This is a multipurpose trail. Find further information at: Chichaqua Valley Trail Information

Baxter to Berwick– 26 Miles

This scenic recreational trail begins just west of Berwick and extends for 26 miles to the Jasper County town of Baxter.

The Polk County trailhead and parking area is on Northeast 88th Street, south of Highway 65 and one mile east of Bondurant. Trail users can also park in Mally's Park in Berwick. Various other access points are available in the towns along the trail.

Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails within PCCB lands. The only exceptions are for maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency vehicles. This restriction does not apply to a manual-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability, e.g. wheel chair.

This trail is paved from beginning to end, making it popular with rollerbladers as well as cyclists and hikers. Along the trail, one will spot mile markers showing the distance to Kansas City for this former railroad route. The trail also crosses stone bridges dating from the Wisconsin, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad that built this rail line in 1885.

In later years, the line was used by the Chicago, St. Paul, & Kansas City Railroad (1886-1892), Chicago Great Western Company (1892-1968), and finally the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company (1968-1984). The line was abandoned in 1984, and reopened as a recreational trail in 1987. It includes a scenic crossing of the Skunk River.

The Gay Lea Wilson Trail, when completed, will extend for approximately 35 miles throughout the eastern and northern parts of Polk County. The trail will also make up the lower portion of a 110-mile Central Iowa Trail Loop that will connect existing parks, trails, and businesses in five counties. Polk County Conservation Board currently owns and manages the five mile trail segment between Pleasant Hill and Altoona and the recently constructed 2.5 mile trail segment between Ankeny and Des Moines. Parking and access to this new stretch of trail is available at Carney Marsh in Ankeny or Sargent Park in Des Moines. For more information on this newest 2.5 mile connection, please see this flyer.Recreation and nature enthusiasts will find this multi-use trail useful for a variety of activities including hiking, cycling, birding, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing.Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails within PCCB lands. The only exceptions are for maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency vehicles. This restriction does not apply to a manual-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability, e.g. wheel chair.

The land that now rests beneath the High Trestle Trails was purchased in 1881 to establish the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad Company. Union Pacific Railroad sold a 25-mile discontinued rail corridor that connects the cities of Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid, and Woodward to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation in 2005. The Foundation then transferred the corridor to nine public partners, including Polk County Conservation Board. The majority of the trail was paved in 2008. This trail segment is a major link in a proposed plan to create two 100-mile trail loops that meet near Des Moines. The western loop involves the Raccoon River Trail and Clive Greenbelt Trail. The eastern loop includes the Heart of Iowa Trail, Chichaqua Valley Trail and the Gay Lea Wilson Trail.A former railroad bridge that spans across the Des Moines River, located between Woodward and Madrid, is the focal point of the trail. This one half mile “destination bridge” rises 13 stories high with special lighting and six overlook spots where people can step aside and enjoy the views. This trail bridge is the fifth largest in the world!

The 6.5 mile Sycamore Trail will take you through some of the most wild areas of the Des Moines metro area. Abundant wildlife and views of the Des Moines River will keep you pedaling to find what’s around the next bend in the trail.The Sycamore Trail is open to bicycling, hiking and cross-country skiing. The following are not permitted in this natural area: motorized vehicles, horseback riding, camping, and firearms. 

Visit our website for further information: www.leadingyououtdoors.org

Access to the Des Moines River between Des Moines and Lake Red Rock is provided at the Yellow Banks Park boat ramp. The ramp is located off the western park drive past camp area # 1.

Enjoy exploring the Yellow Banks pond via small boat with trolling motor, canoe or kayak.

A boat ramp is available for electric motor boats.

 

Four modern rental cabins have been constructed at Jester Park. Each cabin has a two-story walkout floor plan. One cabin has two bedrooms and sleeps 8 people. The three remaining cabins have one bedroom and sleep 6 people.

