Polk City

• Jester Park
• Saylorville Lake
• Fenders Brewing
• Tournament Club of Iowa
• Qube Hotel
• Neal Smith Trail
• Reising Sun Cafe

Jester Park

Just thirty minutes from downtown Des Moines sits this 1,675-acre park. Jester Park offers an abundance of recreational activities unlike any other in Greater Des Moines. It is home to the Jester Park Nature Center (one of Iowa's leading experiential nature centers), 168 campsites, 18-hole golf course, equestrian center, bison/elk enclosure, five picnic shelters, two boat ramps, a children's playscape, eight miles of trails, snowmobiling paths, and year-round nature programs. 

Saylorville Lake

This Greater Des Moines favorite stretches for over 50 miles along the Des Moines River Valley. It's a local favorite because a large variety of recreational activities are available. Here, you can fish, hike, picnic, boat, and hunt. Plus, there is a 24-mile trail used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking, and roller-blading. 

Fenders Brewing

This brewery is on a mission to create colorful beers full of flavor! In addition to the bright beers and cozy atmosphere, there are always events happening! Beer Olympics, trivia nights, happy hours, educator-specials, Brew Moines events - make sure to sign up for their e-newsletters so you don't miss out! Bonus: the brewery is in the perfect location. It's just a short distance from Saylorville Lake, Tournament Club of Iowa, Neal Smith Trail, High Trestle Trail, and most importantly - Papa's Pizzeria. 

Tournament Club of Iowa

This 18-hole, 230-acre golf course is open from mid-May to early October and is the only Arnold Palmer signature golf course in Iowa. Plus, after a long day of golf, you can refuel inside the clubhouse at the Copper Oak. This restaurant sits above the golf course so you can enjoy panoramic views of the Tournament Club of Iowa while enjoying your meal. 

Qube Hotel

If you're looking to stay overnight in Polk City, then the Qube Hotel is a must. This accommodation has 44 beautiful rooms that overlook the Tournament Club of Iowa, making it perfect for weekend golf trips. 

Neal Smith Trail

Named after former U.S congressman from Iowa, Neil Smith, this 26-acre trail is a hiking lover's dream. This trail is full of a variety of landscapes, including riverbanks, wildflower meadows, lakeshores, and dense forests. Who knows? You may spot some wildlife along the way!

Reising Sun Cafe

This homey little cafe offers soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, and the best hard-packed ice cream in the area. The Reising Sun Cafe started as a dream brought together by a couple of friends, turning into a now small-town gem. Open sun up to sun down!

Polk City CRISIS RESOURCES

• Be Ready Iowa

• CodeRED Automated Notification System

• Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management

• Polk City Police Department: (515) 984-6565, 309 W Van Dorn Street, P.O. Box 381, Polk City
• ​Polk County Resources: 
  • Sheriff’s Office: 1985 NE 51^st Place, Des Moines, IA, 50313
  • Administration: (515) 286-3814
  • Communications/non-emergency: (515) 286-3333
  • Law Enforcement: (515) 286-3306