Jones County, Iowa Tourism Association

07/03/2024

MvNutrition319 will be open on the 4th of July for your Nutrition or Caffeine needs. They are offering a free size upgrade on any tea purchase tomorrow. My personal Favorite right now is the Cherry Limeade or Pineapple Smash. Stop in and support local tomorrow between 7am-5pm. They have been a great addition to Jones County and go out of their way to provide great customer service!

07/03/2024

Open from 3-5pm today- Stop out and get some of your 4th of July picnic or Celebration needs from locals right here in Jones County Iowa!

07/03/2024

Let's Celebrate while being mindful of the Firework laws in place and of those who may struggle with loud noises, PTSD, animals, those who work early and those with little one's. Jones County has several different Tents selling Fireworks around town so stop in today to stock up on your fireworks and let's make this a safe place for all!

07/03/2024

Come Out & Celebrate Jones County Style this weekend! If Fireworks is not how you celebrate this Independence day there is plenty of other opportunities! We have Farmers Markets, Ridiculous Days, Local Markets, Specials, Car/bike shows, Tractor Pulls, Chicken Suppers, Live Music, Sweet Treats, Pancake Breakfasts & More!

07/03/2024

Independence Celebrations in Jones County July 3rd-6th! More details to come with shops and businesses that are also open! Lots going on including live music, special markets, farmers markets, golf, outdoor activities and something for Everyone right here in Jones Count Iowa!

07/03/2024

With the 4th of July right around the corner I wanted to highlight one of our most meaningful hidden gems right here in Jones County! The Jones County Iowa Freedom Rock is a beautiful tribute to those men & women who served in the armed forces from Jones County. I would say it's Definitely worth the drive and a place you should stop and explore and learn a little bit more about those who fought for our freedom. Dearborn Rd. & Stone City Rd X28, Stone City, IA.

A tradition I learned in California was when you visit a grave or a place of respect you leave a rock. Let's start a tradition by painting a rock you have at home and leaving it with the other rocks surrounding the freedom rock. What a neat way to show respect and that you visited the Freedom Rock. If your from out of state I'd encourage you to put your State Abbreviation or Zip Code so we can see how far you've come from to visit this beautiful tribute.

07/02/2024

Let's support this Tourism member who supports the Community as well!

Let’s start the week off with a BANG! 💥

We are doing a drawing for a FRESH Floral arrangement for the 4th of July. 🇱🇷🇱🇷

1) Like & Share this post

2) In 1 or 2 words tell us what comes to mind when you think of The 4th of JULY!

3) We will draw at the end of the day Tuesday July 2, 2024 for Pick up on July 3, 2024 between 8:30-5:00.

* Must be able to pick up in Monticello, IA.
This is not my photo. Shared from Country Cottage

07/02/2024

Jones County is rich in history & I promise the Monticello Heritage & Cultural Center will Not disappoint! It is a beautiful building that was home to the Methodist church and is now housing items that Monticello residents have treasured and take pride in showcasing. Stop by tonight from 6-8pm and let Donna take you around. If you've been before the best part is I'm sure there's something new that will catch your eye or peak your interest. They are constantly rotating items and getting new items in from residents past & present. They also have a section that pays tribute to the Hula Hoop tree with rocks and ornaments for a small donation. Stop by on Tuesdays or Sundays. 211 Sycamore St. Monticello, IA Monticello Heritage and Cultural Center....I'd like to add I think they should bring back the fun mayor hats because they give me Whiffle Tree Mercantile vibes

06/29/2024

Stone city Access point- located off of Dearborn Rd. (There is not a sign besides the Not an Outlet sign) I promise if you go down that street you will find this serene hidden gem. You'll be one with nature so pack your bug spray, bring your kayak, paddle, canoe, tube or just come out and explore and take in the beauty of the Wapsipinicon River, Stone, small candy beach area that is the Stone City River Access spot.

06/29/2024

Stone City Saturday- between the freedom rock, the stone city river access and the old stone buildings and Grant Wood Scenic Byway. Stone city may be small but it sure is rich in history and stories! Get out and explore, make memories and I promise you will see Quality of Life improve as you get out and enjoy the beauty of Stone City. Here's a live video and I'll include some pictures in my next post.

06/28/2024

Did you know you can pay a visitor fee to use their amenities for the day? If you don't want to plan a weekend away why not just come out and play for the day! Check out what Jellystone Park has going on for this weekend. I have personally done the Wibit course and the Jumping Pillow and Absolutely loved it!! Their snack shack is Very reasonable and also has some really great pizza!