Amenities include a full kitchen, two modern 3/4 bathrooms with shower (one ground level, one in basement), charcoal grill, front porch, back deck overlooking the timber, and a communal fire pit.

The proposed cabin site was carefully selected for its beautiful woodland setting and close proximity to many recreational amenities and environmental education programming opportunities. The cabins are nestled in amongst a mature pine grove that is adjacent to Discovery Pond. This 2.8 acre pond is a popular fishing spot and public programming site. An accessible canoe/kayak access, fishing pier, and hiking trail around the pond provides safe and healthy outdoor activities for people of all ages and abilities. Within short walking distance, cabin users will stumble upon a secluded bird blind, elk and bison wildlife exhibit, and an innovative natural playscape.

There are also many exciting places to explore while hiking on the nature trails that connect to the cabins. Jester Park and the Saylorville Lake region is a goldmine for outdoor recreation. Premier camping, picnicking, boating, beach use, interpretive programming, hiking, cycling, golfing, and horseback riding are just a handful of the many opportunities that await cabin visitors.

Pictures of the facilities can be found at our website at leadingyououtdoors.org

Thomas Mitchell Park's campground rests in a scenic bend of Camp Creek at the foot of a tall, wooded ridge. This popular area offers electric sites, primitive sites, and 2 youth group camping areas.  A modern showerhouse and dump station are open from mid-April to mid-October. Children's playground, hiking trails, fishing pond, and reconstructed prairie are nearby. More information can be found on our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org

Reservations for all campsites can be made on this website by clicking the MAKE RESERVATIONS tab above. 

 

Yellow Banks Park features primitive camping sites tucked into nature on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Des Moines River, as well as many electric sites at two nearby camping areas. The park also offers various unique backpacking campsites located off a 3/4 mile trail. If you are traveling in a group, Yellow Banks also offers two group camp areas and a youth group camp area.

More information can be found on our website at  www.leadingyououtdoors.org

For those who want to launch their own boats onto the upper reaches of Saylorville Lake, Jester Park offers a boat ramp located at the Lincoln Access beside the Mile-Long Bridge. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers warns boaters to use caution upstream from the Mile-Long Bridge.

A "No Motorized Vessel Zone" is located north of the Mile Long Bridge during April 1 to August 31. During periods of flood storage, restriction may be lifted. Please contact the US Army Corps of Engineers at Saylorville Lake for details. Call 515-276-4656 or visit their website at http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/SaylorvilleLake.aspx

Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center
Rent canoes, kayaks and paddle boards from the Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center. For more information call: (515) 323-5330 or visit the website: Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center

 

Fishing and boating access to 165-acre Easter Lake is provided by a boat ramp on the south shore of the lake off Easter Lake Drive. 

Boat rentals are also available through Pingora Outdoors Company. Visit their website for further information: https://easterlakeboatrental.com/

Access to the Des Moines River between Des Moines and Lake Red Rock is provided at the Yellow Banks Park boat ramp. The ramp is located off the western park drive past camp area # 1.

Polk County Conservation naturalists offer nature programs at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. To request a Nature News to learn about upcoming programs at Chichaqua and other parks in Polk County send an email to pccb_info@polkcountyiowa.gov and put ADD TO MAILING LIST  in the reference line.

Polk County Conservation naturalists offer many year-round nature programs. To request a Nature News to learn about upcoming programs at Lewis A. Jester Park and other parks in Polk County send an email to pccb_info@polkcountyiowa.gov and put ADD TO MAILING LIST in the reference line. For current listings, click on the EVENTS tab above or visit the calendar on our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org.

Jester Park Nature Center

One of Iowa’s leading nature centers, the Jester Park Nature Center is a gateway to experience Iowa’s natural environment. As a place where education and tourism intersect, this facility  provides exceptional value to this region. Serving as the welcome center, portal to Polk County’s family of parks, and Jester Park’s new front porch, tourists, students, educators, families, and others connect through the nature center to the natural playscape and bison/elk exhibit, restored woodlands, Saylorville Lake, and a network of natural trails that will immerse people back into nature.

