Monticello has two well-known manmade lakes: Lakes Shafer and Freeman. Both lakes are known for their record-size black bass and hybrid bass.

The amusement park Indiana Beach, on Lake Shafer, has more than 45 amusements, snack bars, games, arcade machines, restaurants, lounges with entertainment and dancing, water slides, and a ski show.

Monticello also has great golf, antique shops, a fine bakery, and almost limitless family fun.

Lake Shafer covers approximately 1400 acres, and the lake has a maximum water depth of 30 feet. Lake Shafer, along with Freeman Lake, forms the Twin Lakes. On the lake are the Norway and Oakdale hydroelectric dams. Fish include bass, wipers, catfish, carp, crappies, bluegills and more.

White County is named after Colonel Isaac White, one of the fallen heroes in the historic Battle of Tippecanoe. The battle took place just a few miles south of Monticello.

On Lake Freeman is the Madam Carroll, the largest licensed Coast Guard approved inland watercraft in the State. The Madam Carroll offers live entertainment for dancing and listening pleasure.

Wolf Park is also south of Monticello. The park offers weekend visitors an opportunity to observe how wolves and bison live. On Sundays there are live demonstrations of predator-prey interaction.