St. Charles runs along the banks of the Fox River nestled in the quiet valley. 'It is full of historic landmarks and architecture, quaint antique shops, nature and bike paths, English and Irish style pubs, fine restaurants and successful industry. In 1997, the city was ranked 16th in the "Best 50 Places in America to Raise Your Family".

For more than 30 years, the Kane County Flea Market has brought some of the best antique furniture, unique-items and treasures to the Kane County Fairgrounds. Just minutes from downtown, the Norris Cultural Arts Center includes a 1,000 seat theater and stage where you can be entertained by musicals, children's theater productions and famous performers. Pheasant Run Resort and Hotel Baker offer peaceful getaways, as well as, night clubs-such as Zanies Comedy Club, dinner theater, golf and activities for the whole family.

Also, enjoy the Fox River by riding on the paddlewheel riverboat cruises, which leisurely follow the banks of the river. Or you can follow the Fox River or Great Western Trails by bicycle to discover the beauty of the Fox Valley.

St. Charles School District also adds to the community's status as a great place to raise your family. The school district is well known for its excellence in education and encourages participation and involvement from its parents. Currently the district includes ten elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools; however, a recent referendum passed to construct two more elementary schools. The St. Charles East High School has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education.

Local Festivals in St. Charles include: Pride of the Fox Riverfest in June, which showcases the Mid-America Canoe Race, Dragon Boat races and sand sculptures, the annual Scarecrow Festival, an event held in October featuring hand-crafted scarecrows, arts & craft shows, live entertainment and more, the biennial international St. Charles Art & Music Festival, which offers more than 80 events, gala concerts, family programming, visual arts, theater productions, music from all genres and competition, and lastly, a new festival, the December "Parade of Lights", with floats, bands and various performers "parading" downtown under a blanket of twinkling Christmas lights.

St. Charles has sought to retain the beauty of elegance of its past, with an eye toward its future, making it truly "The Pride of the Fox".