Welcome to Monticello, Illinois! Whether you are new to the area or have been living in Monticello for some time, we are glad you are here!

Just visiting the area? The Monticello Railway Museum offers scheduled train rides nine months out of the year. Why not take a train ride into town and get off at the historic Train Depot and Chamber of Commerce office.  From there visit the downtown, designated Courthouse Square and home to a wide variety of specialty shops and restaurants.  Stores filled with clothing, jewelry, gifts and more are waiting for you at Courthouse Square.  If you work up an appetite, visit one of many restaurants in the downtown.

If outdoors are your fancy, Monticello has many parks which cater to those of all ages: From playgrounds to butterfly gardens, there is something to keep all ages busy for hours. Visit the University of Illinois' Allerton Park , recently named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois, located just outside of Monticello. Take one of two self-guided tours along historic streets, viewing the different architectural styles of many historic homes.

Monticello's Department of Recreation has something to offer all ages year-round. A public driving range is open 9 months out of the year, and sits adjacent to the local golf course. Spring, summer and fall bring hundreds of local youth baseball and softball, golf, swimming, and tennis lessons, as well as soccer and football. In 2010, the Monticello Family Aquatic Center opened featuring a state-of-the-art new children's pool with plenty of features and a water slide, perfect for a hot summer day.  A mile-long bike & hike trail borders the east end of town and provides a smooth surface for walkers and bicyclers alike, and the City recently completed another bike & hike trail crossing the Sangamon River, which trails through a beautiful forest setting overlooking the Sangamon River.

Monticello, Illinois holds one of the lowest property taxes in the area. With several new subdivisions currently in progress, as well as existing homes throughout town, prospective residents are sure to find a home that suits their needs. A short distance from Champaign and Decatur, it is an ideal location for commuters looking for the "small town" life to come home to after working in a busy environment. Monticello community schools have excellent student to teacher ratios and there are several private schools for children ages pre-kindergarten to eighth grade.

The City of Monticello City Council invites you to attend regular council meetings, held the second and fourth Mondays of each month. A local public access channel broadcasts City Council meetings, as well as public messages and announcements, and other community events. Visit the City 24-hour Enews site for weekly polls, as well as up-to-date information on City happenings and events! You are encouraged to peruse this website for information on anything from Recreation to City Services. Questions may be directed to the Municipal Building at 217.762.2583, which is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.