Located on Lake Erie’s western shore, Monroe sits on the Detroit-Toledo Expressway, just 17 miles north of Toledo and 35 miles south of Detroit. Michigan’s third oldest community, Monroe is one of the most historic cities in the state. Monroe was the site of the River Raisin Battlefield, the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812.
Aiming to balance the stewardship of historic preservation with the opportunities of economic development, Monroe is quickly becoming an arts and cultural hotspot. The River Raisin Jazz Festival draws tens of thousands every year in addition to the Monroe County Fair. Downtown Monroe is home to the Monroe County Historical Museum and the River Raisin Centre for the Arts as well as plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. Monroe’s Sterling State Park on the shores of Lake Erie offers residents and visitors access to boating, swimming, camping, wetlands exploration, hiking, and fishing.
