A.C. and Lela Morris Prairie is one of Jasper County’s few remaining native tallgrass prairie areas. The 20 acre memorial Prairie is beautiful with its summer flowering prairie flowers. You can imagine bison grazing in the prairie, the Native Americans hunting there, or the pioneers traveling westward with their wagons through the prairie.
Ashton Wildwood Park is composed of 113 acres of upland oak-hickory woods. Walking trails down the forested slopes provide a viewing of a wide variety of spring wildflowers. There is a self-guided ½ mile trail that is interpreted by a brochure found at the trailhead. Many of the large oak trees in the park predate the arrival of the pioneers by hundreds of years. Picnicking, camping, and softball facilities are available at Ashton Park. An Astronomical Observatory is located at Ashton Wildwood Park. A list of campground rules may be obtained here. The observatory is open for free public programs and observing dates can be given by calling (641) 792-9780.
Ahrens Access provides the public with excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is surrounded by natural prairie grasses and forbes which works as a natural filter for all water coming down from the watershed.
Kish-Ke-Kosh Prairie is a native, unplowed prairie preserve growing on wind-blown sand and loess from the last glacial period in Iowa, that ended about 12,000 years ago. The area is named for Chief Kish-Ke-Kosh, who was associated with Chiefs Black Hawk and Keokuk, and who was the leader of a Fox Indian band who often lived in this area.
Mariposa Recreation Area is a 151-acre outdoor recreation area located northeast of Newton. A newly renovated 18-acre lake lies among the hills covered with pine trees. Fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking are the most popular attractions at the area. A Children's Nature Playscape is available for families to use. The playscape includes sand for digging, musical area , little free library and more. There is a primitive camping area and a ½ mile nature trail at Mariposa. This is an excellent park for a picnic, and there are many picnic tables and a covered shelter available.
