Things to Do in St. Charles, Minnesota — July 2026
Fireworks over the ballfield, blue-ribbon days at the county fair, story times at the library, and small-town summer at its finest. Here is your guide to a red, white & blue July in St. Charles.
July in St. Charles is the heart of summer in the Whitewater Valley. The whole town turns out for the Fourth of July, the fairgrounds light up for five days of the Winona County Fair, and the library keeps kids busy all month long with falcons, butterflies, and pond critters. Use the buttons above to jump to what you are looking for, or scroll the day-by-day calendar below — everything is listed in date order. Most library programs are free; the fair and the pool charge admission.
July, Day by Day
Mark your calendar. Dates and times are set by the organizers and can change, so use the links to confirm before you head out.
Tom the Creature Teacher
Get up close with live reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Tom brings frogs, lizards, turtles, and snakes, and visitors get the chance to touch many of the critters. Fun for all ages, and free.
Fourth of July in St. Charles
St. Charles knows how to throw a Fourth. The day winds up after dark with one of the best fireworks shows in Winona County, launched from the high school — pull into the high school lot, unfold your lawn chairs, and look up. In recent years the celebration has also included a morning pancake breakfast at the Fire Hall, an early-evening chicken barbecue fundraiser, and an alumni baseball game on the high school field, with food and treats on hand.
Heads up for 2026: July 4 lands on a Saturday this year, and the exact lineup and times are set each summer and can shift with the weather. Confirm the schedule with the City before you go.
Peregrine Falcons with Jackie Fallon
Jackie Fallon of the Midwest Peregrine Society helps kids discover the past, present, and future of peregrine falcons in Minnesota. Learn why these raptors matter and what you can do to help them — and bring a camera. Free.
160th Winona County Fair
The fairgrounds on the west edge of town come alive for five days of summer at its best: 4-H and Open Class exhibits, carnival rides, grandstand entertainment, a beverage tent, tractors, food stands, and contests for the whole family. This year the fair even features special classes celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States. Find the full daily schedule, fairgrounds map, and entry information on the official site.
St. Charles City Council Meeting
The City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public — a good way to keep up with what is happening around town. Agenda packets are posted online ahead of each meeting.
Bountiful Butterflies with Whitewater State Park
A Park Ranger from Whitewater State Park leads a hands-on look at Minnesota’s amazing butterflies. Kids make a butterfly craft, hear a story, and play a game about how butterflies depend on local flowers. Free and open to the public.
Celebrating Differences Story Time
A warm story time built around the theme of kindness and inclusion, featuring Lindsey Larsen’s book Meeting Exceptional Friends. Children explore how everyone is special, sing along, and try out assistive tools. Brought to the library by the SE MN Center for Independent Living. Free.
Help Our Garden Grow: Hands-on Gardening for Kids
Master Gardener Maria Baer leads hands-on learning at the library’s plot in the St. Charles Community Gardens. Families can drop by to ask questions, pick up gardening tips, and get their hands dirty. Everything grown in the plot is donated to the Hometown Resource Center. Free.
Pond Exploration at Jessens Park Pond
Meet Eagle Bluff educators at the Jessens Park Pond for an in-depth, hands-on look at the creatures living in the water — macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and turtles, explored right from the shore. All the gear is provided. Free, but equipment is limited, so registration is required.
St. Charles City Council Meeting
The month’s second City Council meeting. Residents are welcome to attend and hear the latest on city business. Find the agenda packet online before the meeting.
All Summer Long
No date required — these St. Charles favorites run right through July.
Mel Brownell Aquatic Center
Cool off at the city’s outdoor pool, built for all ages: a 181-foot water slide, a zero-depth beach entry with water features, a drop slide, a diving board, six lap lanes, a big sun deck, and a concession stand. The season usually runs from early June into mid-August with daily open swim, lap swim, and swim lessons.
Whitewater State Park
Just up Highway 74, one of Minnesota’s most beloved state parks offers a sandy swimming beach, spring-fed trout streams, and limestone-bluff trails — including the short, rewarding climb to Chimney Rock. A park naturalist leads interpretive programs all summer, from nature walks to critter talks. A vehicle permit is required.
Summer Reading & Monday Coffee
The St. Charles Public Library’s Summer Reading Program runs all summer for every age — read, log your time, and earn prizes. Stop in to register or sign up online. While you are there, join Coffee & Conversation every Monday morning, 10:30–11:30 AM, for free coffee, hot chocolate, and cider with neighbors.
Grab a Bite in St. Charles
Make a day of it. Whether you are fueling up before the fair or grabbing a treat after the fireworks, these hometown spots have you covered.
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Del’s Cafe
Classic diner · breakfast all day
Hearty skillets, homemade pies, and daily specials.
1012 Whitewater Ave · (507) 932-4514 -
Genesis Restaurant
Mexican & American
Authentic Mexican plus burgers and a full breakfast menu, near the Hwy 74 crossroads.
331 W 6th St · (507) 932-8930 -
St. Charles Bakery
Donuts & baked goods
Famous for cream-filled Long Johns. Tuesday through Friday mornings.
1200 Whitewater Ave · (507) 932-3150 -
Cabin Coffee Co.
Coffeehouse · breakfast
Cozy spot for espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and snacks.
466 W 6th St · (507) 932-8222 -
Good Sport Bar & Grill
Pub fare · games on the screens
Burgers, cheese curds, and a big menu in a friendly local sports bar.
149 E 6th St · (507) 932-6963 -
Jimmy’s Pizza
Pizza · dine-in or carryout
Hometown pizza, perfect for feeding the family after a day at the fair.
1123 Whitewater Ave · (507) 932-5909
Gather & Worship
In town for the holiday weekend or new to the neighborhood? St. Charles congregations welcome guests. Call ahead for summer service times and Vacation Bible School dates.
- St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Catholic 1900 E 6th St · (507) 932-3294
- Faith Lutheran Church Lutheran 648 E 5th St · (507) 932-3344
- St. Charles Bible Church Non-denominational 631 W 6th St · (507) 932-4794
- Heartland Community Church Community church 925 Church Ave · (507) 200-7879
- United Methodist Church Methodist St. Charles · (507) 932-4966
- Church of Christ Church of Christ 939 Whitewater Ave · (507) 534-2905
★ Good to Know · From City Hall
St. Charles City Hall: (507) 932-3020. The City Council meets at 6:00 PM on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month — July 14 and July 28 this month. Agendas and city updates are posted at stcharlesmn.org. For Park & Rec programs, pavilions, and the aquatic center, visit the Park & Rec page.
About This Guide
We work hard to round up the best of St. Charles, but we cannot promise that every event is listed here. Hosting something this summer? Tell us about it and we will help spread the word. Please remember that dates, times, and locations are set by the organizers and may change or be cancelled after this guide is published, so double-check with the host before you go. This guide is independent and is not affiliated with the organizers of these events, and we cannot guarantee event details.
