Monticello is a relatively small town in north-central Indiana, and its motto is “Life with a Splash.” Named after President Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate, Monticello was founded in 1834. In 1974, the city sustained significant damage from an F4-rated tornado. Since the tornado, Monticello has been able to rebuild its city, and it stands as a modest tourist destination today.
Monticello is most known for the Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park, which was established in 1926. At this family-friendly park, visitors can ride over 40 rollercoasters and enjoy four large water rides. The park sits between Monticello’s two lakes, Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman, both of which are popular with boaters, swimmers, and anglers. On Lake Freeman, you can take a lake tour on Madam Carroll, the largest boat in Indiana.
Another must-see stop in Monticello is Fruitshine Wine, a winery that produces a beverage made from Indiana blueberries, blackberries, apples, peaches, pears, and grapes. This winery has been in business since the 1890s, and its current recipes are all inspired by classic Spanish wine recipes. During your visit, you can take a tasting tour in the screened-in porch tasting room.
As for hiking and biking opportunities, Monticello has plenty to offer at the Altherr Nature Park. Consisting of over 16 acres, this park has trails that wind through gardens and prairie areas. There is also a nature center that offers classes for families and children.
Feast of the Hunters' Moon - Lafayette hosts an annual re-creation of the November feast of the French and Native Americans, a yearly event that occurred in the 1700s.
Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair - Full of food, craft vendors, and carnival rides, the Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair takes place every year in July at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds.
Purdue Grand Prix - The Purdue Grand Prix, a go-kart race held in mid-April, is another much-anticipated event in Lafayette.
Just a short drive from Monticello is the Indiana Dunes National Park, a national park on a 15-mile stretch of Lake Michigan beachfront. Popular activities at this park include climbing the dunes and biking the trails through the adjacent countryside.
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is home to the world's largest-known cave system, and visitors can choose from a variety of tours when they want to see these caverns for themselves. You can explore on foot or by bike with a park ranger, and wheelchair-accessible touring is available. Points of interest at the park include a cascade of flowstone formations called Frozen Niagara, and Gothic Avenue which is a cave area covered in signatures from the 1800s.
Known as the Gateway to the West, Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. Aside from riding to the top of the arch, visitors can explore underground museums at this park or stroll along the river.
Prophetstown State Park is full of Native American history, and visitors can see remains of Shawnee habitations here. This park also has replicas of the Shawnee Council House and a native 1800s farmstead. A short drive from downtown Lafayette, this park makes up over 2,000 acres of land.
Perhaps the perfect destination for canoe and kayak boaters, Tippecanoe River State Park offers water recreation along a seven-mile stretch of the Tippecanoe River. This river is home to approximately 50 endangered species. At Tippecanoe River State Park, visitors can boat and fish in the river or hike through the nearly 2,800 acres of forests and prairies.
Shades State Park sits about 17 miles from Crawfordsville in Indiana, and it offers access to Sugar Creek. Popular with photographers, this park has scenic sandstone cliffs and is home to the Pine Hills Nature Preserve.
Illinois's Pullman National Monument is a preservation of a late 1800s company town just outside of Chicago. At this national monument, visitors can explore restored town buildings and learn about the historic Pullman Strike, which took place in this town's history.
The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Vincennes, Indiana marks the place of an American military winter camp from the times of the American Revolutionary War. At this park, you can explore the site where British troops surrendered the area to Americans, and you can tour an on-site museum where short documentaries about the site's significance are available to view.
Indiana's Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial preserves the original home and farm of President Lincoln, who lived here from age seven to adulthood. Regular demonstrations by period interpreters occur at the memorial, and there are hiking trails that you may take through the nearby woods.
If you are camping in Monticello, one convenient campground is Lafayette's AOK Campground, which has 81 full-hookup RV campsites. You may also like the Crawfordsville KOA, which has 61 full-hookup sites and an on-site pool. Another good choice is Caboose Lake Campground in Remington. It is located on rural farmland and has beach access on a small lake.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Monticello, IN, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Monticello?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Monticello from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Monticello?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
