Welcome to Frenchtown!
Frenchtown is a historic neighborhood and business district on the northeastern edge of St. Charles, Missouri. It features an up-and-coming antiques and art district, a treasure trove of French-colonial-style architecture, and a vibrant small-town feeling. We love our neighborhood! Whether you’re here to search for vintage goods and local handcrafted art, to stroll through a neighborhood in search of beautifully-preserved 19th-century houses, to play and picnic at one of the nearby parks, or to connect with neighbors at a meeting or potluck (see our Events page)— welcome!
How do I get there?
Located just north of Historic Main Street, Frenchtown is a few minutes’ drive from the riverfront or Interstate 370. (From Interstate 70, take the Fifth Street North exit and follow Fifth Street to the corner of Clark Street. Turn right, go three blocks, and turn left at Second Street. From Interstate 370, take the Third Street exit and head south. Go left at the roundabout to turn onto Second Street. )
The Katy Trail runs along Frenchtown’s eastern edge, providing an ideal route for cyclists or walkers, and the St. Charles trolley makes a stop in the heart of Frenchtown at the corner of 2nd and Lawrence.
What is there to do and see?
• Visit the Frenchtown Heritage Museum. Located in a restored fire station, this museum features photographs and archives about the history of the neighborhood, as well as rotating displays on different topics. The museum also serves as a community hub, providing a place for neighborhood meetings, special events, and other activities. Drop by to see their latest exhibits and to pick up a walking tour brochure.
• Browse the shops on Second Street. Click here for a complete list of places to explore.
• Enjoy one of the many parks in the area— see our Parks and Recreation page for more info.
• Also check out our Events page for the latest happenings!
How can I get involved?
If you’re looking for a way to meet more of your neighbors, learn about happenings in the community, and become part of the team working together to keep Frenchtown special, then please consider joining the Historic Frenchtown Association— details here.
Alternately, if you’re just curious about what’s going on but aren’t ready to commit, feel free to visit one of the monthly neighborhood meetings! They are held at the Frenchtown Museum (1121 N. 2nd Street) on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00.
Our neighborhood group/non-profit organization, the Historic Frenchtown Association, is committed to making Frenchtown a great place to live, work, and visit. Please check out our Facebook page for information about monthly meetings, potlucks, volunteer opportunities, and other ongoing projects: http://facebook.com/hfa63301
How can I contact the HFA with questions or comments?
Please send us an email at historicfrenchtownassociation@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Why is it called Frenchtown?
Frenchtown was named for a significant influx of settlers in the 1820s from Canada, which was then under French rule. These immigrants brought with them a distinctive architectural style, including ornate front porches with large double doors to welcome guests. A wave of German settlers who arrived in the 1830’s emulated the style and preserved Frenchtown’s heritage. Today, Frenchtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for having the largest concentration of French Colonial style architecture in the Midwest. (See more about this on the Architecture page.)