Exhibits
As visitors walk downstairs to the lower level of the Nature Center, they can explore displays representing three major habitats at Jester Park: wetlands, prairie, and woodlands. These displays help visitors identify plant and animal species in the park, discover relationships and connections between different species in the ecosystem.

Wetlands Island
Explore either side of a freestanding display that depicts a wetland habitat. Visitors can scoop up aquatic animals and look through a microscope to understand the importance of wetlands and good water quality. Along the critter wall, visitors can enjoy the large aquariums with live turtles and fish.

Prairie Island
Discover what lies beneath the sea of grass and flowers. Young visitors can crawl through a root-filled space to discover a variety of animals living underground like a fox and her pups or a pocket gopher. Above ground they can search for a three-dimensional ornate box turtle and bull snake along with real bison and elk fur. Visitors can lift interpretive panels "buried" in the ground form and discover creatures in their underground burrows.

Woodland Island
This exhibit depicts a forest floor, with sculpted mushrooms. Visitors can become nature detectives, using clues like animal tracks or scat to see if they can identify what creatures have been in the forest. Visitors can crawl thru the sculpted log to explore the "basement" of the woodland habitat revealing the secret relationship between plant, animals and the soil that supports them.

Habitat Wall
A large magnetic Habitat wall allows visitors to engage in free form play. Visitors will be free to make their own meaningful connections to the animals and plants found in Iowa while "playing" with magnets.

Naturalist Nook
Investigate natural items left by our naturalists or park visitors to discover and identify. A puppet theater allows free play for the young visitor. There is also space for reading books and playing with games.

Outdoor Exhibits: Features two outdoor patios; t​rails; prairie, woodland and ​wetland habitats.

 

JESTER PARK NATURE CENTER
Looking for a venue for your next corporate or personal event in a beautiful park setting? The Jester Park Nature Center is an eco-conscience building immersed in prairie and surrounded by woodlands. The nature center offers many different areas of the building for your next event. For more information on reserving this facility, visit this link.

Rental reservations will begin being accepted on January 2, 2019. Reservations can only be made six months prior to the reservation date. To make a reservation, call (515) 323-5317 between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.(Monday - Friday).

JESTER PARK SHELTERS
Five open air picnic shelters can be rented from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days per week. All shelters are accessible and come with picnic tables and grills. Amenities such as electricity, water service, sand volleyball courts, and playgrounds can be found in or nearby certain shelters.  For more information or to make reservations, please click on the MAKE RESERVATIONS tab above.

JESTER PARK LODGE
Managed by Food with Flair Catering, the Jester Park Lodge is a unique destination for weddings, corporate retreats, and private parties. The venue is nestled in mature woodlands overlooking an expansive lawn with beautiful lake views. The Jester Park Lodge can seat over 250 guests with a beautiful, private deck overlooking Saylorville Lake. The indoor event space can be divided in half for smaller events. Facility rental prices change seasonally. For more information or to make a reservation at the Lodge, please click here to go to their website.

JESTER PARK EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Jester Park Equestrian Center can be your go-to destination for your equestrian clinic, small show, conferences or other venue needs (ie: dog shows!). Our facilities were established in mind to host a plethora of groups and we are very accommodating and flexible for your needs. Utilize our indoor complex, outdoor arena, trail system or a combination of all of the above! For fees and rental information, visit their website here.

JESTER PARK CLUBHOUSE
Surrounded by beautiful rolling greens, the Jester Park Golf Course Clubhouse is an excellent choice for your next corporate or holiday party, graduation party, reunion, or birthday! The clubhouse does not host weddings. This venue has a private entrance for events, a customizable floor layout that seats 100+ guests, full service bar and kitchen, and a private back patio with plenty of extra seating. For more information, visit their website here.