06/28/2024

What’s Happening in Jones County This Weekend: June 28th-30th

Friday:
Boondocks- 130 E Main St. -Ted Droessler will be playing his Baby Grand piano from 7-10pm so stop in for some live entertainment. *Tourism Member
Seussical the Musical- Jr Starlighters & Starlighters Actors/Actresses performing a fun Seuss inspired musical with a short intermission that includes a goodie and a drink. You will Not want to miss this!
Seussical the Musical 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM CST- Starlighters II Theatre

Stop by the Jones County Freedom Rock this weekend- 12791 Stone City Rd, Stone City, IA

Stone City River Access- Dearborn Rd. (right down past the Freedom Rock)

Keepers of the Crafts- *Tourism member- 162 W Broadway, Oxford Junction, IA- 563-249-2008 Unique, fun, quirky items you will NOT find anywhere else at a reasonable price!

Saturday:

Monticello Iowa Farmers Market 8am-11am- 511 E Oak St Monticello, IA

Edinburgh Manor - Day Tours Saturday, June 29 at 1pm and Sunday, June 30 at 3pm. Please send an email to [email protected] if interested. $10 per person cash.

Olin Splash Pad Kick-Off & Family Fun * Cash Only Event for food and activities* Splash pad is free
We are SO excited to celebrate on Saturday! Ribbon Cutting Ceremony starts at 11: 00 am!
Bounce Houses!
18-foot Inflatable Slide!
Dunk Tank!
Train Rides!
Professional Facepainting!
Touch A Truck!
Kids Raffle!
Food!
Ice cream!
And let's not forget.... The Splash Pad!
Parking- There will be signs up for parking. Please do not park in the Midwest Collectors parking lot or on the side of Maple St. Thank you!!

Streets Lemonade Stand- 11am @ Boondocks 130 E Main St. Anamosa, IA – Will have lemonade, facepainting and All proceeds are going to 50% of proceeds to the American Cancer Society to help with brain cancer research so they can find a cure for their daddy and the other 50% to Jones Regional Hospital because they have helped their daddy a lot.

Daybreak Massage & Healing LLC- will be at Boondocks doing Chair Massages- $ will be donated to the Streets family lemonade stand $5 for 5 min $10 for 10min

Seussical the Musical- Sat, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM CST- Starlighters II Theatre-

Boondocks-130 E Main St. –Luke Thomas from 8-11pm * Tourism Member

The Market at the Tap- 105 W First St, Monticello, IA-
Rattlebox- Rock-n-roll- band from Mt. Vernon from 9PM-Midnight * Tourism Member

The Grove Bar & Grill- 11668 Co Rd E17, Scotch Grove, IA * Tourism Member
Shawn Ster- Playing Live 9pm-12am

Sunday:

Edinburgh Manor - Day Tours Saturday, June 29 at 1pm and Sunday, June 30 at 3pm. Please send an email to [email protected] if interested. $10 per person cash.

Seussical the Musical - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CST- Starlighters II Theatre

Two Scoops- 207 E Main St. Anamosa, IA - * Tourism Member
Taking orders for 4th of July Ice Cream Pies-
A Few Options that have been done in the past:
S’more’s to Love
Cherry chocolate Chip
Strawberry Cheescake
Blueberry cheesecake
Blackberry lemon bar- I have personally had this one in a pie form and it is AMAZING!!
But you can order your favorite flavor https://chocolateshoppeicecream.com/product/smore-to-love/

06/28/2024

06/27/2024

Come enjoy some live music from the old butcher shop in Anamosa that has been in the Downing Family for over 100 years! Inside you'll find brick walls filled with items used in the shop back in the day, a friendly smile to greet you, some beer on tap and good eats!

Tonight, Thursday, June 27th.

Back by Popular demand.

The Saplings. 5pm-7pm.

Come give them a listen.

Peace. Dirk.

06/27/2024

Ely Stone Bridge view on foot- I showed you a video now here's some images of this beautiful historical bridge you can see for yourself in Monticello, IA. The road is closed about 1/4 mile from the bridge but, you can park your car and walk down. I promise it's worth the walk! You cannot see the Arch or beauty until you explore, so get out your walking shoes and camera and take a look at a Historical place that's on the Historical Registry. From the road it looks like an abandoned area but when you walk over the bridge and down the path on the left or right you find this hidden gem 💎 22488 Stone Bridge Rd Monticello, IA

After you come here check out Whiffle Tree Mercantile for over 4,000sq ft of mercantile from childhood candy, drinks, boutique clothing, custom gifts, Watkins products and more!

