ON THE MISSISSIPPI
MONTICELLO
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023
Great parks provide plenty of opportunity
Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park is the city ’ s largest park , and one that is still very much in transition . But 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 .
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 . According to the city of Monticello , More information on the plan and implementation can be found on the city of Monticello website .
Monticello boasts a great parks system
Monticello is also home to 28 city-owned and maintained parks , as well as one state park , and miles and miles of trails . Here are some of the most frequented , versatile parks in town :
East Bridge / West Bridge Park – Located between East River Street and the Mississippi River , East Bridge Park is home to a popular sliding hill , while West Bridge Park hosts an ice-skating rink , basketball court , playground equipment and a community room available for rent .
Ellison Park – Located parallel to East River Street , Ellison Park is popular year-round , with a large playground , a sheltered area , and plenty of riverfront property , as well as a boat lift and a fishing dock .
Fourth Street Park – The park hosts two ice skating rinks that are maintained throughout the winter , a warming house and an additional patch of ice .
Swan Park – Located at County Road 39 and Mississippi Drive , this park is specifically geared toward swan viewing in the winter months .
Montissippi Park – Located on the west edge of town off County Road 75 , Montissippi offers a seclusive setting along the river . Now connected , via paved trails , to downtown Monticello , the park is a haven for joggers / bikers , as it is home to several trails . The park also features a boat launch and fishing pier .
River Mill Park – Located on River Mill Drive in southwest Monticello , this park features amenities such as basketball hoops and a baseball field , as well as a lighted sliding hill in the winter .
Lake Maria State Park – Located seven miles west of Monticello off County Road 39 , Lake Maria is the lone state park in the area . The park is known for its great scenery , which can be enjoyed several different ways including hiking , horseback riding , cross country skiing , and backpack camping .
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