SHELTERS AND AMPHITHEATER
Five picnic shelters are available by reservation or on a first-come  basis. Shelter #2 has a volleyball court and overlooks Skull Pond and golf course, Shelter #3 has a volleyball net and is closest to the playground, Shelter #5 is near the cabins, across from Two Dam Pond, Shelter #6 is across from Elk/Bison Exhibit and Nature Playscape. The Amphitheater/mini shelter, great for award ceremonies and small wedding ceremonies is also available to reserve. Reservations for these facilities can be made by clicking on the MAKE RESERVATIONS tab above.


JESTER PARK CABINS
Four modern cabins at Jester Park provide opportunities for families to enjoy Jester Park who are unable or less inclined to camp. The cabins feature a walk out basement, covered front porch seating area, a wrap around wooden walkway to a back deck with a secluded woodland views. Amenities inside include a fireplace, kitchenette, two restrooms with shower, and modern household furnishings. The one larger cabin has a 2 bedroom upper level, with separate bunk space in the lower walk-out; the three smaller cabins have 1 bedroom on ground level with the same lower level features. Other amenities to the cabin site include fire ring, BBQ grills outside, and a central fire-pit gathering area for families.  For more information or to make reservations, please click on the MAKE RESERVATIONS tab above.

Three picnic shelters are available by reservation or on a first-come basis. Shelter #1 is located near the lake and shares a parking lot with the boat ramp. Shelter #2 has a volleyball court and is located near a playground. Shelter #3 is near the outdoor classroom and has a fireplace inside the open-air shelter. Reservations can be made using this website by clicking on the MAKE RESERVATIONS tab above.

The Chichaqua Longhouse is one of our enclosed facilities. It is popular for family reunions, company picnics, weddings, and other group functions. The longhouse accommodates up to 125 people. Reservations can be made on this site. 

Yellow Banks Park features TWO shelters and picnic areas on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Des Moines River. One additional shelter is located adjacent to ball fields and can be reserved from mid-July through October 15.

Reservations can be made using this website by clicking on the MAKE RESERVATIONS tab above. 

Come stroll through beautiful trails or splash around in Camp Creek as your find yourself surrounded by the colors of autumn.

There's possibly no better place to experience fall than the beautiful woods at Brown's Woods.

Experience historic Fort Des Moines Park in full fall swing.

This 14 acres pond was constructed in 1976.
Maximum depth: 30 feet
Average depth: 15 feet
For more information on fishing and pond contour map, please visit our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or by clicking on the following link: FISHING INFORMATION

This 165 acre lake was constructed in 1967.
Maximum depth: 26 feet
Average depth: 10 feet

Rules
No wake
ADA fishing pier are located north side of the park.
For more information on fishing or for a pond contour map, please visit our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or by clicking on the following link: FISHING INFORMATION

For more information on fishing and a pond contour map, please visit our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or by clicking on the following link: FISHING INFORMATION

Major improvements to the pond have been taking place IN RECENT years, improving the quality of the woodlands and pond in Thomas Mitchell Park. Grant dollars have funded the installation of  water control structures, construction and connection of new tile lines, reestablishment of native vegetation, pond dredging, fish restocking, and timber stand improvement.

Yellow Banks Pond - 5 acres
Maximum depth: 14 feet
Average depth: 8 feet
Pond contour map can be found on our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or by clicking on the following link: FISHING

Types of fish found in pond: 
Bass  
Bluegill  
Crappie
Catfish 

Other water access: 
Boat ramp access to Des Moines River

Geocaching has become a very popular activity for individuals and families to participate in. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave an item if they decide to take something from the cache. Visit geocaching.com for more details.

Polk County Conservation permits geocaching in keeping with its mission to provide opportunities for safe recreational activities. Geocachers are welcome to place a cache in PCC lands as long as they comply with the requirements of the geocache permit.

