Pavilions are located at both the AR 35 and Plantersville road access to Lake Monticello for picnic and family gatherings, as well as concrete benches overlooking the water. The Plantersville access also offers earthen piers which extend into the water and provide fishing opportunities for those without boats and the handicapped.  Landscaping improvements are continually being made, and a number of new trees have been planted.  City officials hope to eventually see a walking trail created at the lake, as well as rest rooms and playground equipment to make the area a prime destination for family recreation as well as fishermen.

Lake Monticello is accessible by taking US 425 North to its intersection with AR 35 West. Continue traveling on AR 35 West for approximately five miles.  Directional signs along a paved road meandering through pine plantations will lead you to the lake, paved parking and recreational facilities, including a landing strip for model airplanes.

 A second boat recreational are, called Plantersville Access, is located on the north side of the lake.   It can be accessed from Old Highway 13.  The initial route is similar following US 425 to Monticello, and its intersection with AR 35. After turning west on AR 35 and traveling approximately 1.5 miles turn right and follow directional signs to the lakeshore.

Hunting: Drew County is regarded as a sportsman's haven.  Each year, Drew County is among the top 10 locations in Arkansas measured by the number of deer harvested. Many trophy bucks are taken annually. Most resident hunters belong to private clubs that lease large tracts of timberlands. There are also several wildlife management areas open to the public for hunting in season and wildlife observation during the balance of the year. 

Cut-off Creek and Seven Devils Swamp, both of which are wildlife management areas, provide some of the best duck hunting found in the state.  Cut-off Creek is a 9,000- acre hunting area included in a program that offers deer and turkey hunting permits to hunters.  During the duck season the area is transformed from woods to flooded timber that is perfect for a successful duck hunt.  On the other hand Seven Devils is a remote swamp covered with thick timber, creeks, sloughs and backwaters.  It includes seven hidden lakes which provide for an excellent hunting and fishing experience for outdoorsmen.  The lower half of the area is also flooded during waterfowl season to offer hunters an opportunity to hunt ducks and migratory birds.  Also a favorite destination, Casey Jones Wildlife Management Area is located in Southeast Arkansas, including over 16,000 acres of land to be used for hunting.  Permits are sold for approximately $20.00 each, this insures the safety of hunters and prevents over hunting. 

Football Season: With two school districts and a university located in Monticello, the sports action is unrelenting.  In the fall, the Monticello Billie's, Junior Billie's and University of Arkansas-Monticello Boll Weevils kick off their respective football seasons.  Tailgating has become a relatively new pre-game tradition, Home football games at UAM feature the "Walk of Champions," with crowds gathering to cheer on their team as it enters the stadium.

Cross-Country: Cross country running is a big fall sport in the local schools, and a recently constructed track and field facility adjacent to the Monticello High School is open to the public when not in use by the school. It is an ideal place for those who enjoy walking regularly.

Basketball: As winter approaches Monticello gears up for the Basket Ball season.       Drew Central Pirates, the Monticello Billies and UAM Weevils heat up the court.

 

Baseball: Monticello takes Baseball seriously, when the coming of spring baseball and fast-pitch softball begin.  Monticello has several youth organizations that offer athletic instruction and participation in competitive games. There are opportunities for all ages and a softball association that offers playing opportunities for adults. 2006 saw the first phase completion of Monticello Sports Complex.  The Complex currently offers eight soccer fields, which draw hundreds of children and parents to exciting games, and 4 new baseball /softball fields. The fields are served by a large, centrally located concession stand and conveniently located restrooms.

In 2006, Monticello played host to the 16 Year Old Babe Ruth World Series, with hundreds of players, relatives and friends visiting the city.  Monticello also hosted a 14- Year old Babe Ruth Southwest Regional Tournament, an American Legion State Tournament and a Cal Ripken Invitational event.