Then go and eat at a unique environment and an Amazing menu with tasty drinks The Market at the Tap that was named Top 10 burger in Iowa this year!

Lastly stop in for some beautiful flowers at Muddy Boots Flowers for your table, a friend or just because. They also offer some unique gifts you won't find in every store.

06/26/2024

What an Amazing opportunity to learn about Jones County in a new and exciting way while viewing the beauty that surrounds the Maquoketa River. Don't delay sign-up today! Event takes place on Tuesday, August 6th from 8:30am-2pm and starts out at Pictured Rocks Park. Limited # of spots and if you don't own a watercraft you are able to rent a kayak. Follow the link or QR code on the photo below.

"Join the Jones, Jackson & Dubuque County Conservation Department Staff on Tuesday, August 6th , from 8:30 AM – 2 PM, for a Maquoketa River Archaeology Paddle Older Livelier Wiser (OWL) event. This 6.6-mile paddle will take us from Pictured Rocks Park to the newly renovated Eby’s Mill Access.

Learn about the archaeological history of this area through a short presentation provided by staff from the Office of the State Archaeologists. Prepare to be spellbound by Iowa’s beautiful fall colors as we travel past heavily wooded bluffs, huge boulders, and rocky outcroppings around almost every turn.

Participants can rent a kayak or bring their own watercraft and equipment. A limited number of kayaks and equipment are available for rent. Registration for this event is required. Please register by visiting https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx Registration deadline is Noon August 5th. This outing is river level and weather dependent.

Older Wiser Livelier (OWL) events are sponsored by Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation Departments. OWL programs offer the opportunity for like-minded adults to get together and have a great time while learning more about the world around them. OWLS host speakers as well plan trips throughout the tri-state area."

06/25/2024

Jones County Water Fun:

Little Bear Country Club Pool- Typically Opens @ 1pm daily- Has Hot food inside of Country Club- 9036 Highway 136, Wyoming, IA-1 563-488-2559

Cascade Pool- Has Concession Stand, slides, located next to a park and has a covered pavilion area.
REGULAR HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY - FRIDAY
Adult Only Swim (18 or older) 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Open to Public 1:00 - 5:00pm
Adult Only Swim (18 or older) 5:00 - 6:30pm
Open to Public 6:30 - 8:30pm
__________________________________________________________________
REGULAR HOURS OF OPERATION: SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Adult Only Swim (18 or older)
Saturday 11am - 1pm & Sunday 12pm-1pm
Open to Public 1 - 7 pm
Mommy & Me time (Parent with child under 2) Saturday 11am-12pm
__________________________________________________________________

ADMISSION AND FEES
Individual Season Pass $90 / person
Family Season Pass (immediate family) $185 / family
Family Season Pass (immediate family plus one caregiver) $210 /family
*Pool passes MUST be purchased at City Hall OR online. You can sign up and pay online here : (credit card convenience fees will be charged): Pool Pass Portal
*Pool staff will have electronic records of all pass holders & will check all visitors in at the front desk as patrons arrive
Physical pool passes will not be issued

Regular Daily Admission $5
(anyone over the age of 2)

PRIVATE POOL PARTIES

$250 /2 hours (up to 50 ppl)
$300 / 2 hours (over 50 ppl)
Available Rental Hours –
Mon – Fri 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Sat/Sun – 10am-12pm or 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Anamosa Aqua Court- Offers a Concession stand, slide, diving boards, zero entry pool, tables, shade umbrellas and a park right next door!
Open Swim-
Monday-Friday 1pm-5pm & 7pm-9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 1pm-5pm & 6pm-8pm

Lap Swim-
Monday-Friday 7am-9am

Pool Passes: Hard Copies- Not Electronic
Individual $85
Family $160
Senior Individual $30
Passes are available for Purchase at the LCC or Aqua Court

Daily Rates:
$5-Day
$4- Night
$3- Lap Swim

Pool Parties- $150-1hr $275- 2hrs

Monticello Aquatic Center:
Offers a Slide, Diving Boards, Concession Stands, Separate Toddler Area, Chairs & Shade Area’s plus it's located right next to a park!
Lap Swim: Monday-Thursday from 6:30-8:00 PM | Saturday from 12:00-1:00 PM
Water Aerobics: Monday- Thursday from 7:00-8:00 PM | Saturday from 12:00-1:00 PM
Daily Rate $5
Individual Pass $90
Senior Pass $30
4 Person Pass- $180
5 Person Pass- $192
Pass Cost Change Based off # of people on pass

