Explore the Best of Monticello, IL, at These Five Area Attractions

The picturesque town of Monticello sits in Central Illinois and is home to quaint shops, a historic downtown square, and many fun attractions for all ages. There is always something to do here, from weekend events to vintage train rides and local parks with hiking trails. Take a look at some of the best area attractions in and around Monticello, IL.

Monticello Railway Museum

The Monticello Railway Museum is a must for anyone visiting the area or for those who just love trains. The museum features a variety of vintage railroad equipment. You can explore the many different rail cars that are part of the museum’s display, with locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses, and freight cars out on the rails. You can even hop aboard a vintage train for a one-hour ride.

Allerton Park & Retreat Center

The Allerton Park & Retreat Center offers 1500 acres of outdoor space to explore. Take a walk through any of the 14 formal gardens, where you’ll see over 100 different outdoor sculptures and garden ornaments. This park is also home to over 14 miles of interpretive walking and hiking trails that run along the Sangamon River Valley. A 100-year-old Georgian-style mansion is the highlight of this park, complete with a reflecting pool, but you also don’t want to miss the Sunken Gardens. These provide the perfect backdrop for a family photo.

Eli Field

Eli Field RC Park is the place for R/C aircraft flyers to spend their day. It features a full airstrip, a hangar, and pilot stations. This entire setup is perfect for aircraft of all sizes. Club members are always available to help novice pilots, and the Monticello Model Masters brings together pilots of all skill levels. A new attraction at Eli Field is the R/C dirt track. The scale dirt track has pit stations and an elevated driver’s stand. The course is designed for R/C cars and trucks of any size and will thrill drivers of all skill levels.

Rotary Centennial Park

If you’re looking for a place in Monticello, IL, to spend a relaxing afternoon, head to Rotary Centennial Park. There are flower gardens to explore, accessible walkways, and park benches where you can just sit and enjoy the fresh air. During the holidays, make sure you head here to see the light show.

State Farm Center

The State Farm Center arena is just a 30-minute drive from Monticello, IL. Not only is it home to the Fighting Illini basketball men’s and women’s teams, the line of first-class entertainment keeps coming all year round. Find tickets for concerts and see your favorite band perform live on stage or catch the famous Harlem Globetrotters basketball team in action.
Monticello, IL, is arguably one of the best places to live in Illinois. If you’re just looking to stop by for a visit, these are some of the attractions you should definitely check out.