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Things to do in Monticello vary from best-kept secrets to great thrills, from cultural adventures to country comforts. Nestled in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York State, this quaint village has everything that high-energy activity, artistic flair, natural scenery, and small-town courtesy can provide. From betting your destiny on sleek casinos and watching harness racing to strolling in neighbourhood parks and relaxing in live theatre under the stars, there’s a certain sense of place for every activity in Monticello. Monticello is not a through-place, it’s a destination for those who need adventure, heritage, and tranquillity in one upstate escape.
Top 10 Things To Do In Monticello
Experience thrilling motorsports, serene lakefronts, cultural stages, enchanting kids’ areas, and nostalgic charm, some of the best things to do in Monticello.
1. Play, Dine, And Unwind At Resorts World Catskills
Photo: Daniel Case / Wikimedia Commons
A Monticello vacation would never be complete without Resorts World Catskills, which is one of the best and most popular things to do in Monticello. This hip resort and casino is an adults’ playpen for an active mix of entertainment, gaming, and indulgence. With over 2,000 slots, 150 table games, and a high-limit poker lounge, it’s action from dawn till dusk and on into the evening for all styles of players. Yet the appeal extends way past the casino game floor.
Top Highlights: Indoor waterpark, casino gaming, fine dining
Distance From Downtown Monticello: 3.8 miles
2. Make A Splash At The Kartrite Indoor Waterpark
Photo: jarmoluk / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark is one of the finest things to do in Monticello, particularly for families who need year-round entertainment. As the state’s biggest indoor water park, it is an air-conditioned wonderland of adventure and enjoyment. Visitors have access to spinning water slides, wave pools, a lazy river, and splash pads for kids. In addition to the water park, the resort provides an arcade, virtual reality gaming, a rock climbing wall, and a bowling alley to provide a day full of entertainment.
Top Highlights: Waterslides, video games, indoor activities
Distance From Downtown Monticello: 4.1 miles
3. Cheer On The Action At Monticello Raceway
Photo: Jonathan Borba / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Monticello Raceway is one of Monticello’s retro activities, with a nostalgia-tinted dose of American sporting tradition. Since 1958, this vintage harness racing track has had a half-mile track and cosy grandstand that gives it an up-close, personal feel. Compared to today’s mega-stadiums, Monticello Raceway has a no-frills, community-type environment, perfect for families, couples, and racing enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors can wager a little cash, buy popcorn from the concession stands, and cheer on their favourite trotter in an environment that welcomes fun and tradition.
Top Highlights: Live racing, easy gambling, vintage fun
Distance From Downtown Monticello: 2.2 miles
4. Relive Woodstock Vibes At Bethel Woods Centre For The Arts
Photo: Seanbarnett / Wikimedia Commons
Another of Monticello’s best sights is a visit to Bethel Woods Centre for the Arts, which is but a short, gorgeous drive from the village. Where the iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival was staged, Bethel Woods is today an ongoing arts centre honouring its rich history. The centre includes a top-notch amphitheatre with outdoor concerts, live performances, and summer concerts that attract thousands. The largest crown is the Museum at Bethel Woods, with interactive exhibits that explore the 1960s counterculture through powerful multimedia productions, original artefacts, and personally moving accounts.
Top Highlights: Summer plays, enchanted landscape, museum displays
Distance From Downtown Monticello: 12.1 miles
5. Catch A Live Show At Forestburgh Playhouse
Photo: Luis Morera / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of the best things to see in Monticello is an evening at the Forestburgh Playhouse, a cultural gem in the beautiful Catskills. Open since 1947, this is New York State’s oldest running professional summer theatre. Rustic and intimate, it provides the perfect venue for sophisticated productions ranging from show tunes of Broadway to wisecracking comedies, as well as poignant drama. Theatre lover or simply seeking a night to remember, the Forestburgh Playhouse offers an unforgettable cultural experience. It’s a rare blend of mountain casualness and theatrical flair that imbues any visit to Monticello with spirit.
