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Monona Butterfly Garden & Trails: A Natural Gem

Discover a peaceful escape at Monona's Butterfly Garden & Trails, a vibrant natural haven for recreation and wildlife viewing in the heart of Iowa.

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Escape into nature at the Monona Butterfly Garden & Trails, a serene 6-acre park in Monona, Iowa, featuring vibrant butterfly gardens, memorial gardens, and a 2.5-mile hard-surface trail. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or active recreation, the trail connects four parks, the city campground, aquatic center, and the local school.

A brief summary to Monona Butterfly Garden & Trails

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Bring your camera to capture the colorful butterflies and beautiful flowers in the gardens.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking or biking on the 2.5-mile trail.
  • Visit during the summer months for the best chance to see a wide variety of butterflies.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Monona Butterfly Garden & Trails are located on the west edge of Monona, near the Family Aquatic Center at 601 Davis St. From most points in central Monona, the garden is easily accessible by foot. Simply head west towards the Aquatic Center, and you'll find the main entrance and parking area.

  • Public Transport

    Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) provides public transportation services to Monona. SRTS is a demand-response system, so you'll need to call in advance to schedule a ride. Curb-to-curb service within city limits costs $4.00 per one-way trip. Door-to-door service is $7.00 per one way trip. Call 800-881-2076 to schedule a ride.

  • Driving

    From Highway 18/52, follow signs for Monona. Once in town, turn north onto Davis Street. Continue to 601 Davis St, where you'll find the Monona Family Aquatic Center and the main parking area for the Butterfly Garden & Trails. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Monona Butterfly Garden & Trails

The Monona Butterfly Garden & Trails offers a tranquil retreat into nature's beauty in the heart of Monona, Iowa. This 6-acre park is a testament to community pride and the result of dedicated volunteer efforts. Originally an Earth Year 2000 project, it has blossomed into a cherished space for recreation, exercise, and wildlife viewing. The park features a diverse landscape, including a dedicated butterfly garden, a memorial garden, and the scenic Garden View Park. The 2.5-mile hard-surface trail meanders through these gardens and connects to other key locations in Monona, such as the city campground, the Family Aquatic Center, and the Monona center of MFL MarMac CSD. This trail provides opportunities for walking, running, and biking in a pristine, natural setting. Visitors can admire a variety of trees and shrubs, many of which have been donated in memory of loved ones, adding a personal touch to the landscape. The garden serves as a wildlife corridor, attracting a variety of butterflies and other pollinators, making it a delight for nature enthusiasts. The park is easily accessible, with a parking lot near the Family Aquatic Center and other entrances on W First Street and near Garden View Park.

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