Filled with natural beauty, charming historic treasures and nestled in the scenic Minnesota River Valley, we are committed to providing a safe and pleasant place to visit, shop, stay and play!
Montevideo was laid out in 1868 as ‘Chippewa City’ by Daniel G. Wilkins on the west bank of the Chippewa River. It was the first community in Chippewa County. After being platted in 1870 and becoming the county seat, Chippewa City ceased to exist, but the town of Montevideo was born in its place.
Montevideo has rightfully earned its title as “City of Parks” with 12 parks covering more than 115 acres. Nine of these parks are scattered throughout the neighborhoods while three parks are located alongside the Chippewa River, which winds through Montevideo just west of downtown. The Minnesota and Chippewa Rivers join in Montevideo, so canoeing and camping are highlights in Lagoon Park, located right on the river.
If visiting Montevideo spring and summer, be sure to tour historic sites such as Historic Chippewa City, Swensson Farm Museum, Lac Qui Parle Mission, Camp Release Monument and Milwaukee Road Heritage Center. For outdoor activities, Montevideo has an outdoor pool with water slide, disc golf in Chinhinta and Lagoon Parks, River Crest 18-hole golf course and Friday night races at Fiesta City Speedway. To experience public art on a grand scale, find the four art pieces around downtown, including the award-winning ‘Rustician’ stained glass tractor. Montevideo’s annual summer festival, Fiesta Days, held on Father’s Day weekend, has been a tradition since 1946. The annual Heritage Hill Threshing Show takes place the third weekend of June. Be sure to bike the paved trail to Wegdahl, another stop along the YST! In the fall, local artists display their talents the first weekend in October during the annual Arts Meander. The winter months will have you enjoying our snow trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. The local rivers are also available for ice fishing. For indoor activities, Montevideo offers bowling, a newly renovated movie theater, or shop and eat along Main Street with its local boutiques, retail, brewery, grocery, coffee shop, brewery and so much more! Visit www.montevideochamber.com or www.chippewcohistory.org for more info!
