Welcome to Polk County Conservation! We invite you to explore over 15,000 acres of prairie, wetlands, woodlands, trails and parkland. Polk County Conservation offers year-round educational programs, volunteer opportunities and trips to the public.

The Polk County Conservation Board's mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and long term protection of Polk County's natural heritage.

Many exciting park and trail improvements are happening in Polk County thanks in part to the Polk County Water and Land Legacy bond referendum that was again supported by voters in November of 2022. This may result in closed recreation areas due to construction. 

We encourage the public to stay involved and updated on these improvements by regularly visiting our website at here. 

Polk County Conservation Administration Offices

12130 NW 128th St.
Granger, Iowa 50109

Office hours:
Monday - Friday | 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (515) 323-5300
Fax: (515) 323-5354
Email: pccb_info@polkcountyiowa.gov
Website: www.leadingyououtdoors.org

 

Jester Park Nature Center
12130 NW 128th St.
Granger, Iowa 50109

Visit the website for current hours 

Phone: (515) 323-5350
Email: jpnc_info@polkcountyiowa.gov
Website: www.jesterparknaturecenter.com

Activities in Polk County

  • Tent & RV Camping
  • Hiking Trails
  • Horseback Riding
  • Canoeing & Kayaking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Birding
  • Trail Running
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Picnicking
  • Hunting & Fishing 
  • Educational Programming
  • Bison & Elk Herds
  • Equestrian Trails & Camping
  • Nature Center
  • Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center

Many of our events are free and open to the public. More information on our educational programs, events, camps and trips can be found on our website calendar at Polk County Conservation calendar.

Facilities in Polk County

  • Jester Park Nature Center, click here to visit the Jester Park Nature Center website
  • Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, click here to visit the Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center website
  • Open shelters in six parks
  • Jester Park Lodge
  • Jester Park Amphitheater and Mini Shelter
  • Jester Park Cabins
  • Thomas Mitchell Cabin
  • Yellow Banks Cabins
  • Chichaqua Longhouse
  • Numerous campsites in four parks
  • Lauridsen Skatepark
  • Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex

Visit our website for more information: www.LeadingYouOutdoors.org

Parks in Polk County

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Beaver Creek Greenbelt Polk 9631 NW 121St
515-323-5300
GrangerIA50109 Map Location
Brown's Woods Polk 195 SE Brown's Woods Ct.
515-249-1543
West Des MoinesIA50265 Map Location
Carney Marsh Polk 698 SE 54th St.
515-323-5300
AnkenyIA50021 Map Location
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Polk 8700 NE 126 Avenue
515-967-2596
MaxwellIA50161 Map Location
Chichaqua Valley Trail Polk 8123 NE 88th St
515-323-5300
BondurantIA50035 Map Location
Easter Lake Park Polk 2830 Easter Lake Drive
515-249-1543
Des MoinesIA50320 Map Location
Engeldinger Marsh Polk 11821 NE 118 Ave.
515-323-5300
MaxwellIA50161 Map Location
Fort Des Moines Park Polk 7200 SE 5th St
515-249-1543
Des MoinesIA50315 Map Location
Four Mile Creek Greenbelt Polk 3769 NE 54th Ave
515-323-5300
Des MoinesIA50317 Map Location
Gay Lea Wilson Trail Polk University Avenue
515-323-5300
Pleasant HillIA50317 Map Location
Great Western Trail Polk George Flagg Parkway
515-323-5300
Des MoinesIA50321 Map Location
High Trestle Trail Polk 804 W 1st St
515-323-5300
AnkenyIA50023 Map Location
Jester Park Polk 12130 NW 128th Street
515-323-5300
GrangerIA50109 Map Location
Lauridsen Skatepark Polk 901 2nd Avenue
515-323-5300
Des MoinesIA50309 Map Location
Mally's Weh-Weh-Neh-Kee Park Polk 5792 NE Berwick Drive
515-967-4889
BerwickIA50032 Map Location
Oralabor Gateway Trail Polk 2803 SW Glenbrooke Blvd
515-323-5300
AnkenyIA50023 Map Location
Polk County Education Programs Polk 12130 NW 128th Street
515-323-5339
GrangerIA50109 Map Location
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park Polk 4051 Dean Avenue
515-262-4100
Des MoinesIA50317 Map Location
Strasser Woods State Preserve Polk 1552 E 36th Street
515-323-5300
Des MoinesIA50317 Map Location
Sycamore Trail Polk 2309 Euclid Ave
515-323-5300
Des MoinesIA50310 Map Location
Thomas Mitchell Park Polk GPS address: 4520 NE 108 St.
515-967-4889
MitchellvilleIA50169 Map Location
Trestle to Trestle Trail Polk 2309 Euclid
515-323-5300
Des MoinesIA50310 Map Location
Yellow Banks Park Polk 6801 SE 32nd Ave.
515-266-1563
Pleasant HillIA50327 Map Location