Geocaching has become a very popular activity for individuals and families to participate in. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave an item if they decide to take something from the cache. Visit geocaching.com for more details.

Polk County Conservation permits geocaching in keeping with its mission to provide opportunities for safe recreational activities. Geocachers are welcome to place a cache in PCC lands as long as they comply with the requirements of the geocache permit.

Geocaching has become a very popular activity for individuals and families to participate in. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave an item if they decide to take something from the cache. Visit geocaching.com for more details.

Polk County Conservation permits geocaching in keeping with its mission to provide opportunities for safe recreational activities. Geocachers are welcome to place a cache in PCC lands as long as they comply with the requirements of the geocache permit.

Geocaching has become a very popular activity for individuals and families to participate in. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave an item if they decide to take something from the cache. Visit geocaching.com for more details.

Polk County Conservation permits geocaching in keeping with its mission to provide opportunities for safe recreational activities. Geocachers are welcome to place a cache in PCC lands as long as they comply with the requirements of the geocache permit.

Geocaching has become a very popular activity for individuals and families to participate in. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave an item if they decide to take something from the cache. Visit geocaching.com for more details.

Polk County Conservation permits geocaching in keeping with its mission to provide opportunities for safe recreational activities. Geocachers are welcome to place a cache in PCC lands as long as they comply with the requirements of the geocache permit.

Geocaching has become a very popular activity for individuals and families to participate in. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave an item if they decide to take something from the cache. Visit geocaching.com for more details.

Polk County Conservation permits geocaching in keeping with its mission to provide opportunities for safe recreational activities. Geocachers are welcome to place a cache in PCC lands as long as they comply with the requirements of the geocache permit.

Geocaching has become a very popular activity for individuals and families to participate in. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave an item if they decide to take something from the cache. Visit geocaching.com for more details.

Polk County Conservation permits geocaching in keeping with its mission to provide opportunities for safe recreational activities. Geocachers are welcome to place a cache in PCC lands as long as they comply with the requirements of the geocache permit.

Geocaching has become a very popular activity for individuals and families to participate in. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave an item if they decide to take something from the cache. Visit geocaching.com for more details.

Polk County Conservation permits geocaching in keeping with its mission to provide opportunities for safe recreational activities. Geocachers are welcome to place a cache in PCC lands as long as they comply with the requirements of the geocache permit.

Geocaching has become a very popular activity for individuals and families to participate in. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave an item if they decide to take something from the cache. Visit geocaching.com for more details.

Polk County Conservation permits geocaching in keeping with its mission to provide opportunities for safe recreational activities. Geocachers are welcome to place a cache in PCC lands as long as they comply with the requirements of the geocache permit.

Fort Des Moines Park was originally part of “Fort Des Moines,” established on 640 acres of land four miles south of downtown Des Moines in 1903. This area was a cavalry post, an officer training camp, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) training center, US Army Reserve Center, and landfill site until the 1960’s. In the late 1960’s, Lady Bird Johnson promoted the Legacy of Parks program by giving federal property to local governments for parks. Polk County Conservation Board acquired Fort Des Moines Park through this program in October, 1972.

In 1910, a 100-foot early Warren pony truss bridge was built over the channelized South Skunk River. In 1992, a new bridge was constructed to replace the old bridge which was moved to Chichaqua. Only 17 bridges of this type remain in Iowa with this one being the longest.

Hunting is allowed in the majority of the area. A portion of Chichaqua has been designated as a "controlled hunting area". Non-toxic shot (non-lead) is required with the exception of deer and turkey hunting. All state and federal hunting laws apply.

Polk County Conservation Board initiated a controlled waterfowl hunting program at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt in 1973. Each year, the program allows the reservation of up to 12 hunting blinds per day. Up to four people are allowed per blind. Hunting is allowed Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from legal opening time until 1 p.m. during the October to early December season. Blinds are located adjacent to waters that are part of a five hundred acre refuge. The program has been very popular with central Iowa hunters. The County's operation is one of several programs in Iowa and the only one in the central part of the state. The others are along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. It has been popular for older hunters who find it difficult to wade in many public marshes, but can walk to individual blinds over dry land at Chichaqua. The layout of the area, access to the blinds, and the need for no boats make it more attractive.

