Monticello, Illinois Travel Guide
Welcome to Monticello, Illinois! Monticello is home to around 6,000 residents and is in central Illinois. Monticello is close to Champaign and Urbana, Illinois (30min, 25 miles), Chicago, Illinois (2hr 20min, 155 miles), and Indianapolis, Indiana (2hr 20min, 150 miles). Monticello has some great attractions including the Monticello Railway Museum and Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Visitors can shop at several stores or catch a bite to eat at several restaurants. Come check out all this little town has to offer!
Monticello is known for its Monticello Railway Museum. Stop by to learn about trains and catch a ride! Then head downtown to do some shopping. Stop by Prairie Fire Glass for blown glass art, Hedgerow Pottery for pottery, Monticello Mercantile for gifts and clothing, and Hartfield Book Company for your next favorite read. Be sure to see Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Built in 1900 for Robert Allerton, this private home and surrounding gardens is a favorite spot to visit. Hike the trails, walk through the beautiful gardens, grab a bit to eat at the cafe, or even book a room at the lodge!
Hungry? Head to Holly’s Country Kitchen for breakfast and 3R Squared Coffee & Events for coffee. For lunch, grab Mexican at Casa Real Mexican Restaurant or fish and chips at 3Raven Food & Spirits. Have a romantic Italian dinner at Filippo’s Pizza and Italian Food, or have classic pub food at The Main Street Pub. Finish off the day with pie or baked good from the beloved Pies by Inge.
Need a place to stay? Book a room at Foster Inn, Best Western, or at the lodge in Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Need a whole place to yourself? Consider booking a Vrbo. Here are some of our favorites: Historic Home for 12, The Red House for 8, and Modern Home for 10.
Whatever you’re into, Monticello, Illinois has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gives you a glimpse into life in Monticello that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
