Events & Things to Do in
St. Charles, Minnesota
March 2026
Your guide to community events, outdoor recreation, and local happenings in the Gateway to the Whitewater Valley.
March is transition time in St. Charles — the frost begins to ease, the Whitewater Valley stirs, and community life picks back up in full swing. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, here’s what’s happening in and around St. Charles this March 2026.
Community & Civic Events
City Council Meeting
Attend your local city government in action. The regular City Council Meeting is open to the public. A great opportunity to stay informed on local decisions, projects, and policy updates affecting St. Charles residents.
Council Meeting
The second City Council session of the month. Public attendance is welcome — check the City of St. Charles calendar for agenda details as the date approaches.
St. Charles Public Library
Hot Reads for Cold Nights — Winter Reading Program
The St. Charles Public Library’s annual winter reading challenge continues through the end of March. Adults and teens can enter monthly prize drawings for every three books read, and earn additional entries through Book Bingo. A Blackout Bingo automatically wins a special prize. Stop by the library to pick up your Bingo sheet before the program wraps up on March 31.
Coffee & Conversation
Looking for something to do on a Monday morning? Drop by the library for free coffee, hot chocolate, and apple cider — and good company. This casual weekly program is a beloved St. Charles tradition, open to everyone in the community.
Supernatural Lake Superior with Chad Lewis
Researcher and author Chad Lewis visits the St. Charles Public Library to explore the strange and supernatural legends of Lake Superior. Expect ghostly ships, tales of mermaids, UFOs, sea serpents, and cursed locations — all rooted in Lewis’s 30 years of global investigation into bizarre history and folklore. This special event coincides with the library’s weekly Coffee & Conversation program. Free and open to the public.
Phone: (507) 932-3227 | 125 W. 11th St., St. Charles, MN 55972
Outdoor Recreation & Whitewater State Park
St. Charles is known as the Gateway to the Whitewater Valley — and March is when the park begins to wake up. Located just minutes from town, Whitewater State Park offers year-round recreation with spring right around the corner.
❄️ Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Snowshoe rentals are available from the Visitor Center. Explore the bluffs and creek valleys while winter still has a hold on the landscape. Conditions vary — check the DNR before heading out.
🥾 Hiking the Bluff Trails
With 10 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging, March is a wonderful time for a quiet hike before the spring crowds arrive. Chimney Rock and the Dakota Trail are standouts for views.
🎣 Spring Trout Season Prep
Whitewater’s spring-fed rivers host brown, brook, and rainbow trout. March is prime time to plan your early-season fishing. The MN trout season opener is a big deal — check dnr.state.mn.us for season dates.
🏕️ Camping Season Approaching
Most campsites at Whitewater State Park open March 25. The Minneiska Campground and cabins are available year-round. Book early at mndnr.gov/reservations — spots go fast.
🦅 Wildlife & Birding
Nearly 250 bird species pass through the Whitewater River Valley annually. March brings early migratory activity. Rent a birding kit from the Visitor Center and see what you can spot along the creek trails.
🏛️ Visitor Center Discovery Room
Open daily 9am–4pm, the Discovery Room features hands-on exhibits, nature displays, and a bird-feeding station. A great stop for families and anyone looking to learn more about the Whitewater Valley.
More Things to Do in St. Charles
🍽️ Dine Local
Support the local restaurants and eateries that make St. Charles’s small-town dining scene worth exploring. Check the city business directory for a full list of local spots.
🛍️ Shop Small on Main
St. Charles’s locally owned shops and services offer everything from everyday needs to unique finds. Browse the shopping & retail directory to find what’s open.
📚 Visit the Library
Beyond the programs listed above, the St. Charles Public Library offers a full catalog, eBooks through Libby/OverDrive, and community resources. A welcoming spot for all ages.
🌿 Explore Area Parks
In addition to Whitewater, the region offers Carley State Park and the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area for additional hiking, birding, and nature exploration. Spring wildflowers begin to emerge by late March.
