Monroe City is the gateway of a wealth of boating, hunting, fishing, camping and historical sight-seeing pleasures. The opening of Mark Twain Lake in 1983 has flooded the local economy with recreational dollars, as the Lake-area has enjoyed a 250% increase in visitors. Outdoor fun abounds on this 18,600 acre reservoir lake located just south of Monroe City. Two full-service marinas serve the needs of boaters and fishermen. Specialty craft, novelty and antique shops have sprung up aroudn the area to cater to tourists. A huge water slide complex, complete with restaurant, go carts, camping, miniature golf and condominiums provide area residents with complete family recreation. Another outdoors recreation area is Route J Reservoir, located 5 miles south of town.

As the season for boaters and fishermen ends, hunting season begins, as the Lake's 285 miles of shoreline, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are filled with deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl. Mark Twain Lake was built around the small village of Florida, Missouri, the birthplace of the famous author Mark Twain. The cabin in which Samuel Clemens (the author's real name) was born has been preserved and there is a museum overlooking the bluffs of the lake with artifacts depicting the life that later influenced his writings and philosophy.

Annual events for the whole family include the American Celebration on Armed Forces Day in May; the Mark Twain Lake Rodeo held during the 4th of July weekend; and Missouri Mule Days, which is held the first Saturday in October.

Golfers are in for a real treat, as Monroe City boasts two of the finest 9-hole golf courses in the entire region. In addition, the city has three ball diamonds, swimming pool and numerous city parks, giving residents access to leisure-time activities.

From birth through college, the educational programs of the Monroe City region build on a foundation of excellence. The Monroe City R-1 School system has the type of programs and professional staff similar to those found in much larger communities. Special curricula for infants and their parents, preschoolers, gifted children and handicapped individuals are just part of a full range of programs administered by certified teachers. In 1994, voters approved a $3.5 million addition and renovation to the elementary, middle and high schools, as well as improvements to the vocational agricultural building.

Holy Rosary Catholic School offers excellent educational programs to 164 students in grades 1-8, and in the 1995-96 school year will begin offering full-day kindergarten classes. Holy Rosary also offers a full-range of sports, music and other extra-curricular activities.

Monroe City is considered a regional employment center, drawing from a skilled work force in a 50-mile radius, thanks to the huge success of its two largest employers, Pace Industries and Diemakers, whose total employment tops 850.

Diemakers primarily manufactures zinc, aluminum and magnesium diecastings and assemblies for the automotive and electronics industries.

Pace Industries, which began four years ago, has diversified its business. Thirty-two die cast machines produce aluminum castings for automotive parts, lighting products, cooking equipment and a number of other products.

Accu-Therm Inc. sits upon the community's 55 acre Industrial Park. Accu-Therm, which employs 135 people, manufactures heating elements for a wide range of commercial and industrial products, ranging from coffee makers to water heaters. Monroe City began preparing for economic growth in the 1950's when a group for future-oriented businessmen formed the Monroe City Development Corporation which owns the Industrial Park. Several industrial lots are available.