ON THE MISSISSIPPI MONTICELLO COMMUNITY GUIDE 2024
Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park
Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park is the city ’ s largest park , and one that is still very much in transition .
Construction of a new phase of improvements at Bertram began this past fall . The project focuses on improving site access , with additional parking , accessibility , potable water , irrigation and pedestrian safety upgrades .
The project also includes expanding the existing parking lot and adding a new parking lot . Other improvements include expansions of the trail system , adding drinking foundations , planting trees and installing Automated External Defibrillators ( AEDs ).
Even as the city and county work together to improve and fine tune the vast park , there are already tons of opportunities for fun to be had .
The 1,200 acres of the Bertram Chain of Lakes property , which has been purchased in cooperation between Wright County and the City of Monticello , represents four lakes , acres of undisturbed shoreline , natural habitat , and oak forest . The property is located directly west of the city limits of Monticello along County Road 39 and 90th Street .
According to the Wright County Bertram website , the partnership was awarded a series of grants from the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund for the continued acquisition of this
significant resource .
A parking area is available off 90th street , along the southern portion of the park that provides users access to 4 miles of hiking trails , 10 miles of single track mountain bike trails , an access to Bertram Lake and a carry-in access to Long Lake which will allow users the opportunity to paddle Long , Mud and First Lakes .
The park already features a number of user-friendly amenities , such as : swimming beach , playground , hiking trails , singletrack mountain bike trails , fishing piers , four lakes , amphitheater and parking .
Additional popular activities include : canoeing , kayaking , nature-watching and picnicking , with more activities and facilities planned for the future . Winter activities include fat-biking , snow shoeing , cross country skiing . Summer activities include paddle board classes , canoeing excursions , kids fishing programs , guided moonlight hiking , and more .
Eventually , Bertram will also be a major sports venue , according to the master plan for the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park approved by the Monticello City Council . More information on the plan and implementation can be found on the City of Monticello website .
15 | MONTICELLO | Community Guide 2024