The man that Ivan Cankar described as the best Slovene stylist of his period was born in Mengeš. His name was Janez Trdina and he lived in the 19th century, and is so revered that the highest peak in the Gorjanci mountain range is named after him. Many say that he is responsible for keeping alive Slovene folk tradiiton, with his notebooks full to the brim of tales and customs. What was importnat with Trdina was that he recorded everything with emphasis on realism, as opposed to the usual romantic vision of idyllic countryside. The house that he was born in still stands in Mengeš, but today serves a very different purpose.

Musical instruments have been manufactured in the town for centuries, a tradition that continues to this day. The town band has existed for almost 150 years, famously having instruments bought for them by the people of the town. A stringed instrument factory/shop called Melodija stands here today and is well worth a visit.