Saint Charles is a bedroom community with deep local pride
Saint Charles started as farmland and was put on the map by former resident Carl Fischer, who cultivated hundreds of Gladiola hybrids and is still celebrated at one of the town's signature annual events. While still surrounded by agriculture, Saint Charles is now considered a bedroom community of Rochester, and "The Gateway to the Whitewater River" for its proximity to Whitewater State Park. "It has great school systems and a lot of the conveniences that you find in bigger towns," says Matt Ulland, who's sold homes for 11 years and works as a Realtor for Re/Max Results. Numerous parks stocked with recreation, and a quaint downtown, create the fabric of life here. "It's not like some smaller towns where it feels like nothing is happening," Ulland says.
Wooded lots, fairway views and varied architecture
Traditional suburban streets, homes on wooded acres and golf course properties co-exist in Saint Charles. Ranch-style homes, minimal-traditional cottages, and American Foursquare and Victorian architecture showcase different building eras. The oldest homes are from the late 1800s; some maintain their old-world charm, while others have been modernized. New construction is also on the rise on the northern and northeastern sides of Saint Charles. Price ranges begin from around $140,000 to $290,000. The range rises from $300,000 to $665,000 as conditions, square footage and land increase. The city's limited selection of townhouses and multifamily homes ranges from around $214,000 to $275,000. Saint Charles' CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Public education offering school choice and AP courses
Students attend the St. Charles Public School District, which participates in school choice. St. Charles Elementary School earns a B on Niche and covers prekindergarten through sixth grade. Seventh through twelfth graders head to St. Charles High School, which gets the same Niche rating. The high school was founded in 1905 and helps students prepare for college through advanced placement courses.
Curb-to-curb transit and bikeable roads
U.S. Highway 14 is a major east-west route through town, while Minnesota State Highway 74 leads north and south. Rolling Hills Transit offers curb-to-curb bus services for a minimal fee. The buses are scheduled in advance, connecting commuters to various places in the city, and onward to Dover and Rochester. People can also get around on foot. “It’s a small enough town that [locals] bicycle across town or walk," Ulland says. “It’s not so big they have a huge need for public transportation.”
Green spaces for sports, fishing and family outings
The area has playground parks and large recreational hubs. At 31 acres, St. Charles City Park is the most developed green space, with multiple playgrounds and large, covered picnic areas. Equipped with various courts and fields, a skate park and open spaces, it’s also a spot for sports. Jessens Park, the second-largest green space, is next to the championship St. Charles Golf Course, which is open to the public. It stands out for its fenced-in dog park and stocked fishing pond. Disc golfers will also find an 18-hole course here, and sledders can enjoy a 200-foot hill. The city’s aquatic center has a large public pool featuring lap lanes and a 181-foot water slide. Several state parks are within a half-hour drive. The closest is Whitewater State Park, roughly 7 miles or 10 minutes north. The park is known for its hiking trails and trout fishing spots along the Whitewater River.
Antique stores and family-run restaurants in town
Saint Charles has a small commercial corridor. Dollar General is in town for everyday items. House of Hidden Treasures sells antiques from an artfully decorated historic brick home. Sarah's Uniques and Jim's "Man"tiques is another spot for vintage finds. Del's Cafe is a go-to for comfort food, while Good Sport Liquor Bar & Grill serves drinks and pub grub. Genesis Restaurant specializes in both American and Mexican cuisine. Happy Family whips up authentic Chinese fare. Locals stock up on groceries at Miller's Market.
Gladiolus Days celebrates local history with music and parades
Gladiolus Days Festival is Saint Charles’ signature event at the Winona County Fairgrounds in August. The celebration honors Fischer and includes an array of events, from live music to a tractor show. The jewel is the grand parade, where locals travel on floats up Whitewater Avenue and adjoining streets.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
