There ’ s something magical about Monticello
Lauren Flaum
On the Mississippi River
MONTICELLO
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2025
It ’ s easy to understand why the City of Monticello is often referred to as “ Magic .” Magic is the local school and athletics nickname , and the word is used frequently here , in program names , events , logos and more . Hoglund Transportation even has its own “ Magic School Bus .”
There really is something magical about this growing suburban riverfront community . Most anyone you ask will say it ’ s the people that make it special . This is a tight-knit city that seeks to support its members , with plenty of volunteerism , community involvement and key partnerships formed .
There ’ s such a sense of pride to being a Monticellan , and there ’ s no better display of that than Riverfest each July . While other towns may have one-day festivals to mark their heritage , Monticello goes all out , with about four days of nonstop hoopla — fireworks , music , dancing , crafts , food , games , the biggest car show around , pageantry and plenty of homegrown traditions thrown in , all culminating in a massive parade through the heart of the city .
Like so many of Monticello ’ s endeavors , Riverfest is all volunteer-driven , with a bevy of individuals , groups and businesses pitching in . That ’ s definitely part of the magic here . Our location is pretty magical too , right on the banks of the Mississippi , which several of our parks take advantage of .
Geographically , Monticello is an outer-ring suburb about 40 miles from the Twin Cities — just far enough away from the hustle and bustle , but close enough to drive in when needed . With major transportation lines running through or nearby — Interstate 94 , Highway 25 and Highway 10 — we are easy to access and easy to escape as well , should you ever want to .
Monticello ’ s population is nearing 15,000 , making it one of the largest cities in Wright County , yet we still manage to maintain our small-city charm . We are rich in history and characteristics , from cutting-edge businesses in our industrial parks , a robust community arts program , a historic downtown under revitalization and a large retail sector that makes us a shopping destination .
Our dining and hospitality scene is on the rise as well , while a range of housing options are being added and new development projects take shape . The community ’ s future is bright .
— Lauren Flaum , Monticello Times managing editor
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Community Guide 2025 | MONTICELLO | 3