St. Charles, IA

St. Charles was platted in 1852 on the Madison County side of the Des Moines metro, and its name honors St. Charles, Missouri. Today the city has a few strong signatures rather than a single landmark: the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater hosts the Hinterland music festival, Old Settlers brings an annual July gathering, and City Park has courts, disc golf, and other everyday recreation. The Imes Covered Bridge, built in 1870 and moved twice before reaching its current spot east of town, ties St. Charles to Iowa's earlier road network. Interstate 35 puts the city in the regional flow, while Interstate 35 Community School District keeps local school life centered in the area. St. Charles feels like a small place with a calendar and history larger than its footprint.