneva)
An open-air mall with many shopping and dining options, and a park-like area with an outdoor fire pit and pergolas.
Chicago Premium Outlets (Aurora)
Large shopping center known for its discounts and variety of brands, catering to bargain hunters looking for deals.
Museums & The Arts
Durant House Museum
An authentically restored 1843 prairie farmhouse, where costumed interpreters bring history to life.
The Steel Beam Theater
An intimate community theater experience with a professional stage for both adult and children’s productions.
Norris Cultural Arts Center
Home to an art gallery and a 1,000-seat performing arts theater that hosts various events, including concerts, plays, and more.
Arcada Theater
Historic 1926 Vaudeville theater with concerts, films, and more – all within its finely restored Roaring Twenties ambiance.
Gaming & Entertainment
Live at ROX in Hotel Baker
Join us on Friday & Saturday evenings at our on-site lounge for the best live entertainment in downtown St. Charles!
Local Festivals & Events
St. Charles hosts several festivals & events throughout the year, like STC Live!, Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Illinois, and more.
St. Charles Bowl
Featuring 24 lanes equipped with a new state-of-the-art automatic scoring system and arcade games for all ages.
Kane County Cougars Baseball (Geneva)
Class-A baseball games at Northwestern Medicine Field, with a reputation for high attendance and league championships.
Grand Victoria Casino (Elgin)
Set on Fox River’s picturesque shores, you’ll find 700 slots, Vegas-style table games, and enticing promotions.
Hollywood Casino (Aurora)
Challenge “Lady Luck” with 20+ table games, a live poker room, and amazing promotions for poker players!