Top Highlights: Experience Musicals, cabarets, classic stage plays
Distance From Downtown Monticello: 9.2 miles
6. Swim, Hike, Or Picnic At Lake Superior State Park
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are exploring what to do in Monticello, visiting Lake Superior State Park is one of the best outdoor escapes. Just a short drive from downtown, this peaceful retreat offers a perfect escape into the Catskills’ natural beauty. Enjoy swimming in the clear lake, kayaking in calm waters, or fishing for a relaxing afternoon. Shaded picnic and BBQ areas are great for casual outdoor meals with family or friends. Trails through the woods provide wildlife viewing or quiet reading spots. In summer, the sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Top Highlights: Beach, trails, kayaking, and serene picnics.
Distance From Downtown Monticello: 12 miles
7. Ski, Ride, Or Race At Holiday Mountain
Photo: Mario Christofides / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
A favourite among holidays and a number-one activity on the Monticello’s list, Holiday Mountain offers year-round family enjoyment and thrills for adventure-seekers. Winter months see the slopes sprinkled with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, the perfect choice for beginners or a laid-back alternative to larger resorts. It has a laid-back atmosphere and is not chaotic, and it is wonderful for a quiet mountain day. In the summer, the mountain becomes a playground with activities such as go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, and batting cages.
Top Highlights: Tubing, skiing, go-karts, summer rides
Distance From Downtown Monticello: 4.6 miles
8. Relax And Socialise At Thompson Town Park
Photo: Vladislav Osterman / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
A peaceful haven in the village, Thompson Town Park is one of Monticello’s more laid-back activities, which is perfect for unwinding or whiling away time with loved ones. This folksy park features neatly trimmed sporting fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, and quiet walking trails lined with stately trees. It’s a favourite among locals due to its welcoming atmosphere and convenience. Seasonal farmers’ markets, small-town festivals, and summer evenings full of music are far from typical and truly give you a sense of the welcoming charm of Monticello.
Top Highlights: Picnic, community events, tennis courts.
Distance From Downtown Monticello: 5.5 miles
9. Savour a Fresh Bagel At Monticello Bagel Bakery
Photo: Claudio Schwarz / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of the greatest and most legendary things to do in Monticello is to start your day at the legendary Monticello Bagel Bakery. Since 1967, this small neighbourhood gem has been a beloved tradition, where they bake some of New York State’s best bagels. With their perfect chew and freshly-baked aroma, their bagels have a loyal following. Favourites are the simple bacon, egg, and cheese or a lox and cream cheese combination on a toasted sesame or everything bagel. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, and you’ve got the ultimate breakfast.
Top Highlights: Bagels, coffee, and local food culture
Distance From Downtown Monticello: Town centre
10. Drive A Dream Car At Monticello Motor Club
Photo: Felix Fuchs / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If horsepower and speed are your thing, then a visit to the Monticello Motor Club is one of the most exciting things to do in Monticello. The private track is world-class, with more than four miles of precision-designed turns and straights, and a world-class driving experience. Visitors can reserve high-performance drives in the company of experienced drivers with access to prestige vehicles such as Ferraris, Porsches, and BMW M-series. From behind the wheel or watching from the paddocks, engine roars and the accuracy of circuit driving will be awe-inspiring.
Top Highlights: Exotic car racing, driving schools, track events
Distance From Downtown Monticello: 4.3 miles
A blend of excitement and relaxation, the things to do in Monticello welcome all travellers. From record laps at motor clubs and family fun at water parks to lounging by tranquil lakes, this Catskill town offers something for everyone. With vintage racing ovals, famous concert venues, and peaceful parks, Monticello has more to explore than meets the eye. Plan your ideal Catskills getaway today with TripXL through Monticello’s scenic terrain.
Cover Photo: Hector Argüello Canals / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
