Jester Park050

The 1,834-acre Jester Park - located on the western shore of Saylorville Lake - offers more than 250 campsites (some with electric hook-ups; all first come, first served); picnic shelters that can be reserved (515.323.5300); two boat ramps; a playground area with seasonal restroom access; more than eight miles of hiking trails; a snowmobile trail; an 18-hole championship golf course (515.999.2903) that also offers a nine-hole beginner's course and a learning center with a driving range and practice greens; and an Equestrian Center, accessed from a turn-off just before the main park entrance, that offers horseback riding lessons, wagon rides, birthday parties, and more.

The park is also known for the bison and elk herds, located in a massive enclosure at the end of a three-mile drive.

The Polk County Conservation Board offers naturalist-led programs for children and families at the park throughout the year.

Up and coming golfers - ages eight to 14 - can enhance their skills by attending the summer Junior Golf Camp at the Jester Park Golf Course. Call 515.999.2903 for more information, or to register.