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Lewis A Jester Park



 
Boating Boating at Lewis A. Jester Park
For those who want to launch their own boats onto the upper reaches of Saylorville Lake, Jester Park offers two boat ramps. One is located off Jester Park Drive near the main campground, with the other 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.
Camping Camping at Lewis A. Jester Park
Jester offers more than 252 campsites along the lakeshore and across the wooded hills overlooking Saylorville Lake. There are 52 electric sites and 205 non-electric sites, as well as 18 equestrian campsites. Two campground showerhouses are open mid-April through mid-October, during which time camping rates for non-reservable sites are $19 for electric sites and $13 for non-electric. A special discounted rate of $114 for electric and $78 for non-electric is available for a 7-day camping stay. Off-season special discounted rates are $96 for electric and $66 for non-electric for a 7-day camping stay.

Campers should set up at their campsite before registering at the campground registration booth located one mile from the park entrance. Campsites cannot be reserved in advance. Firewood is available near the registration booth.

A youth camping area is available by reservation only.

Reservations can be made for some campsites using this website.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Lewis A. Jester Park
For those who want to launch their own boats onto the upper reaches of Saylorville Lake, Jester Park offers two boat ramps. One is located off Jester Park Drive near the main campground, with the other 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.
Education Education at Lewis A. Jester Park
Polk County Conservation naturalists offer many year-round nature programs at Jester Park. 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.
Equestrian Activities Equestrian Activities at Lewis A. Jester Park
The Equestrian Center offers boarding, riding lessons, shows and clinics, team building, trail riding, wagon & sleigh rides, pony rides and birthday parties. For for a complete listing of all programs go to www.jesterparkec.com.
Facility Rentals Facility Rentals at Lewis A. Jester Park
Five picnic shelters are available by reservation or on a first-come  basis. All shelters have a horseshoe pit. Reservations can be made using this website.

The Jester Park Lodge a full service banquet and conference center nestled along the northwest shore of Saylorville Lake. With a capacity of 258 people, it is an ideal location for wedding receptions, reunions, and meetings The rental facility offers users a full kitchen, dance floor, deck, and fireplace. The large hall can be divided into two meeting rooms. The facility is ADA-accessible and can be reserved year-round. Christiani’s Catering provides the rental and catering services for the Lodge.
Fishing Fishing at Lewis A. Jester Park
Three ponds (Teal, Skull, and Two Dam) support large mouth bass, bluegill, green sunfish, and crappie.
Maximum depth: 8 feet.
Average depth: 5 feet.
Most fish are small but plentiful. Good for beginning anglers. Look for submerged brush piles. Ice fish using wax worms and minnows. You can also also fish Saylorville Lake form the shore or by boat. 
Hunting Hunting at Lewis A. Jester Park
Several remote areas of Jester Park are available to hunt all game. A portion of Jester Park along Saylorville Lake is open to waterfowl hunting only. All state and federal hunting laws apply.
Other Activities Other Activities at Lewis A. Jester Park
Playground
This play structure was created with the child in mind. One structure is desgined for children ages 2-5, while the other is designded for children ages 5-12. Both areas are accessible.

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 an18-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 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.

Picnicking Picnicking at Lewis A. Jester Park
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.

Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Lewis A. Jester Park
Jester offers more than 8 miles of trails to explore, including the 5-1/2 mile Lakeshore Trail from the Mile-Long Bridge to the Highway 17 bridge. The Stagecoach Trail brings one to an especially scenic view of the lake, while the Hickory Ridge Trail follows a small stream through a wooded ravine. The Red Pine and Red Cedar trails are perfect for young people. 

Trail numbers refer to map locations.
Basswood Trail (#1) .3 mile trail winds through the woods from the park entrance, past the Lodge, and to Cmp Area 3.

Camper's Loop (#2) .3 mile loop is located near Camp Area 2 and is great for a leisurely stroll.

Stagecoach Trail (#3) .2 mile trail leads hikers from the park road to Camp Area 4.

Red Cedar Trail (#4) .4 mile loop east of Camp Area 5, perfect for a night hike.

Red Pine Trail (#5) .4 mile loop west of Camp Area 5.

Hickory Ridge Trail (#6) .7 mile trail from the kiosk to the wildlife exhibit.

Lakeshore Trail (#7) 5.4 mile trail from Mile Loge Bridge to Hwy. 17 Bridge. Snowmobiles, hores and hikers allowed.

Portions of these trails are groomed for cross country skiing in  the winter.
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Lewis A. Jester Park
Snowmobiling
The 5-1/2 mile Lakeshore Trail is open for snowmobiling when snow conditions permit and offers a beautiful ride alongside Saylorville Lake. For an update on trail conditions, call the park ranger at 323-5366. 

Cross Country Skiing
At Jester Park you’ll have an opportunity to ski over five miles of trails. Shelter # 2 will serve as the trailhead. Due to drifting, the majority of trails on the golf course have been closed. Trails will lead skiers through the woods, near Saylorville Lake, and along the edge of the golf course


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