There is no other place quite like Monticello, Minnesota!

Monticello has retained it's small town atmosphere, while offering some big town amenities.  Just look what we have to offer.

Monticello is situated on the mighty Mississippi River. Take a stroll or grab a fishing pole and relax by the banks of Ol' Man River.

Enjoy the Mississippi River at Ellison Park.

Trumpeter swans on the Mississippi in Monticello. (Photo courtesy of Dale Bohlke)

During the winter months, Monticello is host to over 1500 Trumpeter Swans. Feeding daily at 11 a.m., these once rare beauties flourish on the Mississippi River during the winter months. Over 1200 pounds of food per day keep the swans coming back to us. 

26 city parks will meet your family's activity needs or your own personal quest for some quite time. Just 1 mile to the west, 1,200 acres of pristine YMCA park await your trekking ambitions. Drive just a few more miles west to visit beautiful Lake Maria State Park. Activities include snowshoeing or cross country skiing during winter, nature hikes in the woods, or horseback riding for the full view of fall colors, this is a wonderful place to spend the day.

Horseback riding trails in Lake Maria State Park

Paved walking paths in Montissippi County Park

7 lakes lie within 5 miles of downtown Monticello. This provides water fun-filled summers and fishing opportunities an important part of enjoying the area. 

Are you an avid walker or biker? Monticello currently has 19 miles of paved pathways that link the city from east to west, with more pathways earmarked for future development. Montissippi County Park also lies within the city limits with paved walking paths along the Mississippi River, picnic areas, boat access, hiking trail, horseback riding trails and fishing pier.

If you put education as a top priority, Monticello is the place to be. Our new state-of-the-art high school compliments the 3 elementary and middle schools which keep our children in the top rankings for education in Minnesota. The high school features one of the finest indoor fieldhouses in the state, allowing Monticello to host various mid-Minnesota events throughout the year.

Mainstreet at Monticello High School

Monticello has taken a progressive step by one of its newest building additions, the Monticello Community Center. Whether you are interested in the fabulous indoor leisure pool with childrens play area, the 70 foot climbing wall, indoor track and gym, smooth-action weight systems or hosting a wedding or event in the meeting hall, this center has it all.

Location, location, location. How many times have you heard those words? Monticello is located halfway between Minneapolis/St. Paul (the Twin Cities) and St. Cloud with easy access just off Interstate 94. We are a crossroads for mid-Minnesota and are proud to offer summer travelers a great place to stay, eat, shop and play enroute to their lake country destinations.