Monett, MO
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Sport and Sporting Legends
- Museums and Historical Sites
- Healthcare Institutions
- Universities and Educational Institutions
Monett is a city in Barry and Lawrence counties, Missouri, United States. Located in the Ozarks, this historic railroad town is known as a regional center for manufacturing and agriculture, with a growing and diverse community.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The city's official name is Monett. It is a city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the most populous city in both Barry and Lawrence counties, making it a significant hub for the region . It is located in the southwestern part of the state, a region known as the Ozarks, which is characterized by its forested hills, clear springs, and rivers, making it a popular area for outdoor recreation .
Founding Date and Age
Monett was founded in 1870 as a railroad town by the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway, known as the "Frisco Line" . This makes the city over 150 years old. It was named after Henry Monett, a popular general station agent for various railroads, including the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad ("Nickel Plate Road") . Before being named Monett in 1887, the settlement went through several names, including Kings Prairie Depot, Plymouth, Plymouth Junction, and Gonten .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Monett is located in the Ozark Mountains at the coordinates 36°55′19″N 93°55′40″W . The city sits on a plateau at an elevation of 399 meters (1,309 feet) above sea level . It is situated just south of the major east-west artery, Interstate 44, between the larger cities of Joplin and Springfield .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Monett is a regional economic center with a diversified economy. Historically a major railroad town, it successfully industrialized in the post-WWII era, attracting light industry . Today, its economy is a mix of manufacturing and agriculture. It was once nicknamed the "Strawberry Capital of the Midwest" due to its thriving fruit business . The city has also seen revitalization in its historic downtown, focusing on improving quality of life and supporting local businesses .
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Monett has a population of 9,576 people . By 2024, the population was estimated to have grown to 10,108, classifying it as a small city . It is a notably diverse community, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population making up 32.4% of residents, contributing to its character as a growing and dynamic hub in southwest Missouri .
City's "Calling Card" (Briefly)
Monett is a historic Ozarks town with a proud railroad heritage and a vibrant, diverse community. It offers a blend of small-town charm with its revitalized downtown, local parks, and serves as a convenient gateway to the outdoor recreation areas of southwest Missouri, including Roaring River State Park .
Geography
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
While Monett itself doesn't sit on a major river, the Spring River is the closest major waterway in the area . These local rivers and creeks offer recreational activities such as fishing and canoeing . Within the city, Monett City Park features a small lake where children are allowed to fish .
National and Nature Parks
Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Roaring River State Park, located about 30 miles (48 km) south of Monett . This popular park offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing, as well as hiking, bird-watching, camping, and enjoying the park's namesake roaring spring .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Monett experiences a humid subtropical climate, typical of the southwestern Missouri Ozarks . This climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers, with rainfall fairly evenly distributed throughout the year . It is a generally pleasant environment for enjoying outdoor activities for much of the year .
Average Temperatures by Month
Summers are hot, with average temperatures reaching around 32°C (90°F) in July, which is typically the warmest month . Winters are cold, with average temperatures dropping to around -1°C (30°F) in January, the coldest month . The record high temperature for Monett is 41°C (106°F) , while the record low is -27°C (-17°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
Monett receives an average annual precipitation of about 1,144 mm (45 inches) . May is typically the wettest month, averaging 124 mm (6.04 inches) of rain, while January is the driest . Humidity levels are highest in the summer, with an annual average around 81% . Winter brings some snowfall, with January seeing the most snow, averaging about 91 mm (2.4 inches) .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Monett for warm-weather outdoor activities is from late May through late September .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up nicely from averages of 8°C (46°F) in March to 18°C (65°F) in May. This is a great time to see the landscape bloom, though it is also the wettest time of year .
- Summer (June-August): This is the hottest and most humid time of year, with average highs around 31°C (88°F). It's ideal for swimming at the city's Aquatic Center and enjoying long, sunny days .
- Fall (September-November): Temperatures cool down to comfortable levels, with average highs dropping from 26°C (79°F) in September to 14°C (57°F) in November. The humidity drops, making it perfect for hiking and exploring .
- Winter (December-February): Winters are cold and can be snowy, with average highs hovering just above freezing. This is a quiet time, suitable for visiting local museums and enjoying the town's indoor spaces .
Landmarks
Monett City Park
This 75-acre park on the south side of town (at the junction of Highway 37 and Highway 60) is a central recreational hub . It features an Olympic-sized pool and a new Aquatic Center for swimming, nature and exercise trails, four lighted tennis courts, and a basketball court. A small lake in the park is popular for children's fishing, and a "casino" (a community building available for rent) hosts family gatherings and special events .
Monett Historical Museum
Housed in the beautifully renovated 115-year-old Monett State Bank building, the Monett Historical Museum is located in the heart of the historic downtown at 422 E. Broadway . It serves as a key location for learning about the city's rich history as a railroad town and its development over the centuries.
