Attractions

Bowen's Prairie Cemetery: Located north of town on U.S. 151. It is the oldest pioneer cemetery in the area and it is all that remains of the area's first settlement in 1835.

Bridges: Two historical bridges in the area. The triple-arch bridge over Deer Creek is on Bridge Road off County D62. It was built in 1862. Most of the stone came from a little creek bed upstream. The Bowstring Bridge is used as a walking bridge over a segment of the lake in Central park in Center Junction. It was built in 1873.

Canoe Rentals: Take one of a variety of trips down the Maquoketa River. Rental from Memorial Day-Labor Day. Shuttle service provided. Call 563/465-3697.

Downtown: Retailers for nearly any need. New for 2000 is the newly completed streetscape project. New banded sidewalks, buried overhead wires and decorative street lights.

Historical buildings: There are many architectural sites in the city. Four date to the 1800s and others to the early 20th century. They are: Martinsen House, 535 West Seventh St.; Masonic Temple, 205 East Grand St.; Farwell House Bed and Breakfast, 321 N. Chestnut St.; Oldest Business Building, 102 E. First St.; Old Lovell Bank Building, 111 E. First St.; Shover-Hall Mansion, 326 N. Walnut St.; Carpenter-Wears Home, 233 N. Walnut St. and Monticello Public Library, 116 E. Grand St.

Jacobs Park: Fourth and Fifth streets. Site includes a playground.

Monticello Berndes Center: North Maple Street (fairgrounds). The center is sometimes available for tennis, open basketball and open volleyball. It is also used for wedding receptions and banquets.

Monticello City Park: North Maple Street. Includes area for picnicking, shelters and playground equipment. There are also ball diamonds and camping facilities.

Monticello-Maquoketa Dam: U.S. 151 on north edge of Monticello. There is fishing and boat access to the Maquoketa River at the 50-acre site.

Old Stone Bridge: On Hardscrabble Road. This bridge has been featured in "Ripley's Believe It Or Not." All three arches were built by a Mr. Ely without the use of a keystone, considered an architectural feat in 1890.

Par 3 Golf: Scotch Grove at Coonhunter's Club.

Panther Park: 321 W. South St. behind Shannon Elementary School. Community playground with play structure.

Pictured Rocks: Iowa 38. Facilities for picnicking, trails and fishing at 26-acre site.

Riverside Gardens: At the intersection of Third Street and U.S. 151. It has 33 flower beds, a picnic area, 2½ acres of wetland, nature trails, gazebo and wishing well. The wetlands and gardens have cement handicapped accessible walkways.

Rose Wildlife Area: Four miles east of Scotch Grove. The 13-acre site is a wildlife refuge.

Track: The new all-weather track at the football field. It is used to host local and surrounding town track meets. It is open to the public for walking and jogging.

Walnut Acres Campground: Iowa 38 north of town. There is camping, fishing and boating. There is a large lake stocked with fish. It is open through Oct. 15.

Parks

* Walnut Acres, on north edge of town along Iowa 38, offers canoeing, fishing and beach area for swimming. It is equipped for primitive and modern camping and offers a variety of weekend activities.

* Four public parks with the largest park (also known as the Jones County Fairgrounds) adjoining a nine-hole golf course, with fireplaces and picnic tables, a large playground and camping area, ball diamond and several shelters. The second park is located near the municipal swimming pool and has picnic tables and playground equipment and a band shell. Jacobs Park has a ball diamond and playground equipment. Riverside Gardens is located at the intersection of Third Street and U.S. 151. It has 33 flower beds, a picnic area, two-and-a-half acres of wetland, nature trails, gazebo and wishing well. The wetlands and gardens have cement handicapped accessible walkways.

* Pictured Rocks and Wilderness Area provides hiking, climbing, exploring and fishing areas.

Camping

* Walnut Acres Campground; north of Monticello on Iowa 38, offers primitive and modern campsites, shuttle service to canoe rental, fishing equipment and candlelight lane June 20 from 9:15 to 10:30 p.m. Enjoy fishing and swimming in the lake.