Explore the Area

Local Attractions

Discover what St. Charles and the greater St. Louis area have to offer during your visit.

Welcome to St. Charles, Missouri

St. Charles is a historic city nestled along the Missouri River, just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Known for its charming brick-lined Main Street, rich Lewis & Clark heritage, and vibrant community, St. Charles offers plenty to explore before or after the conference. With the event taking place in late September and early October, you'll experience beautiful fall weather perfect for exploring wine country, hiking the Katy Trail, or enjoying local fall festivals.

Conference Venue

Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa

Your home base for The Cloud & AI Summit offers far more than just conference space.

The AAA Four Diamond Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa features 400 luxurious suite rooms, a 130,000-square-foot casino, and world-class amenities. Whether you're looking to relax, dine, or try your luck at the tables, everything is just steps from the conference.

7 Restaurants
12 Bars
aRa Spa
Indoor/Outdoor Pool
24-Hour Fitness Center
Topgolf Swing Suite
Dining Options
  • Charter 18 Modern Tavern - Gastropub fare and craft cocktails
  • Asia - Pan-Asian cuisine
  • Copper Whisk - Upscale cafe and bakery
  • Bottleneck Blues Bar - Live music and pub food
  • RYSE Nightclub - Immersive nightlife experience
Visit Ameristar Website
Ameristar Casino Resort Entrance
Historic District

Historic Main Street

16 blocks of shopping, dining, and history along the Missouri River.

Step back in time on St. Charles' brick-paved Main Street, a National Historic District with over 200 years of history. Originally Missouri's first state capital, today you'll find more than 125 unique shops, over 25 restaurants, and charming bed & breakfasts in restored 19th-century buildings. As evening falls, stroll under the glow of gaslights and experience the essence of a simpler time.

125+ Unique Shops Antiques, boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores
25+ Restaurants BBQ, tapas, breweries, and riverside dining
Lewis & Clark Museum Learn about the famous expedition that launched from here
Foundry Art Centre Exhibitions, resident artists, and creative classes
Explore Main Street
Historic Main Street St. Charles
Historic Landmark

Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum

Walk in the footsteps of history where Lewis and Clark launched their legendary expedition.

In May 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed from St. Charles on their historic Corps of Discovery expedition to explore the American West. Today, the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum brings this remarkable journey to life just minutes from the Ameristar.

The museum features full-size replicas of the expedition's keelboat and two pirogues, built from Captain Clark's original drawings. Explore Native American displays, Missouri River habitats, and the largest indoor mural in Missouri depicting the "Missouri River Walk."

1050 S. Riverside Drive, St. Charles
Self-guided tours available
5 minutes from Ameristar
Plan Your Visit
Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum
Entertainment District

The Streets of St. Charles

A vibrant 27-acre mixed-use development with dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Located just off I-70 and less than a mile from Historic Main Street, The Streets of St. Charles offers a modern complement to the area's historic charm. Catch a movie in luxury seating, laugh at the comedy club, play pickleball at Chicken N Pickle, or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants. With over 1,500 free parking spaces, it's easy to explore.

B&B Theatres
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Chicken N Pickle
P.F. Chang's
Prasino
Drury Plaza Hotel

Free valet parking Wed-Sat evenings

Visit The Streets
The Streets of St. Charles
America's First AVA

Missouri Wine Country

Augusta, Missouri was designated America's first American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1980.

Just 30 minutes west of St. Charles along scenic Highway 94, you'll discover the Augusta-Defiance wine region featuring nine family-owned wineries. With dramatic bluff views, award-winning wines, and live music on weekends, it's the perfect fall day trip. Many wineries offer outdoor seating with panoramic views of the Missouri River valley.

Featured Wineries
Chandler Hill Vineyards 5,000 sq ft deck with stunning views
Montelle Winery Dramatic bluff-top setting
Augusta Winery Multiple Governor's Cup winner
Mount Pleasant Estates Historic underground cellars

Free live music at most wineries on weekends (April-October)

Plan Your Wine Tour
Missouri Wine Country
Outdoor Adventure

Katy Trail State Park

The longest developed rail-trail in the country at 240 miles.

Built on the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad corridor, the Katy Trail offers spectacular scenery along the Missouri River. Fall is one of the best times to visit, with hillsides ablaze in the rich reds and oranges of sugar maple, sumac, and bittersweet. The St. Charles trailhead in Frontier Park provides easy access for a quick morning ride or a full day of exploration.

240 Miles Total
26 Trailheads
12.6 Mi to Machens
Easy Difficulty

Bike Stop Cafe - Bike rentals, sandwiches, coffee, and shuttle service

Trail open sunrise to sunset daily

Explore the Katy Trail
Katy Trail State Park
25 Minutes Away

Gateway Arch National Park

The world's tallest arch at 630 feet, and Missouri's most iconic landmark.

No visit to the St. Louis area is complete without seeing the Gateway Arch. Ride the unique tram to the top for panoramic views of the city and river, explore six innovative galleries in the free museum, or visit the recently renovated Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott case was heard. The 91-acre park grounds offer beautiful walking paths, reflection ponds, and gardens.

Book Tram Tickets in Advance Tickets sell out frequently
Hours: 9am - 6pm Daily Last tram departs 1 hour before closing
Free Museum & Old Courthouse Six galleries + historic exhibits
Riverboat Cruises March through November
Plan Your Visit
Gateway Arch St. Louis

Fall Festivals & Events

St. Charles comes alive in autumn with festivals, farm activities, and seasonal celebrations

Last Weekend of September

Saint Charles Oktoberfest

Three days of polka music, German beer, schnitzel, and fun competitions including stein holding and the famous Wiener Dog Derby.

Details
September - October

Pumpkin Patches & Farms

Centennial Farms' Pumpkin Fantasyland with pick-your-own fields, hayrides, and bounce pads. Herman's Farm opens October 1.

Details
Fridays in October

Macabre Main Street Tours

Uncover true tales of treason, villainy, and the paranormal including the town gallows and legendary "witch house."

Details
October 5-11

Fall BigBAM

Bike Across Missouri adventure along the Katy Trail. Seven segments showcasing Missouri's most beautiful fall scenery.

Details
Weekends Through October

Wine Country Live Music

Free live music at Missouri wineries every weekend. Sip award-winning wines while taking in spectacular fall colors.

Details

Getting Here

Transportation options to St. Charles

By Air

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
Located approximately 15 miles from the venue
~20 minute drive

By Car

Easy Highway Access
Located off I-70 at Ameristar Blvd
Free parking at the venue

Rideshare

Uber & Lyft Available
Convenient pickup from the airport
~$25-35 from STL