St. Charles, Minnesota
Gateway to the Whitewater Valley
Gladiolus Capitol of the World • Winona County
Community at a Glance
Located 20 miles east of Rochester and 20 miles west of Winona, St. Charles offers big city conveniences with the advantages of small town living. This vibrant community is comfortably nestled within the rolling hills and valleys of southeastern Minnesota. Named after Saint Charles Borromeo, the city was platted in 1854 and officially incorporated in 1870.
St. Charles is renowned as the "Gladiolus Capitol of the World" thanks to resident Carl H. Fischer, who established Noweta Gardens in 1945 and became the world's leading hybridizer of gladiolus flowers, creating hundreds of distinctive varieties.
City Government
The City of St. Charles operates under a Home Rule Charter form of government with citizens electing a mayor and four at-large council members to set policy for the city. City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
St. Charles City Hall
Address: 830 Whitewater Avenue, St. Charles, MN 55972
Phone: (507) 932-3020
Fax: (507) 932-5301
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: www.stcharlesmn.org
Police Department (Non-Emergency): (507) 932-4500 or (507) 932-8020
Emergency: 911
Utility Bill Payments: Online at stcharlesmn.org or call 1-877-885-7968
Whitewater State Park
Minnesota's Premier Bluff Country Destination
Just 7 miles north of St. Charles on Minnesota State Highway 74, Whitewater State Park encompasses 2,700 acres of picturesque limestone bluffs, deep ravines, and pristine trout streams. Established around 1920, the park protects some of the most beautiful areas within the Whitewater River Valley.
Hiking & Trails
Over 10 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. Popular trails include the Chimney Rock Trail, Dakota Trail, and Coyote Point Trail. The park features six scenic overlooks with stunning views of the valley.
Fishing
An angler's paradise with brown, brook, and rainbow trout swimming in the spring-fed Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek. State fishing license required.
Swimming & Beach
A sandy swimming beach open from May 1 through Labor Day provides a refreshing escape during summer months.
Camping
Multiple campgrounds including the newer Minneiska Campground and Cedar Hill Campground. Group camps and rustic winterized cabins available year-round.
Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, with snowshoe rentals available. Stay at the group center in rustic, winterized cabins.
Visitor Center
Year-round visitor center featuring nature displays, exhibits, and a spotting area to observe local wildlife including bluebirds, cardinals, hawks, and bald eagles.
Park Permits: $35 annual, $26 second vehicle, $12 handicapped, or $7 daily
Camping Reservations: Online 24/7 or call 866-857-2757 (April–September, 8 AM – 8 PM)
City Parks & Recreation
St. Charles maintains seven beautiful city parks offering diverse recreational opportunities including picnic areas, volleyball courts, ball fields, playground equipment, and biking and hiking trails.
City Park
Three rentable pavilions, four sand volleyball courts, open green space for soccer, kickball, and frisbee. Two playground areas, bike/walking trails along the Whitewater River, and connection to the larger city trail system.
Jessens Park
30 acres featuring the city's only dog park (partnership with St. Charles Lions), an 18-hole disc golf course, spring-fed fishing pond stocked by the MN DNR, and a 200+ foot sledding hill for winter fun.
Kieffer Park
14 acres donated by local resident Paul Kieffer. Features playground equipment, pavilion, and wide open space for soccer activities.
Whispering Hills Park
9 acres in the Whispering Hills Subdivision, donated by Gathje Construction through the Parkland Dedication Ordinance.
Meadow View Park
9 acres on the northwest side of St. Charles featuring a baseball diamond, playground, and parking. Donated by Geib Construction.
Oakview & Brookwood Parks
Neighborhood parks serving residential areas with green space and recreational amenities.
Mel Brownell Aquatic Center
St. Charles's state-of-the-art aquatics facility features a 181-foot water slide, six lap swim lanes, diving board, drop slide, zero-depth entry with three water features, large sun deck, and concessions area. Open seasonally June through August.
Parks & Recreation Director: Rick Schaber
Phone: (507) 932-3020
Email: rschaber@stcharlesmn.org
Pavilion Rentals: Available at City Park and Jessens Park. Contact City Hall for reservations.
Schools & Education
St. Charles Public Schools (ISD 858) serves the cities of St. Charles, Elba, and Utica with a commitment to student achievement and community engagement.
