Jasper County
RedLivesPride Here
Peddle the Prairie
Jasper County has a variety of multi-use trails with beautiful views, challenging courses and fun for the whole family
Newton Hike and Bike Trail
An 8-mile trail from Woodland Park to the 4-way intersection near I-80 and Hwy 14.
Chichaqua Valley Recreation Trail
A scenic trail from Baxter to Bondurant.
Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail
A 4-mile trail starting at Rock Creek State Park with a challenging terrain finishing in Grinnell.
Red Rock Prairie Trail
A multi-use trail spanning 9.75 miles on a former rail bed from Monroe to Prairie City.
LET’S GO TO THE RACES!
‘The fastest short track on the planet,’ Iowa Speedway provides thrills and chills during each race weekend
2025 RACE SCHEDULE
ATLAS ROOFING 150
Aug. 1, 2025 | 4 P.M.
HYVEE PERKS 250 Aug. 2, 2025 | 3:30 P.M. IOWA CORN 350 POWERED BY ETHANOL Aug. 3, 2025 | 2:30 P.M.
ROUND ‘EM UP!
Jasper County Fair provides fun, unique experiences during week-long event
For one week a year, 4-H and FFA youth flock to the Jasper County Fair to show all of the work they put in throughout the year with their animals, projects and clubs. The fair is celebrating 170 years with “Candles, Critters and Cake” July 17 to 23, 2025 in Colfax.
Mariposa Park is home to a new cabin available for rent that provides homey comforts and easy accessibility to outdoor recreation
Mariposa Park is home to a new cabin available for rent that provides homey comforts and easy accessibility to outdoor recreation
Mariposa Park has both primitive campgrounds and modern-style campgrounds for those who want to spend their nights in tents or a decked out RV, but the park’s latest addition allows for an entirely new kind of camping for guests who want all the comforts of home but also want to enjoy the outdoor amenities.
trails also offer a fair bit of hiking. And the kiddos can take advantage of the nature playscape and playgrounds nearby.
Mariposa Park is nothing like it was 10 years ago, and that’s a good thing.
Mariposa Park has both primitive campgrounds and modern-style campgrounds for those who want to spend their nights in tents or a decked out RV, but the park’s latest addition allows for an entirely new kind of camping for guests who want all the comforts of home but also want to enjoy the outdoor amenities.
Known as Coneflower Cottage, the cabin was built with families in mind and is now available for rent at Mariposa Park. Equipped with a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom, a bunkbed in the other bedroom and a pullout couch in the living space, there is enough room for seven to enjoy.
The 151-acre recreation area, located about five miles northeast of Newton, has undergone massive improvements since then, including a project that extracted heavy amounts of sediment in the nearby lake, to the point fish can be seen from the bottom. The latest project ensures more visitors can see that for themselves.
Known as Coneflower Cottage, the cabin was built with families in mind and is now available for rent at Mariposa Park. Equipped with a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom, a bunkbed in the other bedroom and a pullout couch in the living space, there is enough room for seven to enjoy.
Keri Van Zante, director of Jasper County Conservation, said as a family-oriented organization it was important to have the cabin cater to families who wanted to stay longer at Mariposa Park. Not all families like “roughing it” in the primitive camps, and not all have a camper to use at Bison Ridge Campgrounds.
trails also offer a fair bit of hiking. And the kiddos can take advantage of the nature playscape and playgrounds nearby.
Jasper County Conservation has another year-round cabin available for rent at the Uhlenhopp Arboretum, and Van Zante said it is equally as beautiful. But its character and setup are much different than the Coneflower Cottage. Staff have also prepared room for another cabin to be built next to the one at Mariposa.
Jasper County Conservation officially launched the Bison Ridge Campground and Coneflower Cottage, 6825 N. 67th Ave. E., at Mariposa Park, allowing campers near and far to take advantage of modern utilities when enjoying a few days of outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking and fishing.