Olin Splash Pad- Opens June 29th @ 11am
Corner of Maple & Parkway St. Olin

AmericInn- Indoor Pool
Open Swim-
Monday- Thursday 6am-9pm
Friday- 9am-3pm
Sunday- 4pm-9pm
$5 per person per visit
$40 punch card includes 11 punches

Camp Courageous Indoor Pool-
Lap Swim: Monday- Friday 7:30-9:45am
Water Aerobics: Monday-Friday 9:00am-9:45am
Open Swim: Friday 10am-12pm
Daily Rate $7
Pool Rental for Parties-
$150

06/22/2024

Jones County Food & Pharmacy Drive-Thru Options:
Anamosa-
Mc Otto's Family Restaurant- 100 Chamber Dr, Anamosa, IA My favorite things from here are their breaded cauliflower Appetizer & Fried Cheese curds. You can get your typical American food here. Call ahead and then pick up at the drive thru window.

McDonalds- 160 Chamber Drive, Anamosa, IA
Fast Food

Nightingale Drug- 303 W Main St. Anamosa, IA 319-462-3306
Drive-thru Pharmacy

Monticello:

La Hacienda Monticello- 103 S Main St, Monticello, IA 319-465-3700
Taco Tuesday? How about Tacos, chimichangas, Fajitas, Tamales, Taquitos, Margaritas, Beer and More anytime you want just call! – You can call ahead and drive through to pick up.

Diamond Pi Company- 601 South Main Street, Monticello, IA 319-465-5477
Pizza, Pasta, Breadsticks and more! Call ahead and order your family dinner and pick-up at the drive thru window! – They even offer a gluten free crust option

Darrell’s a Family Tradition- 225 S Main St, Monticello, IA 319- 465-3168
Homestyle homemade food and a great breakfast place. Breakfast served All day! You can call ahead and order for pick-up in their drive thru window.

Kelchen’s Kafe- 138 South Main Street Monticello, IA 319-465-5233
Breakfast Sandwiches, Omelet Wraps, Omelets, Pastries and More Breakfast Options.

Hartig Drug- 419 E 1st St, Monticello, IA 319-465-4906
Drive-Thru Pharmacy

06/21/2024

What’s Happening This Weekend in Jones County-

Beringer Family Farm Store - Farm to table Produce, Meats, local breads, jams, milk, cheese, yogurt, fudge & So much more!

Hours: Friday 2-6 PM & Sunday 9-1 PM

Address: 28031 Goose Hill Road Cascade 52033

We will once again have fresh Strawberry & Asparagus in the store this weekend. This MIGHT be the last week for strawberries, so take advantage of them while they last. I will make a post on here IF we sell out. Mama Sheila also made a fresh batch of strawberry cinnamon rolls that we will have available and OH MY are they delicious! There will be free samples of these in the store to try :) We also have a new flavor of frozen cookie dough…the DOMINO cookie! A chocolate cookie with white chocolate chips. There is also three new flavors of frozen meals from Chilled Freezer meals. LOTS happening & going on-we hope to see you in the store!

This week's meat specials are as followed: Flat Iron Steak- Buy 2 get 1 FREE & the weekly bundle is 1 4-5 lb Brisket, 2 NY Strip steaks, 1 small Flat Iron steak, 1 pack Hamburger Patties, 1 pack Beef Bacon for $99.00 (Originally $122)

Stop I to Two Scoops and enjoy something cool, refreshing & tasty! Check out their new summer hours added in the pictures below.

Streets Lemonade Stand- This Saturday in front of Boondocks the Street boys will be outside Boondocks selling Lemonade and 50% of the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society and the other 50% will go to Jones Regional Hospital.

Anamosa Hillclimb- Where some pretty fast bikes compete to see who can be the fastest or go the furthest up the 160ft steep hill next to Scooters in Anamosa!
10277 Shaw Rd., Anamosa, IA
Sunday @ 12
FAQ from the Anamosa Hillclimb-
We don’t allow pets
- We don’t allow carry in alcohol
- Food, beer, and apparel are sold on site
- We have bleachers and picnic tables
- 15 dollars per person, not per car
- 10 and under free
- Parking is free along road on right side only
- Parking is available closer for a fee
- Event lasts usually until about 6pm depending on rider count
- This is a family friendly event
- We are excited about our children’s foot race for a chance to win a scooter
Vendors will open at 10am
First bike takes the hill at noon

Starlighters II
Seussical the Musical
Multiple Dates
Fri, June 21st 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM CST
Starlighters II Theatre
Sat, June 22nd 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM CST
Starlighters II Theatre
Sun, June 23rd 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CST
Starlighters II Theatre
Ticket Prices-
Musical:
Senior: $17 Adult: $18 Student (18 and Under): $5

Monticello Farmer’s Market- Saturday’s 8am-11am- Next to Pizza Ranch at the Willow Park Pavilion- Monticello, IA
Local Produce, Crafts, Flowers, Vendors, Bakers & So much more!