Waterfowl hunting blinds at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt can be reserved by calling the Chichaqua office at (515) 967-2596 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The twelve blinds are located in both marsh and woodland settings. Daily reservations are $30 per hunting blind. Hunting is allowed from legal opening time to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday throughout the season.

A trap range including a trap house is available to rent for a nominal fee. You may also bring your own thrower to use at the range if the area is not reserved. To reserve the range, call the park office at (515) 967-2596.  Shot shell only allowed at this range. For more information about hunting, please visit our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or click on the following link: HUNTING INFORMATION

Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center

The Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center offers a wide range of outdoor programming through Polk County Conservation, rental equipment, and Pingora Outdoors at Jester Park, allowing everyone access to outdoor adventure and fun!

Equipment Rental
Rent summer and winter equipment at the Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center.

Playground
This play structure was created with the child in mind. One structure is desgned for children ages 2-5, while the other is designed for children ages 5-12. Both structures are accessible and can be found near shelter #3.

Natural Playscape
The Jester Park Natural Playscape is not a run of the mill playground. It is a play area constructed using natural materials such as boulders, earth mounds, and water features, avoiding plastics, metals, concrete, or signs explaining how to play.

Children that climb trees, roll down hills, scramble up rocks, dam up water, and hide in grass experience natural play. This type of play frees the child’s imagination to limitless learning opportunities. By using the approach of a Natural Playscape instead of a fabricated playground, children’s creativity will be challenged with adventurous natural activities and objects.

Jester Park Golf Course
The Jester Park Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course judged by the Des Moines Business Record in 1997 to be Greater Des Moines' "best public golf course." Excellent playing conditions and challenging holes have helped make Jester Park a popular course for state tournaments. Tee times may be made in advance by calling (515) 999-2903. Jester Park also offers a 9-hole par 3 course especially popular with beginning golfers, as well as a modern Golf Learning and Practice Facility with driving range and practice greens.

Miniature Golf Course The newly constructed 18-hole miniature golf course is a fun, yet challenging game for players of all ages. The professionally designed course has multiple water features,
practice greens, and beautifully manicured flower beds. The course is also lit for the after sunlight hours to provide night time fun! Birthday party & group packages are available.

 

Dog Training Area: Approximately 100 acres have been designated for year round dog training. Organized dog trials are held throughout the year. Areas not designated for year round training are closed between March 15 and July 15 during wildlife nesting season.

Bird Watching: Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is designated as a Bird Conservation Area by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Chichaqua, in conjunction with the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, encompasses about 76,500 acres, 15,000 acres of which are protected for wildlife. Click here to download a brochure about this Bird Conservation Area which includes a field guide checklist and to watch a video to learn more about some common Iowa backyard birds.

ADA Accessible Playgrounds

Easter Lake has three ADA accessible playgrounds. They are located near shelter #1, #5 and at the swimming beach.

 

Outdoor Recreational Equipment Rental

The Easter Lake Boat Rental provides a wide selection of quality outdoor recreation rental equipment right on the beach at Easter Lake Park. Canoes • Kayaks • Stand Up Paddle Boards • Bikes • Fishing Boats • Craig Cats Drinks • Snacks • Bait • & More! Visit their website for more information: https://easterlakeboatrental.com/

A ball field is located near Shelter #1 and is reservable with a shelter reservation. It is available on a first come basis when shelter is not reserved.

A universally designed play area provides accessible walkways connecting the playground, restrooms, shelters, and ball field. The playground has an average of 50 different activities and are constructed using recycled materials. Some of the activities include slides, swings, tunnels, sliding poles, cargo nets, ramps, bridges, lookout towers, and activity panels.

