Recreation

Bike? Check. Paddle? Check. Running shoes? Check. Hiking boots? Check. You’re ready to power yourself through a weekend day of multi-sport recreation in Polk County. 

Polk County Conservation has been a leader in creating miles upon miles of trails in Polk County. It cooperates with numerous other agencies and organizations, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the City of Des Moines, and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Trails are hard-surfaced for cyclists and inline skaters and remain unpaved for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. A new type of trail will be a water trail on the Des Moines River. At Jester Park, cross-country skiing trails are groomed after winter storms. Another canoe trail exists through wooded backwaters at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt.

There’s a diverse mix of other outdoors experiences to be had. Camping ranges from family-oriented sites with all hook-ups for RVs to hike-in primitive tent sites for backpackers at Yellow Banks Park. The Jester Park Equestrian Center offers extensive facilities and services, including trail rides, an indoor and outdoor arena, riding and driving lessons, and wagon and sleigh rides.

Polk County Conservation has worked to expand recreational opportunities that fuel healthy lifestyles and great public amenities for Central Iowans. You can help!