Ashton Wildwood County Park

About Ashton Wildwood County Park

Ashton-Wildwood County Park encompasses 113-acres of mature oak-hickory woodlands owned and managed by the Jasper County Conservation Board. Due to a diversity of ridge, slope and valley aspects, a variety of plants can be observed throughout the park. In the spring, woodland wildflower and migratory bird viewing opportunities are excellent.

Amenities

There is a ½-mile maintained hiking trail within the park that consists of wood chips, bridges, and steps at steep declines and inclines. There is a brochure available at the trailhead that coincides with marker posts along the trail highlighting interesting plants, animals, and natural features of the park.

Picnic shelters, a campground, and a softball field are also located within the park. For more information on the use of these facilities, please visit the Jasper County Conservation Board’s website.

The Ashton Observatory is located within the park and is operated by the Jasper County Conservation Board and the Des Moines Astronomical Society. The observatory includes a classroom, seven outdoor telescope pads, and two domes each housing a 16-inch telescope. For information on upcoming classes and public events to be held at the observatory, please visit the Des Moines Astronomical Society’s web site.

How to Get There

From Iowa Highway 330, exit east onto County Highway F17 for ½-mile, then turn south onto W 122^nd Street North for 0.3 miles. The Ashton Wildwood County Park entrance will be on the west side of the road.

Literature and links:

Click here to view a Google Scholar search for additional literature using the pre-filled search terms of "Ashton Wildwood County Park Iowa"

Iowa's County Conservation System Guide to Outdoor Recreation