Monticello Beckons to Majestic Birds and Nature Lovers
Monticello, Minnesota, founded in 1856, is a charming little city basking on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Conveniently located between St. Cloud, home of St. Cloud State University, and the Twin Cities, this ever-growing community offers a wide variety of activities sure to please any traveler.
Whether you make your way to Monticello in the winter, spring, summer, or fall, you will certainly want to see some of the impressive natural and cultural attractions this area boasts.
Swan City
If you venture into the area during the chilly months, you won’t want to miss the resident Trumpeter Swans. Each year from mid-November through March, thousands of trumpeter swans make themselves at home in the open waters of the Mississippi River near West Bridge Park. The trumpeter swan is the largest flying bird in North America, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet.
Active Adventures
Looking for a little outdoor fun? Hop in a car and head over to Paddle Pedal Play of Monticello to rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and bicycles that can be used to explore the waterways, wetlands, and forests in this scenic area. The city maintains 28 different parks with many miles of winding trails.
Both the National Great River Road and the Mississippi River Trail give visitors access to an authentic Mississippi River experience. And not far away, you’ll find the starting point of the Lake Wobegon Trail, a 46-mile-long pathway. A leisurely walk or ride is a wonderful way to enjoy Minnesota’s breathtaking fall colors -- and the caramel roll and apple rides are not to be missed.
Camp Friendship is a conference and retreat center on Clearwater Lake in Annandale. Visitors gather with colleagues, friends, or family to relax and enjoy wooded scenery, campfires, home-cooked meals, and seasonal outdoor activities like swimming, canoeing, fishing, and ice skating.
Live and Learn
Nearby Saint John’s University is home to the Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum, a stunning natural arboretum that covers more than 2,500 acres of lakes, prairies, oak savanna, and forest. While you are at the Abbey, be sure to stop and see The Saint John’s Bible, a handwritten, hand-illuminated Bible produced by calligrapher Donald Jackson.
Shopping Galore
The state of Minnesota has more than 100 apple orchards, including the Woods Edge Orchard in nearby Buffalo. In the fall, visitors can pick their own apples or raspberries, sample pies and cider, and shop for gifts. Some of the region’s orchards offer tractor rides, corn mazes, and other fun activities for families.
Whether you plan to do a little browsing or a lot of buying, the huge local Flea Markets in Monticello and Annandale, and the Albertville Premium Outlets are great places to look for some new treasures. Of course, the Mall of America in Bloomington is a shopper’s paradise with hundreds of retails stores, restaurants, and family-oriented diversions.
For more information about these and other area attractions, please visit Discover Monticello.
