Things to Do in Monroe
Home to the Evergreen State Fair, ample parkland, and an adorable downtown, Monroe is always up to something as a community. Join the smalltown fun and celebrate good-times-c’mon in this Pacific Northwest…
What's with the Fair?
The Fair is more than you think. Yes, it's a beloved annual event that features carnival rides, concerts, games, animals, and prized jars of peachy preserves. But it's also home to the only NASCAR racetrack in Washington State. And it has events year-round like swap meets, equestrian shows, and plant sales. Fun fact: you can park your RV here year-round.
Why is it called Monroe?
After the American president. The town was commonly called Tye City until 1890 when the grocery store became the post office. By law at the time, a post office meant that a city was "official", and the town decided that Monroe was a pretty patriotic moniker to adopt.
Is it pronounced "MON-roe" or "Mon-ROE"?
Emphasis on the second syllable. If you really want to sound like a local, call it "Muhn-ROE" (easy on the first syllable).
What's up with the smokestack that says "Monroe"?
Oh! Glad you noticed it. Funny story. Monroe used to be – among many other things -- a dairy town. That giant smokestack, now so emblematic of the city, was once the site of the Carnation Milk Factory, where milk was condensed and canned. The factory burned down (as factories so often did in the early 20th Century) and all that remained was that giant, totemic emblem of Monroe.
Do you need money to have fun in Monroe?
That's a very philosophical question. Of course not. Honestly, some of the best things to do in the city are to just walk around the park or chill by Lake Tye. Or you can get some cheap tacos and Mexican Cokes from a taco truck and take them down by the old train trestle at the river. Other cities may have their flash, but sometimes quiet, slow times with a friend are some of the only experiences you'll ever need.
Anything I'm missing?
If you time your visit just right, you can catch the Swift Night Out (typically in mid-August), a special window of time when tens of thousands of migratory swifts swirl like a tornado as they descend into a decommissioned chimney of a local elementary school. It's pretty crazy.
Events in Monroe
With year-round activities and a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere, when it comes to celebrating life, no one does it better than Monroe.
Plan Your Trip to Monroe
While only 40 minutes north of Seattle, Monroe is also a great jumping-off point for Stevens Pass. Located between urban and rural idylls, this little city seems to be in the right…