Jasper County Conservation has another year-round cabin available for rent at the Uhlenhopp Arboretum, and Van Zante said it is equally as beautiful. But its character and setup are much different than the Coneflower Cottage. Staff have also prepared room for another cabin to be built next to the one at Mariposa.
Of course the other new addition is a furnished rental cabin with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen and a back deck with one of the best views in the park. Conservation contracted out the foundation and insulation work, as well as the utilities installation, but it was otherwise fully constructed by staff.
“We’ve put a septic tank in for the two cabins and have the electrical stubbed in, so it’s all ready for the next one when we get funding for that,” Van Zante said. “We’re excited to have our regular users using it and the new people who are looking for a different experience.”
Each of the 15 campground sites has access to electricity and water, and the nearby bathhouse has restrooms and shower facilities. Fire rings and picnic tables are installed at each site and there is also a dump station for when guests leave. This style of campground is the first of its kind for conservation.
Keri Van Zante, director of Jasper County Conservation, said as a family-oriented organization it was important to have the cabin cater to families who wanted to stay longer at Mariposa Park. Not all families like “roughing it” in the primitive camps, and not all have a camper to use at Bison Ridge Campgrounds.
With the cabin’s proximity to the lake, it also allows for easy kayaking and boating (keep in mind it’s a “no wake” lake). The waters have been stocked with all kinds of fish, and the
Summer 2024 • Jasper County Living
With the cabin’s proximity to the lake, it also allows for easy kayaking and boating (keep in mind it’s a “no wake” lake). The waters have been stocked with all kinds of fish, and the
The other bedroom is furnished with a queen-style bed. Conservation wanted families to be comfortable and enjoy the easy access to park activities.
While Mariposa Park still has its primitive campground site, Vander Pol expects the modern alternative will be just as popular if not more.
Jasper County Conservation staff have built a fully-furnished cabin at Mariposa Park, which is now available for rentals at $175 per night for a minimum of two nights.
“We’ve put a septic tank in for the two cabins and have the electrical stubbed in, so it’s all ready for the next one when we get funding for that,” Van Zante said. “We’re excited to have our regular users using it and the new people who are looking for a different experience.”
Two weeks after the Coneflower Cottage became available for rent, Van Zante said someone had already contacted her and was excited to book a stay with their family this summer. To her, it is nice to see people who may not have even considered coming to Jasper County be excited for this new amenity.
“It just seems like something we’ve talked about for so long,” Jasper County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante said. “People have been asking about it, and now it’s finally here. I’m excited to see new people coming to our parks and the same people coming to our parks, but also seeing them stay longer.”
“The vision was this was kind of a cool spot down here,” maintenance technician Ethan Vander Pol said. “It’s a spot for people who don’t want to camp or don’t have a camper. They can come stay here and use the park and benefit from all of this.”
Greg Oldsen, a naturalist for Jasper County Conservation, said now is the time to see all of what is available at Mariposa Park.
“I’m happy with the outcome and it’s kind of been what my job has been here lately,” Vander Pol said. “Because we did the whole campground and that shower building, too. This whole project started with the campground probably a year ago; it’s when we first started doing the dirt work for that.”
For Van Zante, these new additions not only give people something new to try out but may also have bigger implications for the county in the long run.
Two weeks after the Coneflower Cottage became available for rent, Van Zante said someone had already contacted her and was excited to book a stay with their family this summer. To her, it is nice to see people who may not have even considered coming to Jasper County be excited for this new amenity.
“There are a lot of extra opportunities people now have at the park,” Oldsen said, noting amenities like the boat ramp, the kayak launch, kayak rentals and the nature playscape are big draws. “There are just so many things that families can do while they are out here. And that’s pretty exciting.”
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Vander Pol confirmed the cabin was built for families in mind, which is why one of the bedrooms is equipped with bunkbeds and the living space has a pull-out couch.
