Visit the Monticello Railway Museum, ride the train and checkout the display cars that include a Pullman car and the Shedd Aquarium car. The train rides takes you through the rural countryside on the edge of Monticello.

While in Monticello enjoy shopping, dining, and a walk down tree-lined streets offering a variety of stately homes on Millionaire's Row.

Events range from Lunch with Santa on the Train, Farmers Market, Garden Tour, to special events like Railroad Days. Check out the schedule of events for what is happening in our area.

Robert Allerton Park and Conference Center
Explore Allerton Park, hike the trails, stroll the formal gardens filled with museum quality sculptures and step back in time in the 1500 acre English estate and mansion which now serves as a conference center.

Allerton Conference Center is surrounded by 1500 woodland acres with lovely grounds for strolling, formal gardens and sculptures. Woodland trains and restored prairie afford the visitor changes to hike, enjoy nature talks & walks, cross-country skiing and programs throughout the year sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension.

See Monticello's Community Events Calendar for a full listing. The park and grounds are part of the University of Illinois as a bequest from the Allerton family. The estate is truly an oasis in the prairie. The park is open daily 8 a.m. to sunset with no admission fee. The Georgian Mansion, now used as a conference center, hosts groups from all over the world. Allerton Park is located 3.5 miles west of Monticello.

The Piatt County Courthouse Square offers a chance to walk the streets Abraham Lincoln walked as a circuit lawyer.

While in town enjoy the many great restaurants and shops that combine to make a great day.

Monticello Railway Museum
Ride vintage trains over former Illinois Central track! The Monticello Railway Museum is located on the north side of Monticello off Interstate 72 at exit 166, trains run weekends and holidays May through October. Visit the display cars and gift shop. The ride is 7 miles round trip and you may board at the museum site or the historic downtown Wabash Depot. The depot was built in 1899 and houses the Chamber of Commerce and visitors center.

Abraham Lincoln - Bryant Cottage
In nearby Bement visit Bryant Cottage a state historic site and the sitethat Lincoln and Douglas are said to have met to plan their famed debates in 1858.

Bryant Cottage is located in Bement which is 7 miles south of Monticello and allows you to step back in time. This state historic site provides a view of family life in the 1850's. The cottage is the site Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas are said to have met to formalize their debates in 1858.
Phone: (217) 678-8184. Bryant Cottage is open most days 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call for special tours.

Monticello neighbors the Amish area and is within 20 miles of many interesting attractions and we are glad to help you explore the entire area.

Millionaires Row
State Street in Monticello is a delight to walk and enjoy the variety of architecture and charming homes like the Italianate home at left.
This area had the highest per capita income of any place in the United States before the turn of the century in the prosperous 1890's.
The grand houses in many cases were part of the boom in 1893 when Pepsin Syrup Co. was founded with the invention of Dr. Caldwell's Syrup of Pepsin. This area now is a Historic Preservation District. If you enjoy vintage architecture, take an historic walking tour of Monticello. Walking tour maps and guides are available at the Monticello Chamber Office housed in the historic Wabash Depot just north of downtown Monticello.

Piatt County Museum

Piatt County Museum is in transition during in 2005, raising funds to purchase and move to new facilities. They will soon be consolidating their vast collection of memorabilia under one roof.

Enjoy the Piatt County Barn Tour October 7- 9, 2005. Donations for the Barn Tour Guide Book & Map are appreciated.

To schedule an appointment to view a portion of the collection, to make a donation, or for more information about the Barn Tour, please call (217) 762-4731.

The museum is staffed by volunteers and is under the direction of the all-volunteer Piatt County Museum Board.

Monticello Airport - Piatt County Airport
Located just south of Monticello off Kratz Road, Monticello Airport is a public airport that serves the local area with a turf runway. Dozens of planes use the facility each week and several area pilots participate in the Angel Flight program which assists in medical emergencies and with transporting medical supplies. The runways are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many vintage aircraft owners enjoy landing on the well-maintained turf runways. The Airport hosts an Open House in June, encourages educational activities throughout the year, and is home to the Illini Glider Club. It's operated by Sage Air, Inc., a not-for-profit business with many volunteers who maintain the facilities. For more infomation call (217) 762-9091.