St. Charles County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Missouri, including cities such as St. Peters. While the area has seen a boom over the past decade, only residents who have been in the area longer than 10 years will likely remember the following locations.
Equadome
The EquaDome, or “Water Treatment Plant No. 2," was an installation built by the US Government that began in 1941 to purify water to make TNT at the Weldon Spring Ordnance Works. The plant operated from 1941 until finally being shut down in 1946 and sat vacant until it was finally demolished in 1998, which was an undertaking in itself.
In the beginning, the Equadome was one of those places that rumors quickly began to spread about the presence and activity of satanic cults, human sacrifices, and animal mutilations. Over the years it was called “Echo Dome” and “Aqua Dome.” Those names ultimately became Equadome.
The equadome no longer exists today as the St. Charles County decided to tear it down and use the land for a law enforcement training gun range. Due to the size and how well built this facility was constructed, it took nearly triple the amount of TNT to finally bring it to the ground.
Noah’s Ark Family Restaurant
This restaurant that could be spotted from I-70 was a unique roadside side for families. It was located at Fifth Street and Interstate 70 and you may know now it as the Streets of St. Charles. The ark opened in 1967, the brainchild of David Flavan, an Eastern Air Lines pilot looking to start a sideline business for him and his family. Many children remember the large animals greeting them outside the restaurant. It was also known for its clam chowder.The restaurant closed in 2000.
Plaza Drive-In
The Plaza Drive-In was a movie theater that was located where the Scheidegger Center at Lindenwood University now sits. You can view photos on the Cinematreasurers.org. There was also the I-70 Drive-In in St. Peters. They were both owned by Mid-America Theaters.
Mid America Raceway
Mid-America Raceway was a dragstrip near Wentzville. It was built in 1965. There was also motorcycle racing at the track. There was a 2.89-mile course that closed in 1984. The dragstrip shut down in 2005. You can learn more about the raceway here.
Did I miss any of your favorites in the St. Peters area? Let me know in the comments!
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