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“We want people to see the progress and the care we’ve all taken to add this opportunity to everybody in Jasper County, and hopefully beyond Jasper County,” Van Zante said. “Maybe it will bring people who think we have so many great things here that they want to live here.”
The new, modern-style campground sites are available to rent today for $25 per day for a minimum of two days. The cabin is available to rent for $175 per day for a minimum of two days. Visit www.mycountyparks.com to book a stay at the new camping facilities in Jasper County.
Photos Courtesy of Jade Read
Spend a day in Jasper County
Eat, shop, play and stay in the county that has it all!
Grab a coffee at Java on Main in Baxter, Uncle Nancy’s in Newton or Sheepgate Coffee Co. in Colfax.
Visit one of the county’s three museums — the Jasper County Museum, Colfax Historical Society or Kellogg Hiostircal Musicum
Stop by one of the local stores to shop ‘til you drop and support small town businesses
Get creative at the Centre for Arts and Artists in Newton
Get lunch PJ’s Deli or Maid-Rite in Newton, Goldie’s in Prairie City or the Cratty Shack in Colfax
Visit the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City or Wagaman Mill in Lynnville
Go antiquing in one of several shop in Colfax, Monroe and Newton
Stop in any library, peruse the stacks, grab a book and relax reading in a comfy chair
Try award-winning beer at Gezellig Crewing Co. or pair a glass of wine with world famous Maytag Blue Cheese at Nostalgia in Newton
Catch a movie and see Joy at the Pig at Capitol II Theatre or pull up and catch a double feature at Valle Drive-In in Newton
Kayak or paddle at Quarry Spring Park in Colfax or take a dip at Maytag Pool in Newton or the Colfax Pool.
Take a swing at one of five golf courses in the county or the Monroe Golf Club golf simulator
Jasper County
Have an adventure in the great outdoors
Whether you head to Quarry Springs Park in Colfax to paddle the lakes, Maytag Park for a round of disc golf or a dip in the pool or take in prairie wildlife, including a herd of buffalo at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City, Jasper County has a wide variety of outdoor activities to try!
Try one of six Mexican Restaurants in Jasper County
Los Amigos 2002 First Ave. E.
That Juan Taco Place 106 W. Buchanan St.
Ariana’s Tex Mex Bar and Grill
112 E. Jefferson St. Prairie City
Cocina Hernandez 124 N. Walnut St. Colfax El Sombrero 1130 First Ave. E. Newton
Cabana 2617 First Ave. E.
Huey helicopter monument honoring veterans in Baxter
Lynn Harnden spent 1,200 combat hours in the cockpit of a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, known by its nickname “Huey” during the Vietnam War, and for many soldiers on the battlefield it was a welcomed sight to see one of them up in the sky providing air support or landing near a smoke signal for a swift rescue. It has been 50 years since the Vietnam War ended, and the Huey was still a welcomed sight to behold in the small town of Baxter. The helicopter was unarmed and unmanned, and although it didn’t look it from the outside it was sorely out of commission. Harnden made sure the chopper got one last fight.
Instead of piloting the Huey manually — which was impossible in its current state — he and the Baxter American Legion Post 493 spearheaded the fundraising to get the helicopter to be put on display on a raised platform, permanently in flight and overlooking other veterans memorials on the north end of Main Street.
Veterans set a goal for $75,000. In just 16 months, they exceeded their goal and were staring at a tried and true Huey being assembled on the streets of Baxter. It took a few hours for Midwest Aerospace to install the tailplanes, the main rotor and the tail rotor onto the body of the Huey, but it proved to an entertaining show.
Harnden brought along a chair of his own, but most of the time
the 90-year-old was on his feet admiring the aircraft and taking pictures with friends and family.
The retired lieutenant colonel is a true Army man. By the time he made his first deployment to Vietnam in 1966 he was already in the Army for 15 years.
