6 Best Things to Do in Monticello, Indiana

By VacationIdea Staff on May 10, 2022 - Updated

Monticello, Indiana

Located in White County, Monticello is a popular tourist destination which has something to offer everyone. There are two beautiful lakes where you can enjoy fun-filled days on the water. Your family will be over the moon when you take them to enjoy a day of fun amusement at the Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort, which boasts more than 40 thrilling rides. Adults will enjoy visiting Fruitshine Wine, the Whyte Horse Winery and the Kopacetic Beer Factory. A boat tour or dinner cruise on the lovely Madam Carroll is a great way to appreciate Lake Forman from a different perspective. Shoppers can enjoy rummaging through the treasures at several quaint antique stores.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Fruitshine Wine, Monticello, Indiana

Located on a heritage farm which dates back to the 1890’s, Fruitshine Wine is produced from the finest sun-ripened Indiana blueberries and other fruits. Initially the farm harvested fresh fruit and only used excess unsold fruit for wine making, following an age-old Spanish recipe. As the years passed the demand for their fresh fruit wines increased and more fruits were added to the production. Today you can choose from a wide range of delicious fruit wines made just the way they used to be in grand-mother’s day. Choose from blueberry, blackberry, apple, peach, pear, and, of course, the noble grape. Visitors are welcome to come and find their favorite flavor as they enjoy a tasting in the screen porch tasting room.

Fruitshine Wine, 11752 W. 1100 N, Monticello, IN 47960, Phone: 574-808-9229

2.Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park, Monticello, IN

Located on Lake Shafer, Indiana Beach was established back in 1926. The resort started off as a simple lakeside beach with a refreshment stand and a bathhouse. Shortly afterwards the first thrilling ride was built and the amusement and water park became a popular tourist attraction in Monticello. Although the park closed in 2018 a new owner has been found and today the park is once again drawing the crowds as the Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort. The park offers over 40 thrilling roller-coaster rides for all ages, including 4 water rides. There are several more rides planned for when the park re-opens in March for the 2021 season.

Indiana Beach, 5224 E. Indiana Beach Road, Monticello, IN 47960, Phone: 574-583-4141

3.Altherr Nature Park, Monticello, Indiana

Encompassing a total of 16.5 acres, the Altherr Nature Park owes its existence to a generous donation of land by William Altherr. The park was intended to provide a family-friendly outdoor recreation area for Monticello residents and visitors. After much-needed renovation and restoration, the park now has neatly tended trails suitable for walking/hiking through a pleasant natural area with trees, shrubs, gardens and a prairie area. There is a small amphitheatre with a fire pit and a Nature Center is under construction. It is planned that the center will offer talks and courses where families will be able to learn about various aspects of nature and conservation.

Altherr Nature Park and Gardens, 724 S. Main Street, Monticello, IN 47960, Phone: 574-583-3983

4.Tall Timbers Marina, Monticello, Indiana

With locations on Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman, Tall Timbers Marinas are family owned and operated. Many residents and visitors come to Monticello expecting to enjoy the great outdoors on the water. Tall Timbers Marina is your one-stop shop for everything you need to make the most of your vacation on the lakes. The boat shop stocks a wide range of pleasure boats as well as life vests, jet-skis, wave-runners and outboard motors. They can also assist you with accessories, gas pumps, and just about everything the boating family could require. The Lake Freeman location is open year-round while the Lake Shafer branch closes during the off-season.

4773 NW Shafer Dr, Monticello, IN 47960

5.Madam Carroll, Monticello, Indiana

Your visit to Monticello would be incomplete without enjoying a cruise on the Madam Carroll, the largest boat in Indiana. The Madam Carroll is a favorite venue for special celebrations including weddings and reunions, but the public are welcome to come and experience a day (on evening) on Lake Freeman by joining a scheduled dinner or brunch cruise. While you cruise you will be served a delicious meal and enjoy live music entertainment. Evening cruises leave at 6pm, returning by 9pm while brunch cruises board from 10am and return around 1pm. If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground but still enjoy a nautical theme you can visit the (stationery) Luse Lounge, a very pleasant dockside boat bar with a view of the lake.

Madam Carroll, 12244 N. Upper Lakeshore Drive, Monticello, IN 47960, Phone: 574-583-3545

6.Hollow Acres Golf Center

Family-owned and operated for more than 60 years, the Hollow Acres Golf Center is the place to go for outdoor family fun. The center started off back in 1960, with a 9-hole Par 3 golf course and an 18-hole mini-golf course, a snack bar and a driving range. Over the years a number of improvements have been added and the center has remained a popular outdoor facility for all ages. Although the course is not officially open during the winter months, visitors are free to play the 9-hole course and just leave a small honesty fee of $5 per person in the mail slot.

8291 N. US 421, Monticello, IN 47960, 574-965-2182