Monticello Iowa Attractions

Backyard Camping at the Blue Inn - Features 20 RV sites with electricity, five tent sites and a water station. Campers can also use the Blue Inn pool and shower facilities. Activities include horseshoes and fishing. Contact the Blue Inn for additional information contact the Blue Inn at 465-6116. http://www.blueinnthing.com/

Bike Trail - The Lower Prairieburg Road on County Road E16 is marked for bicycling from its intersection with Business Highway 151 at the south edge of Monticello heading westward. The road is wide and features wide shoulders.

Bowen Prairie - All that remains of one of the county's oldest settlements is its cemetery - Bowen's Prairie Cemetery - located north of Monticello along Highway 151. Hugh Bowen was the first to settle in what is today Richland Township, founding a community called Bowen's Prairie. The community grew and prospered along the Military Trail from Dubuque to Iowa City before fading into history. Monticello was founded later, in 1836.

Camp Courageous - Camp Courageous is the Midwest's largest year-round recreational facility for the handicapped. Located four miles southeast of Monticello, just off of Highway 38, it features many amenities, including an indoor swimming pool. http://www.campcourageous.org/

City of Monticello Parks
Jacobs Park - This city park, located between Fourth and Fifth Streets in Monticello, includes a playground.

Monticello City Park - This park, located on North Maple Street, features an area for picnics, has a shelter and playground equipment. There are also ball diamonds and camping facilities.

Panther Park - This community park is located at 321 W. South Street, behind Shannon Elementary School.

Riverside Gardens - This city park is located off of Business Highway 151. The gardens are a showcase for the diversity of flowers available for today's gardeners. The park was built and is maintained by volunteers.

Family Aquatic Center - Located on S. Main Street in Monticello, the pool is equipped with a zero depth entry, diving boards, wading pool, water slide and play area for children. 319-465-6523.

Farwell House - The newly remodeled Farwell House is on the National Register for Historic Places and is a 'Bed and Breakfast.' Located at 301 N. Chestnut Street in Monticello, Farwell House is available for a variety of events such as card club luncheons, wedding receptions, or just a quick getaway to slip into comfort. Hosts Dave and Marilyn Penn provide a full hearty country breakfast and are always ready to welcome guests. Call (319) 465-2035. Website

Great Jones County Fair - The best five days of summer in July! Held at the Monticello City Park/Fairgrounds. www.greatjonescountyfair.com

Jones County Tourism Association - Provides information for many attractions for Monticello and all of Jones County. http://www.jonescountytourism.com/

Legacy Lanes - The bowling center, located on North Birch Street in Monticello, features league and open bowling, sand volleyball and horseshoes, lunch and supper dining and a pro shop. www.legacylanes.com

Mary Lovell Le Van Renaissance Center - Opened in 2006, the center in downtown Monticello is home to the Ross & Elizabeth Baty Public Library, which is accessible from the south side on Grand Street. On the lower level of the Renaissance Center, accessible from First Street is the Community Media Center, home of city council and community board meetings. It also houses Veterans Hall.

McDonough's Canoe Rental - Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Canoeing or tubing the 9 mile stretch from Mon-Maq Dam to Pictured Rocks Park, is a great place to view the spectacular sites and have lunch on a sand bar. 319-465-3697. www.mcdonoughcanoerentals.com

Monticello Athletic Complex - Sports complex features baseball, softball and soccer fields located just south of the community's high school.

Monticello Berndes Center - The Berndes Center is located in the Jones County Fairground on North Maple Street in Monticello. The center is available for tennis, basketball, volleyball, in-line skating and a variety of recreational classes.  http://www.ci.monticello.ia.us/

Monticello Camping & RV - features full hook-up campsites that are available by the day, week, month or year. Call 465-5445 for additional information

Monticello Golf Club - This club, located on North Maple Street, features nine holes, carts and a club house. http://www.jonescountytourism.com/parks/golfcourses.html

Monticello Heritage & Cultural Center - This center is becoming Monticello's center of historical preservation. Several annual events are held to celebrate the history of Monticello and the Jones County area. An old fashioned corn boil, St. Patrick's Day Dinner, and several other annual events are held to support this center each year. Tours are available upon request. For more information call 319-465-4052. Website

Monticello-Maquoketa Dam - Located off Business Highway 151 on the north edge of Monticello, the area provides fishing and boat access to the Maquoketa River.

Par 3 Golf - Located neat the Scotch Grove Coonhunter's Club, this course has a camping area.  Website

Pictured Rocks - This park, located four miles southeast of Monticello just off Highway 38, provides perfect places for picnicking, trails to explore and fishing hot spots. Website

Ross & Elizabeth Baty Public Library - Opened in 2006, the library is located in the Mary Lovell Le Van Renaissance Center and is accessible from Grand Street. http://www.monticello.lib.ia.us/

Silk Stocking Tour - Your driving tour of Monticello's historic Silk Stocking District begins at the Monticello Chamber of Commerce Office at 204 E. First Street. Stop by the chamber office for information and brochure. 319-465-5626 www.macc-ia.us

Walnut Acres Campgrounds - Camping, fishing and boating are available at this facility located just off Highway 38 north of Monticello. http://www.walnutacrescampground.com/