“I was an old man in Vietnam,” he said. “Most of my pilots were like 19 years old. I went back for a second tour from 1969 to 1970.”
Harnden could not help but stare at the helicopter when it was resting on the ground. Even with most of its hardware removed, it weighs about 4,000 pounds. When the aircraft was on active duty in Vietnam, it weighed considerably more. Harnden said it more than doubled its weight at 9,600 pounds.
As he watched the helicopter lift off the ground for the last time with the help of Dave’s Crane & Wrecker Service, Harnden couldn’t help but smile. It felt like a huge undertaking to get the helicopter to Baxter. When he initially saw the Huey pull down Main Street, he was overwhelmed with emotions.
“The enthusiasm and happy feelings and tears of joy,” he said. “I spent an important part of my life in this thing.”
It is an important part of living history, Harnden added, and its presence in Baxter may just reinforce the impact of the Vietnam War and those who fought it in. He hopes residents and visitors appreciate it in the years to
come. He hopes it becomes an educational tool. And he hopes it inspires.
Surrounded by other memorials to veterans, the Huey helicopter monument is in good company to do just that. Greg Christianson, the longtime post commander of the Baxter American Legion, said when he first took on the leadership role there was only one flag pole and two walls of names honoring veterans.
Two more walls and two more flag poles were added. Then came the soldier statues. Funnily enough, it took longer — two to three years — for the Baxter American Legion to finish that project than it did to install the Huey. The mural is one of the newest additions to the corner memorials.
Silhouettes depict a soldier calling for help for another injured laying on the ground. Next to them is a nurse, which Christianson said is supposed to be local veteran Marta Ford, who was an active duty member of the Army Nurse Corps. Like Harnden, she retired a lieutenant colonel.
Above the silhouettes are Huey helicopters flying over the horizon. Christianson said these memorials in conjunction with their proximity to the Huey, the caboose and the Chichaqua Valley Trail, it ought to bring more people to town and enjoy the small town atmosphere and amenities.
“It’s a destination,” Christianson said.
Joe Giannini of Midwest Aerospace led a team of four — including himself — in constructing the final pieces to the Huey before it was anchored to its platform. Midwest Aerospace is based out of Lowell, Ind. and was founded by Giannini’s grandfather. It has been in business for almost 35 years.
Midwest Aerospace supplied Baxter with the Huey helicopter. Typically, the company sells and distributes hard-to-find parts for military aircraft in order to get as many back in the air as possible. But about once a year the company is called upon to do what they call a “static” job.
Instead of getting the aircraft ready to fly again, Midwest Aerospace prepares it for display purposes. Before the Huey was hoisted away, Giannini and his crew were wiping down windows and looking for any imperfections that needed fixed, like some extra paint on the ends of the rotor. It is those small details that are important to Giannini, and they are indicative of a team and a company who are passionate about what they do.
“We have a lot of respect for the guys that served and the guys currently serving and a passion for the helicopter and what it stands for,” Giannini said. “That’s why we are one of few companies that are dong everything we can to keep them flying.”
Fourth
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Top Left: A few prehistoric visitors took to fill their buckets with candy at the Colfax Halloween Walk.
Top Right: A little dino picks the perfect piect of candy during the 4-H Trunk or Treat at the Jasper County Fairgrounds.
Middle Left: Local historian Larry Hurto stands among a few a of hundreds of trees at the Treemendous event open during the winter holidays at the Jasper County Museum
Middle Right: Trees decorated by local 4-H groups line the Jasper County Courthouse each year for the Festival of Trees.
Bottom Left: A happy kid visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the Prairie City Fire Departments holiday event.
Bottom Right: A horse and carriage ride is the perfect way to celebrate the season at Colfax Country Christmas.
Above: The Easter Bunny makes a visit at Coflax’s Easter Egg Hunt.
Top Right: Kids scatter to fill up their baskets with candy and prizes in Colfax. Bottom Right: Residents show off their decorated ride during the
of July Parade in Newton.