Anamosa Farmer’s Market- Local Produce, Baked Goodies, Crafts & More- Next to Casey’s in front of City Parking Lot- Anamosa, IA

Go out and Explore Jones Counties Many River Access or Recreational Area’s visit our website below for those locations:
https://www.traveljonescounty.com/canoe-boat/
One of the one’s I enjoyed this past week was the Olin Rec. Area & Olin Access – 1 mile North of Olin, E of Hwy 38. It has a little trail down to the water where you can fish, swim to small beach like area to fish or just get out and explore. It also has a nice concrete boat launch area. Nice quiet spot but make sure to bring the bug spray.

Olin also has a Great city park that has disc golf, a neat dragon to climb on for the kids, playground, sand volleyball courts, basketball hoops, bathroom, picnic tables, covered pavilion and a little walking trail.

Exotic Animals with Professor Bec @ 10am in the City Council Chambers- 200 E First St. Monticello, IA

06/21/2024

Here is a look at Wyoming from an Influencers eyes...Tyler from Iowa Scenic Views By Foot was here a couple weeks ago touring All the museums here in Jones County and I will tell you we could have taken another hour just to look at the Wyoming Iowa Historical Museum! They are constantly changing things, introducing different hands on items as well as maintaining the items they have. This is truly a hidden gem right here in Jones County! If you want to see a "medieval bra" from a 4th graders perspective you will be in luck! Our guide Jim Eichhorn was a Great wealth of knowledge and I would highly recommend making sure you have 2hrs at least and then maybe stopping at one of the local restaurants after for lunch. The museum is more then welcoming to anyone looking for a tour. I will add that there are stairs going up to the 3rd floor and stairs going down to the basement for anyone that may be limited mobility wise.

06/20/2024

One week left to sign up for this Great summer Opportunity for your little ones in Monticello, IA.

ONE WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER FOR GROWING UP WILD
We are so excited to provide our Growing Up Wild camp again this year!
Designed for children ages 3-7 Growing Up WILD builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature through outdoor exploration. A mix of different concepts such as science, math, vocabulary, art, music and movement, health and safety, and nutrition, and other subjects will be applied throughout activities and exploration.
Sessions will be every Monday and Wednesday in July from 8 am - 9 am (locations will vary)
Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with, learn about, and explore the world around us!

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

06/20/2024

The Great Jones county Fair is coming up!! Be sure to check out all the different fun, educational, entertainment, bands, food, tractor pulls and more there is right here at the Jones County Fairgrounds! Be sure to Mark your calendars for Monday, July 15th- Sunday, July 21st

06/19/2024

We got you covered- Making plans for 4th of July? Looking for a fun filled time with family and friend? Well, Jones County has a variety of events going on to Celebrate 4th of July.

Anamosa Fireworks- Ken Fearing Track 635 Walworth Ave, Anamosa, IA 52205
Wednesday, July 3rd
"Family Fun Games by Anamosa Am Vets Post 110 from 6 - 8 pm on the football field. Prizes and a goodie bag will be given away. Fireworks by Anamosa Rotary at dark."

Monticello's July 4th Celebration, Jones County Fairgrounds
800 N Maple St. Monticello, IA
Thursday, July 4th
Monticello Firemen's Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Parade at 11 a.m.- You will want to make sure you have a chair, get there early, cooler with drinks as this is a longer parade but I would Highly recommend!
Fireworks at dusk

Oxford Junction
Thursday, July 4th fun from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"Celebrate with a parade, fun, and fireworks."
Wapsi Park Board – Chicken Supper @ Oxford Junction legionnaire Ballroom
3397 X-64 Oxford Junction ,IA
From 5:00-7:30pm

06/18/2024

Saturday is Monticello night at the Cedar Rapids Kernels game! Order online or through the QR code on the flyer below. Let's come together as a Community for a night of baseball and good times!

06/18/2024

Stop in to Two Scoops and Cool off with one of their new menu items- Slushies and to add a fun twist you can also get a Slushie with ice cream!! They are open until 9pm tonight and for all you adults who may need an extra pick me up they have caffeinated ice cream and you can make it into shakes!

06/18/2024

Don't forget to sign up and send in your pictures for the June Family Fishing Challenge in order to have a chance to win some of these awesome prizes that were donated!