The Ankeny Brief
Jester Park is the Polk County park where you can drive out from Ankeny, park for free, and watch a herd of bison and elk graze, then add a hike, a round of golf, a horseback ride, or a night in a cabin. It's one of the best low-cost family outings in the metro. Here's what's out there.
Jester Park is a 1,675-acre Polk County park on the western shore of Saylorville Lake, near Granger and a short drive from Ankeny. Its signature draw is the free bison and elk herds, a fixture for nearly four decades. It also has a nature center, an equestrian center, a golf course, cabins and campgrounds, boat ramps, ponds, and miles of trails.
The bison and elk exhibit has drawn families to Jester for almost four decades. You can view the herds from a drive and overlooks, free of charge, an easy, memorable stop for kids. It's the single most popular reason people make the trip, and it costs nothing.
The Jester Park Nature Center is one of Iowa's leading nature centers, a hub for exhibits, programs, and a natural playscape, with access to restored woodlands, the bison and elk, and a network of nature trails along Saylorville. It's a great free rainy-plan-B or an anchor for a longer visit.
Operating since 1998, the Jester Park Equestrian Center offers riding lessons, shows and clinics, trail rides, wagon and sleigh rides, camps, and therapeutic programs. It's a rare public riding facility this close to the metro, and worth a look even if you've never been on a horse.
The Jester Park Golf Course is a nature-themed 18-hole course with a driving range and a family-friendly miniature golf course next door, all with the park's scenic country views. For the full local lineup, see our Ankeny golf guide.
Jester has four modern rental cabins plus modern and primitive campgrounds, so it works for an overnight, not just a day trip. Add two boat ramps, three ponds, picnic shelters, a playground, and hiking trails (these are natural, soft-surface paths, not a paved bike route), and there's a full day or weekend here. Compare it with other options in our campground finder.
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On the western shore of Saylorville Lake near Granger, about a 25 to 30 minute drive from Ankeny.
Yes, Jester has bison and elk herds you can view for free from a drive and overlooks. They've been a favorite for nearly four decades.
Yes, the park and the bison and elk viewing are free. Some amenities (golf, equestrian, cabins, camping) charge their own fees.
Yes, there are four modern rental cabins plus modern and primitive campgrounds. See our campground finder.
Free bison and elk viewing, a nature center and playscape, an equestrian center, golf and mini golf, cabins and camping, boat ramps, ponds, and hiking trails.