Every community throughout Jasper County celebrates the holidays in their own unique way. From the show-stopping Fourth of July Parade in Newton to Colfax’s one-of-a-kind Halloween Walk or the Jasper County Museum’s Treemendous event featuring hundreds of Christmas trees individually decorated there is much to see and do all throughout the year!
1st Ave Nutrition
109 1st Ave W. Newton, IA 50208
Absolute Nutrition Colfax 118 N Walnut St Colfax, IA 50054
April’s Diner
105 N 2nd Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Ariana’s Tex Mex Bar and Grill
112 E Jefferson St Prairie City, IA 50228
Arby’s
400 Iowa Speedway Dr Newton, IA 50208
Baxter Country Store
312 E Buchanan St Baxter, IA 50028
Benola’s
108 Main St N Baxter, IA 50028
Biaggo’s 2331 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Burger King 705 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Dining Directory
Cardinal Corner
312 S 2nd Ave W Newton, IA 50208
Chester’s Chicken 4400 S 22nd Ave E Newton, IA 50208
China King 1122 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Cocina Hernandez 124 N Walnut St Colfax, IA 50054
Coffee and Carnations
100 E Jefferson St Prairie City, IA 50228
Coffee Cup Cafe 616 4th St Sully, IA 50251
Cratty Shack 21 E State St Colfax, IA 50054
Cratty Shack Diner 2426 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Culver’s 1650 W 19th St S Newton, IA 50208
Dairy Queen 203 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Deep Rock Ice Cream Shoppe 607 3rd St Sully, IA 50251
Domino’s Pizza 1606 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
El Sombrero 1130 1st Avenue E Newton, IA 50208
Fishin’ Hole Bar & Grill 104 S Commerce St Monroe, IA 50170
Fore Season Golf Bar 6232 Hwy S 74 South Newton, IA 50208
Georgioz 12 E Front St Colfax, IA 50054
Gezellig Brewing Company
403 W 4th St N, Suite 103 Newton, IA 50208
Giovanni’s Pizza 2020 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe & Magg Family Catering
304 W 2nd St Prairie City, IA 50228
Greencastle Tavern 115 Station St Mingo, IA 50168
Hardee’s
1205 W 19th St S Newton, IA 50208
Hy-Vee (Chinese, Deli, Italian, Market Grille Express)
1501 1st Ave East Newton, IA 50208
Iowa’s Best Burger Cafe 1570 Hwy 224 Kellogg, IA 50135
Java on Main 103 S Main St Baxter, IA 50028
Jersey Freeze Ice Cream 103 Ralph St Monroe, IA 50170
Jimmy John’s
400 1st Ave W Newton, IA 50208
KFC/Taco Bell
1300 W 18th St S Newton, IA 50208
La Cabana 2617 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
La Rose Marie Bakery 620 4th Street Sully, IA 50251
Los Amigos 2002 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Lynnville’s Smokin’ J’s BBQ
203 1st St Lynville, IA 50153
Made Rite
215 1st Ave W Newton, IA 50207
McDonald’s
726 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
McDonald’s 4400 S 22nd Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Mike’s Lounge 114 E Washington St Monroe, IA 50170
Montana Mike’s Steakhouse 1400 W 18th St S Newton, IA 50208
Murph and Mary’s Pub 403 W 4th St N, Suite 104 Newton, IA 50208
Dining Directory
Mustang Nutrition 102 N Commerce St Monroe, IA 50170
Nostalgia Wine & Spirits 109 N 2nd Ave E Newton, Iowa 50208
Okoboji Grill 1425 W 19th St S Newton, Iowa 50208
PB’s Pub 113 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Panda Garden 106 1st St N Newton, IA 50208
Perkins Restaurant 1505 W 19th St Newton, IA 50208
Pizza Ranch 1500 W 18th St S Newton, IA 50208
PJ’s Deli 101 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Punjab Kabab House 1405 N Walnut St Colfax, IA 50054
Sheepgate Coffee Co. 15 E Howard St Colfax, IA 50054
