Mingo
Ashton Wildwood Park – Mingo, Iowa
Ashton Wildwood Park is only about 30 minutes NE of Des Moines and houses the Des Moines Astronomical Society’s observatory.
Places to take a walk
Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge – Prairie City, Iowa
Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge has miles of beautiful prairie, a cool indoor learning center, paved trails, and a bison/elk herd.
Places to visit
Badger Creek State Recreation Area – Van Meter, Iowa
Badger Creek State Recreation Area is a popular fishing destination, with a large lake. There are no designated trails but
Places to visit
Places to sled
Winter Park – Urbandale, Iowa
Winter Park features large hills, perfect for sledding in winter or rolling down in summer.