Historic Sites

For those who love local and regional history, St. Charles County Parks has several historic properties that include beautiful homes and more to tour! Please see the locations below.

For questions on touring these facilities, contact the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636-949-7535 or by email. For updates on parks and weather conditions, call the Rainout Line at 636-707-0011 or view online.

SiteHistory and Details

Hays HomeHays Home at Matson Hill Park
3576 Stub Road
Defiance, MO 63341

The beautiful 1830s stone home was built by Daniel Boone Hays, the grandson of famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. The home opened to the public in December 2020 at Matson Hill Park, and features museum-quality displays showcasing the Hays and Boone families. The main floor houses exhibits, while the top floor features turn-of-the-century furnishings, including smaller artifacts once owned by family heirs.  Upon arrival, park interpretive staff will greet guests outside and give an overview of the property surrounding the historic house.
Heritage MuseumHeritage Museum
1630 Heritage Landing
St. Peters, MO 63303 

The St. Charles County Heritage Museum at Heritage Park offers free exhibits on local and state history. The museum is situated on two acres that is the trailhead for the Great River Greenways Centennial Trail, which connects to the Katy Trail. The nearly 6,000 square foot museum is located on a site known to many as Kuhlmann's grove, which has been a popular recreation area for County residents for nearly 100 years.
boone home 033The Historic Daniel Boone Home
1868 Highway F
Defiance, MO 63341  

The Historic Daniel Boone Home is on nearly 300 acres nestled in the Femme Osage Valley. Today, the Boone Home overlooks the village, a simulated town comprised of more than a dozen 19th Century buildings. Each building originated from within 50 miles of the property. Buildings such as the general store, school house and grist mill offer a peek into life on the Missouri frontier. The village also features The Old Peace Chapel and The Grand Pavilion, which are popular venues for weddings.

Visitors will learn about the Boone Family and the many sides of Missouri’s territorial era history, including lifeways, American Indian History, Black History and more. Guided tours are available for a fee during park hours. Tours last approximately one hour and go through three floors of the Boone Home. The site also offers tours of the village, living history programs, and artisan demonstrations seasonally throughout the year. Call to see what’s on this week! Groups of 10 or more wanting to tour the Home should make a reservation at least two weeks in advance by calling the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636-949-7535. 

Towne Park HomesteadTowne Park Homestead
100 Towne Park Dr.
Foristell, MO 63348 

This 109-acre park features a reconstructed 1800s historical homestead. Donated by the late Mrs. Betty Towne, the property was to be preserved and turned into a public park. For its efforts to restore the homestead, the Parks Department was recognized at the Missouri State Capital in Jefferson City by receiving the 2007 McReynolds Award from the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation.