Join generations of visitors flocking to the annual St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
The St. Charles Scarecrow Festival, one of the most anticipated events of the fall season, is back again this year to bring smiles to the faces of both children and adults. Festival-goers can enjoy the best of fall with an arts and crafts show, carnival, petting zoo, live entertainment, great food and the famous Scarecrow Contest. The weekend happenings will take place from Friday, Oct. 5 to Sunday, Oct. 7 in downtown St. Charles. Admission, parking, trolleys and parking shuttles are free.
Photo credit: Mark Segal
Scarecrow contest entries will be on display throughout the festival weekend. Individuals, families, businesses, clubs and organizations can enter the contest and compete in a variety of categories. This year, categories include mechanical, traditional, whimsical, St. Charles Business, Children’s Clubs and Organizations, and family. Try your hand at creating your own scarecrow masterpiece and enter the contest here.
The festival weekend is a great opportunity to spend time in St. Charles, located only one hour west of Chicago along the banks of the Fox River. St. Charles bursts with natural charm and offers paddlewheel riverboat cruises, parks and trails, antique and boutique shops, public art displays, theater, fantastic dining and a picturesque downtown area. Families can unwind after the festival and stay at the Midwest’s largest entertainment resort, Pheasant Run Resort or the historic riverfront landmark, Hotel Baker.
Photo credit: Mark Segal
Here are some great attractions to visit while in town for the Scarecrow Festival:
St. Charles Paddlewheel River Boats – Hop on board the Fox River Queen or St. Charles Belle paddlewheel riverboats and cruise the scenic Fox River.
Hickory Knolls Discover Center – Explore an indoor turtle pond and wetland exhibit live animal displays and interactive floor-to-ceiling murals.
Great Western Trail – Adventure on the 17-mile trail connecting the communities of St. Charles and sycamore in the beautiful LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve.
Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden- Uncover the splendor of the former George Nelle Fabyan estate, remodeled in 1907 by famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
Kuipers Family Farm – Enjoy apple picking, pumpkin picking, an orchard store and delicious bakery at the family-run farm.
Kane County Forest Preserve – Discover over 18,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands and prairies.
To learn more about things to do and see in St. Charles this fall, check out EnjoyIllinois.com.
-The Illinois Office of Tourism
Hello! I’ve been reading your weblog for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent job!
Thanks, Ada! We always love hearing kind words from fans. Whether you’re planning a trip to Illinois or just have questions about our great state, don’t hesitate to reach out!