Driving through downtown St. Charles, Minnesota, population around 3,700.
ST. CHARLES LIES in southeastern Minnesota farming country just off Interstate 90.
One of two Amish men I spotted doing business in downtown St. Charles on an early September afternoon.
It’s home to a pocket of Amish.
During my September visit, I just missed the Gladiolus Days celebration, promoted in this storefront window. Love the gladiolus “hair.”
And site of an annual Gladiolus Days celebration. That event honors the late Carl Fischer, once the world’s leading hybridizer of new and distinctive gladiolus.
Coffee time at the Whitewater Cafe. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2011.
I’d been to St. Charles several years ago, even dined at the Whitewater Cafe.
A view of the gladiolus field just south of Utica (near St. Charles) along Winona County Road 33. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2011.
I saw the glad fields, the Amish and the historic buildings downtown. But on a return trip in early September, my husband and I took even more time to explore.
Here’s an overall look as we drove into St. Charles from the east, swung through a residential neighborhood and then parked downtown:
On the east edge of St. Charles we spotted this brand new combine along U.S. Highway 14. There’s a John Deere dealer in town.
We backtracked after noticing this sign along the highway.
Unfortunately, the antique shop was closed.
Still, I photographed this weathered art out front.
Next, I was distracted by all these John Deere tractors parked in a front yard. This is a rural community with a John Deere dealer in town, remember.
Next stop, the downtown business district, where I delighted in this lovely mural.
The mural deserves close-up attention. I appreciate unexpected art like this.
Likewise, flowers add visual interest, greenery and punch to a downtown. They also show community pride and care.
I always enjoy signs, especially creative ones.
St. Charles has some aged buildings. Be sure to look up. Many storefronts were “modernized” and thus hide the historic character of the buildings.
More interesting signs. Every small town needs a hardware store.
Now, if I’ve piqued your interest, return tomorrow when I’ll take you inside an impressive St. Charles antique shop.
Ā© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I never would have gotten past the tractors.
So then you’re a John Deere guy?
Yup – but I like Farmalls too. (don’t tell anybody)
Your secret is good with me. As for my other readers, I can’t make any promises.
Great Captures – cannot wait to hear more about the antique shop – love the flower fields š Happy Day – Enjoy!
You’re going to love this antique shop.
Another great area of the state. These smaller communities are gems; their charm and character, although similar, is unique from town to town.
Unique gems. Yes.
It looks like a charming little town.
It is one of many charming towns I’ve visited in Minnesota.
You should write a Minnesota travelogue..(with pictures of course)
So sweet of you to say that, Jake.
I love small town cafes, I can imagine the conversation that’s going on there! And the tractors!! How befitting of rural areas, nothing you would find in a big city, which is a good thing in my book.
Small town cafes are wonderful gathering places. Coffee and conversation. Nope, don’t think I’ve seen a tractor in a big city, except at a State Fair.