Yellow Banks Park features three shelters and picnic areas on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Des Moines River. Picnic tables with grills are scattered throughout the park

Three picnic shelters are available by reservation or on a first-come basis. Picnic tables with grills are scattered throughout the park.

Several areas are available for family picnics. Tables, charcoal grills and trash cans are provided with restrooms nearby.

Five picnic shelters are available by reservation or on a first-come basis. Several offer views of the lake and others are located in private, wooded settings. Picnic tables with grills are scattered throughout the park.

Picnicing is also available at the Jester Park Nature Center on the outdoor patios.

The Wymore Trail is located in the woods between shelters # 3 and #4 on the south side of the lake. Several trail heads provide access to this 0.9 mile trails. Catch a glimpse of beautiful Easter Lake as you walk along this densely wooded trail. The Mark C. Ackelson 6.2 mile multiuse trail includes a 4 mile loop around Easter Lake.

 

Trail information and park maps may be found on our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or by clicking on this link: PARKS AND TRAILS

Brown's Woods can only be explored on foot or cross-country skis. The trails are sensitive to erosion and cannot withstand wear caused by horses, bicycles, or motorized vehicles.

Nature Trails
Length:	Total	4.4 miles
	Gateway Trail	.5 Miles
	Preparation Loop	.5 miles
	Wilderness Loop	1.4 miles
	North Loop	2 miles
Difficulty:	Moderate

Trail information and park maps can be found on our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or by clicking this link: PARKS AND TRAILS

There are several established trails within Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. Trail information and park maps can be found on our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or by clicking on this link: PARKS AND TRAILS

Cardinal Flower Trail: .8 mile loop begins and ends near the historic bridge. This tranquil trail winds along the old ox-bows of the Skunk River. Keep an eye out for great blue herons, wood ducks, and river otters.
Difficulty: Easy

Jack Pine Trail: .9 mile trail crosses the historic bridge and follows the river to the west.
Difficulty: Easy

Otter Trail: 2.6 mile trail from the south end of the Cardinal Flower Trail to the southeast corner of the marsh and back to the office. Closed September 1 to the end of waterfowl hunting season.
Difficulty: Easy

Wood Duck Trail: .25 mile trail between the Longhouse and Area #2.
Difficulty: Easy

This 16.5 mile recreational trail begins near Water Works Park in Des Moines and ends in the Warren County town of Martensdale. Parking is available at the trailhead on Valley Drive/George Flagg Pkwy. near Park Avenue. The trail has a asphalt surface.

Multipurpose trail nearby

Devoite Trail: This ridge top trail is part of the old stagecoach trail which continued on to Fort Des Moines and beyond.  The stagecoach would make stops at Thomas Mitchell's cabin while traveling along this trail. 
Difficulty: Moderate

For more trail information and park maps, please visit our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or clicking on the following link: PARKS AND TRAILS

This 10' wide asphalt trail connects the Inter Urban Trestle Bridge (south of the Euclid Bridge) to the Trestle Bridge (north of I-80/35) connecting to the Johnston trail system. Trailheads are located at River Place off Euclid Avenue (on the west side of the Des Moines River) and on NW Lower Beaver Drive (just east of NW Beaver Drive).
 
Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails within PCCB lands. The only exceptions are for maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency vehicles. This restriction does not apply to a manual-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability, e.g. wheel chair.

More trail information and park maps can be found on our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or by clicking on the following link: PARKS AND TRAILS

Snowmobiling is allowed east of the creek.

Cross Country Skiing
If it’s a flat trail you’re looking for, then check out Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. Trails will wind through the woodlands, following the old Skunk River channel. You may see deer, fox, and otter tracks along the trail. Many different loops will be groomed, all beginning from the campground.

Ski equipment can be rented at the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center. Call 515-323-5330 for more information. To visit our website click here: Jester Park Equipment Rental information