Polk City IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Polk City, Iowa.
1. Big Creek State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Big Creek State Park offers visitors a beautiful natural escape with a 866-acre lake perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. The park features extensive hiking and biking trails that wind through scenic woodlands and prairie landscapes. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas, camping facilities, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the seasons.
2. Tournament Club of Iowa
PREMIER GOLF EXPERIENCE
Tournament Club of Iowa is an Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course offering a challenging and scenic golfing experience. The course features meticulously maintained fairways, strategic bunkers, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Golfers can also enjoy the amenities at Palmer's Pub located at the clubhouse after their round.
3. Big Creek Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
Big Creek Historical Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Polk City and the surrounding area. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of early settlers and the development of the region. Visitors can explore the evolution of Polk City from its founding to the present day.
4. Fenders Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Fenders Brewing is a popular local craft brewery offering a variety of handcrafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can sample unique brews while enjoying the friendly community vibe that makes this spot a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The brewery often hosts special events, live music, and food trucks to complement their beer offerings.
5. Red Feather Prairie
NATIVE PRAIRIE EXPERIENCE
Red Feather Prairie provides visitors with a glimpse into Iowa's natural prairie ecosystem. The preserved area features native wildflowers, grasses, and diverse wildlife that once covered much of the state. Nature enthusiasts can explore walking trails while learning about prairie conservation and restoration efforts.
6. Water's Edge Bar and Grill
LAKESIDE DINING EXPERIENCE
Water's Edge Bar and Grill offers a delightful dining experience with scenic views overlooking the water. The restaurant serves up a variety of American cuisine favorites along with refreshing beverages in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy indoor seating or opt for the outdoor patio during pleasant weather for the full lakeside experience.
7. Des Moines River Water Trail
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURE
The Des Moines River Water Trail provides paddlers with a picturesque waterway to explore by canoe or kayak. The trail offers various access points near Polk City, allowing for trips of different lengths through beautiful natural surroundings. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound as adventurers navigate the gentle currents of this historic river.
8. Neal Smith & John Pat Dorrian Trails
CONNECTING RECREATION PATHWAYS
The Neal Smith & John Pat Dorrian Trails form part of Central Iowa's extensive trail network, connecting Polk City to Des Moines and beyond. These well-maintained trails offer cyclists, runners, and walkers miles of paved pathways through varied landscapes including woodlands, prairie, and along waterways. The trails provide excellent recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
9. Jester Park Equestrian Center
HORSE LOVER'S PARADISE
Jester Park Equestrian Center offers horseback riding experiences for riders of all skill levels in a beautiful natural setting. The center provides guided trail rides, riding lessons, and special equestrian events throughout the year. Visitors can connect with horses while exploring the scenic surroundings of Jester Park.
10. Jester Park Golf Course
SCENIC PUBLIC GOLFING
Jester Park Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course offering challenging play in a beautiful natural setting. The course features rolling terrain, strategic water hazards, and well-maintained greens that appeal to golfers of various skill levels. After a round, players can relax at the clubhouse which offers refreshments and a pro shop.
11. Bison & Elk Herd
NATIVE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Bison & Elk Herd at Jester Park allows visitors to observe these magnificent native animals in a natural habitat setting. The enclosed viewing area provides safe opportunities to watch the herds as they roam across the prairie landscape. Educational displays help visitors learn about the historical and ecological importance of bison and elk to Iowa's ecosystem.
12. Iowa State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Iowa State Capitol stands as a magnificent architectural masterpiece featuring a stunning 23-karat gold-leafed dome that dominates the Des Moines skyline. Inside, visitors can explore ornate chambers, sweeping staircases, and impressive artwork including murals and sculptures that tell Iowa's story. Free guided tours take visitors through the historic building, sharing details about its construction and the state's governmental history.
13. Living History Farms
INTERACTIVE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor museum that brings Iowa's agricultural heritage to life through authentic historic sites spanning different time periods. Visitors can experience firsthand how early settlers lived and farmed through demonstrations by costumed interpreters who perform daily tasks using period-appropriate tools and techniques. The 500-acre open-air museum includes a 1700s Ioway Indian farm, 1850s pioneer farm, 1900s horse-powered farm, and a frontier town that transports visitors back in time.
14. Saylorville Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER DESTINATION
Saylorville Lake offers 26,000 acres of water recreation opportunities including boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports near Polk City. The lake is surrounded by parks, campgrounds, beaches, and hiking trails that provide additional outdoor activities for visitors. Wildlife viewing areas around the lake showcase diverse bird species including bald eagles, making it a popular destination for nature photographers and bird watchers.
15. Bouldering Wall at Jester Park
OUTDOOR CLIMBING ADVENTURE
The Bouldering Wall at Jester Park offers climbing enthusiasts a natural-looking outdoor climbing experience designed for various skill levels. Climbers can test their abilities on different routes with varied difficulty levels while enjoying the park's natural surroundings. The facility provides a perfect introduction to climbing for beginners while still challenging more experienced climbers.