Downtown Monett Historic District
The entire downtown area is a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places . It features numerous restored buildings with significant architectural quality, including the former Ozark Fruit Growers Association building from 1927 . Today, it's a vibrant area with local shops and a new Community Events Center, which hosts concerts and farmers' markets .
Monett Motor Speedway
Known as "The Grand Ol' Lady," the Monett Motor Speedway is claimed to be the oldest continuously running dirt track in the state of Missouri . Located on the east side of town, this 3/8-mile track with 11-degree banking opened in 1970 and remains a popular local attraction for racing fans .
Historic Sites
Monett is home to several other sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the David W. Courdin House and the Waldensian Church and Cemetery of Stone Prairie, reflecting the area's diverse historical and cultural heritage .
Transport
Nearest Major Airports
Monett does not have a major commercial airport of its own. Travelers can use several nearby airports :
- Joplin Regional Airport (JLN) , located 43 miles away, offering domestic flights.
- Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) , located 50 miles away, another option for domestic flights.
- Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is 66 miles from Monett.
- Branson Airport (BKG) is 69 miles away.
Local Airports
For private aviation, the city is served by Monett Regional Airport and a smaller general aviation field, Mc Clurg Airport, which has turf runways .
Major Highways
Monett is a convenient stop for travelers, located at the crossroads of US Highway 60 and Missouri Route 37 . It is easily accessible from Interstate 44, a major interstate highway, via Mt. Vernon and State Highway "H" .
Getting Around
The best way to get around Monett is by car . However, the city is fairly small and walkable, especially the downtown area. It is also common to see residents walking or biking for local errands . Monett adopted a "complete streets" policy in 2018 to improve accessibility for all users .
Sport and Sporting Legends
Burl Fowler Stadium
The heart of high school sports in Monett is Burl Fowler Stadium . Opened in 1968 and expanded multiple times since, this stadium is the home field for the Monett Cubs football, men's soccer, and women's soccer teams and has a capacity of approximately 5,000 spectators .
The stadium is named in honor of Burl Fowler, a legendary coach who led the Monett Cubs to two state football championships. The playing field is named Kenley Richardson Field, after the high school's first athletic director .
Burl Fowler Stadium has been the site of numerous significant victories:
- Football State Championships: 1971, 1977, 2016
- The stadium hosted its first state championship game in 1977, where the Cubs secured their second state title .
- A key local rivalry is the "Barry County Brawl" against the Cassville Wildcats, a fiercely contested annual game .
Local Recreation and Sports Facilities
Beyond high school sports, Monett offers several facilities for community recreation :
- Monett Country Club: Features an 18-hole golf course .
- Rail Trail Bike Path: A 15-mile trail popular for walking, biking, and rollerblading .
- Big Sugar Creek Walk Trail: A paved trail along the creek .
- The city's parks, Centennial Park and Nelson Park, provide additional space for outdoor activities .
Museums and Historical Sites
Monett Historical Museum
The primary institution dedicated to preserving the city's past is the Monett Historical Museum. It showcases the history of Monett, from its founding as a railroad hub and agricultural center to its development into a modern city . Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the community and its people.
Healthcare Institutions
Cox Monett Hospital
The cornerstone of healthcare in Monett is Cox Monett Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1928 by Dr. William West . Located at 1000 E US Highway 60, it is part of the CoxHealth system, a large, locally-owned, not-for-profit health network based in Springfield, Missouri .
Cox Monett Hospital serves as a vital medical hub for Barry and Lawrence counties, providing essential services to a population of more than 80,000 people . The facility is equipped with a 24-hour emergency room that treats approximately 13,000 patients annually and features a Family Beginnings Unit where around 290 babies are delivered each year .
The hospital offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet community needs :
- Primary Care: Family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics .
- Specialty Services: Women's health, orthopedics, and a sleep center .
- Diagnostic Services: 3D mammography, bone density screening, and radiology .
- Support Programs: Diabetes education, nutrition services, and rehabilitation/sports medicine .
Recognized for its commitment to patient care, Cox Monett Hospital has received awards such as the "Outstanding Patient Experience Award" from Healthgrades . It is part of a CoxHealth system that has been named to U.S. News & World Report's Best Regional Hospitals list and is recognized for patient safety .
For residents, the hospital is more than just a medical facility; it's a community institution reflecting Monett's diverse population, which includes speakers of Spanish, Marshallese, Hmong, and other languages . The hospital works closely with the larger Cox South hospital in Springfield for more complex medical needs, ensuring a full spectrum of care for the community .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Higher Education and Vocational Training
Monett provides access to higher education and workforce training through several institutions :
- Crowder College: This institution has a campus in Monett, offering associate degrees and workforce training programs to local students and residents .
- Monett Career Center: Part of the Monett R-1 School District, this center provides vocational and technical training, preparing students for skilled trades and careers .
Monett R-1 School District
The city is served by the Monett R-1 School District, which includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and Monett High School, home of the Cubs .