St. Charles Elementary School
Address: 925 Church Avenue, St. Charles, MN 55972
Serving grades Pre-K through 6 with programs including Minnesota Reading and Math Corps.
St. Charles High School
Founded: 1905
Serving grades 9-12 with the motto "Involve, Challenge, and Achieve." Offers eight sports for both men and women including cross country, volleyball, soccer, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, track, and golf.
District Website: www.scschools.net
St. Charles Foundation for Academic Excellence: Supporting educational enrichment in the community
St. Charles Public Library
The St. Charles Public Library offers resources for all ages including books, eBooks, audiobooks, a Library of Things, meeting room reservations, and community programs throughout the year.
Library Information
Address: 125 W. 11th Street, St. Charles, MN 55972
Phone: (507) 932-3227
Email: scill@selco.info
Website: stcharles.lib.mn.us
Library Hours:
Monday: 10 AM – 6 PM | Tuesday: 1 PM – 8 PM | Wednesday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Thursday: 1 PM – 8 PM | Friday: 1 PM – 6 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 1 PM
Golf & Recreation
St. Charles Golf Club
Designed by Wayne Idso and opened in 1991, this semi-private 18-hole par 72 course is comfortably nestled within the rolling hills of southeastern Minnesota. The course features First Fairway Apples, an orchard with six varieties of apple trees planted in 2018.
Address: 1920 Gladiola Drive, St. Charles, MN 55972
Season: Open seasonally from spring through first snowfall
Website: www.stcharlesgolfclub.com
Annual Events & Festivals
Gladiolus Days
St. Charles's signature annual festival held the weekend before Labor Day, honoring the late Carl H. Fischer, the world's leading hybridizer of gladiolus flowers. Fischer established Noweta Gardens in 1945 and grew fields of gladiolus in and around St. Charles for decades, earning 80 "All American" variety awards and the Society of American Florists Gold Medal Award.
The celebration features a grand parade, pageants, tractor show with over 150 tractors, classic car show, flat track motorcycle racing, craft and flea market vendors, food vendors, music, kids' activities, and much more.
Winona County Fair
Held at the Winona County Fairgrounds (560 W. 6th Street) on the west edge of St. Charles. Features 4-H and Open Class competitions, food, games, crafts, music, tractor displays, and demolition derby. Approximately 40,000 people attend annually.
Whitewater Winterfest
February celebration featuring winter activities including sledding and an Ice Bar.
4th of July Celebration
Winona County's best fireworks show at the high school, featuring food vendors, alumni baseball game, and community gathering.
Historic Sites
St. Charles features three sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
Trinity Episcopal Church (1874)
Historic church building now preserved as a city park, representing the community's early religious heritage.
St. Charles City Bakery (1876)
One of the oldest commercial buildings in the city, now home to the House of Hidden Treasure antique shop.
Whitewater Avenue Commercial Historic District (1890s)
The historic downtown business district along the city's main street, featuring period architecture and local shops.
Location & Transportation
St. Charles enjoys excellent accessibility with major transportation routes:
Highway Access
U.S. Highway 14 bisects the city east to west. Minnesota State Highway 74 (Whitewater Avenue/Main Street) runs north to south. Interstate 90 entrance immediately south of the city.
Rail
Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad crosses through the city from east to west.
Nearby Cities
Rochester: 20 miles west | Winona: 20 miles east | St. Paul: approximately 86 miles
Zip Code: 55972
County: Winona County, Minnesota
Permits: ATV/UTV and Golf Cart permits required within city limits (valid 2 years). Apply at City Hall with driver's license, insurance, and vehicle information.
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Professional Web Development & Digital Marketing Services
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Community Services
Senior Center
Located at 830 Whitewater Avenue with over 90 active members participating in programs and activities.
Phone: (507) 932-4072
Community Center
Indoor facility available for hosting events up to 188 people. Contact City Hall for rental details.
Notable People
St. Charles has been home to several notable individuals:
Carl H. Fischer (1907–2005)
World-renowned floriculturalist and gladiolus hybridizer who established Noweta Gardens and put St. Charles on the map as the "Gladiolus Capitol of the World."
Brad Nessler
Sports commentator for CBS college sports broadcasts.
P/O Arthur Donahue (1913–1942)
Pilot who served with the Royal Air Force during World War II.
Whether you decide to stay or plan to visit, the City of St. Charles welcomes you!
For more information, visit www.stcharlesmn.org or contact City Hall at (507) 932-3020.