Scooter’s Coffee 1114 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Sned and Wilmas 118 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Spring City PharmacyOld Fashioned Soda
Fountain 101 N Walnut St Colfax, IA 50054
Starbucks at Hy-Vee 1501 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Subway 1404 N Walnut St Colfax, IA 50054
Subway 101 Ralph St Monroe, IA 50170
Subway 1007 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
Subway 1808 S 12th Ave W Newton, IA 50208
Taco John’s 2106 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
That Juan Taco Place 106 W Buchanan St Baxter, IA 50028
The Hideout 105 S Main St Baxter, IA 50028
Thirsty Turtle 200 North Park Rd Colfax, IA 50054
Uncle Nancy’s Coffeehouse & Eatery 114 N 2nd Ave W Newton, IA 50208
Valerie’s Fine Dining & Cocktails
202 East St Lynnville, IA 50153
Van Wijk Winery 802 4th Street Sully, IA
Viet-Thai Taste 208 S 2nd Ave W Newton, IA 50208
Wahlburgers at Hy-Vee 1501 1st Ave E Newton, IA 50208
West Side Java Co 111 W 2nd St N Newton, IA 50208
Wilkies Garage 116 E Jefferson St Prairie City, IA 50228
Lodging Directory
AmericInn Lodge & Suites
4401 South 33rd Ave East
Newton, IA 50208
Phone: 641-791-1160
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
Ashton Wildwood Campsites (Jasper County Conservation) 8755 W 122nd Street N
Mingo, IA 50168
Phone: 641-792-9780
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
Best Western Holiday Manor 208 West 4th Street North
Newton, IA 50208
Phone: 641-792-3333
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
CARDINAL FRAME SHOP
Bison Ridge Campsites @ Mariposa Park (Jasper County Conservation) 7286 N 67th Ave E
Kellogg, IA 50135
Phone: 641-792-9780
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
Cobblestone Inn & Suites 4222 South 22nd Ave East
Newton, IA 50208
Phone: 641-275-9495
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
Coneflower Cottage @ Mariposa Park (Jasper County Conservation) 7286 N 67th Ave E
Kellogg, IA 50135
Phone: 641-792-9780
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
Days Inn Newton
Lodging Directory
1605 West 19th Street South
Newton, IA 50208
Phone: 641-519-0118
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
1405 West 19th Street South
Newton, IA 50208
Phone: 641-792-8100
Kellogg RV Park 1570 Hwy 224
Kellogg, IA 50135
Phone: 641-526-8535
Microtel Inn & Suites
11000 Federal Ave
Colfax, IA 50054
Phone: 515-207-7274
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
Newton/Des Moines East KOA Journey 1601 E 36th Street S Newton, IA 50208
Phone: 641-792-2428
Quality Inn 1905 West 19th Street South
Newton, IA 50208
Phone: 641-792-7722
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
Quarry Springs Campground 1208 Hwy 117
Colfax, IA 50054
Phone: 515-478-6272
Rock Creek State Park Campground 5627 Rock Creek East
Kellogg, IA 50135
Phone: 641-236-3722
Super 8
1635 South 12th Ave West
Newton, IA 50208
Phone: 641-792-8868
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
Uhlenhopp Arboretum Cabin (Jasper County Conservation) 10360 W 2n d St S
Newton, IA 50208
Phone: 641-792-9780
Human Trafficking Prevention Training Certified: 12/30/21
In 2020, the Iowa Legislature passed a law (Iowa Code 80.45A) that requires Iowa lodging providers who host public employees or publicly-funded events and conferences to train their staff on human trafficking. As of January 1, 2022, affected lodging providers must have all employees successfully complete certified human trafficking prevention training in order to receive public funds as payment for services. Learn more here: stophtiowa.org/
