City of Monticello - IA Parks & Recreation

08/07/2026

Canceling Movie Night tonight. Stay safe out there! Our heart goes out to our community members with damage.💕

See you tomorrow at Tai Chi, Pickleball Tournament, Sound Bathing, and Line Dancing with Scott Stran!

08/07/2026

Bring your chairs and waterproof blankets! May be a storm that rolls in prior to the movie.

See you all soon!

08/03/2026

Check out what's happening in August from pickleball, community movie night, tai chi, line dancing, educational session for brain health to buti yoga, softball, growing up wild camp and water wars 4th-8th grades. Our schedule is loaded and we are here for it!



Questions? Email - [email protected]

08/03/2026

Last Day to Register – Yellow River State Forest Hiking Adventure!

Have you been thinking about joining us? Today is the final day to sign up! We currently need a minimum of 6 participants for the trip to take place.

Saturday, September 26
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Cost: Bring your friends!
6 participants: $90 total
8 participants: $80 total

Your adventure includes professional instruction and guiding from CrawDaddy Outdoors, transportation to and from Yellow River State Forest, safety gear, and a day exploring one of Iowa's premier hiking destinations.

We'll start the morning by stopping at Rauch's Cafe for breakfast (optional, not included) before heading to Yellow River State Forest, where you'll hike 3–5 miles at a relaxed pace. Along the way, you'll experience scenic overlooks, beautiful woodlands, trout streams, and learn about the unique geology, flora, and fauna of Iowa's Driftless Area.

Perfect for beginners!

Grab your hiking shoes, pack a trail lunch, and invite a friend. We'd love to make this trip happen, but we need a few more adventurers to join us!

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 319-465-6640 ext. 2.

Adventure Awaits at Yellow River State Forest!

Ready to experience one of Iowa's most scenic destinations? Join Monticello Parks & Recreation for a beginner-friendly hiking adventure at Yellow River State Forest on Saturday, September 26!

Spend the day exploring breathtaking overlooks, peaceful woodlands, winding trout streams, and the natural beauty that helped earn Yellow River State Forest recognition as one of Outside magazine's Top 50 Hikes in the U.S. Whether you're new to hiking or simply looking for a fun day outdoors, this trip is for you!

Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Transportation is included.

** Registration deadline: July 31, 2026 **

Spots are limited, so don't wait! Register today through CivicRec https://secure.rec1.com/IA/monticello-ia/catalog or stop in to the Berndes Center.

Who would you bring on this hiking adventure? Tag your favorite trail friend below!

08/03/2026

Thank You, Monticello!

Our Strategic Plan Survey is officially closed, and we want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts, ideas, and vision for the future of our parks and recreation system.

What's next?
🔹 We'll begin reviewing the survey results.
🔹 We'll be scheduling small-group community conversations to dive deeper into the feedback, explore common themes, and help identify priorities for the future.

This is just the beginning of the process, and we're excited to continue building a parks and recreation system that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community.

Thank you for helping shape the future! 🌳🏀🚶

08/01/2026

Registration for fall sports closes tonight at 11:59 PM, don't miss out!

Register here: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/monticello-ia/catalog