Recreation

The Iowa Speedway is one of our most popular attractions and draws people from throughout the Midwest and the country. Designed by NASCAR Champion Rusty Wallace, the 7/8 mile tri-oval race track attracts America’s top racers and team, hosting the biggest events in racing – IndyCar, NASCAR, ARCA, and USAC! The Iowa Speedway, one of Iowa’s biggest attractions for fun, family, and fast cars!

The Valle Drive-In is another iconic landmark. Built in 1949, it is one of the oldest standing drive in theater in Central Iowa. The Valle Drive-In provides families with a one-of-a-kind entertainment!

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Year-Round Fun 

With an average of 204 sunny days in the region it is no wonder there is an abundance of fun outdoor options for residents and visitors to enjoy. In fact, Jasper County is known for its incredible trail and park system, offering everything from hiking to biking and bird watching. During the summer and early fall months, you will see people out and about enjoying the 450-acre Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve located ¼ mile north of the Lynnville exit off I-80. Others may enjoy an afternoon exploring The Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens with its hundreds of varieties of plants and trees, water features, community art, and a nature center. Jasper County even has a place for your furry friends to stretch their legs and run to their heart’s content at the local Newton Dog Park at Westwood Park. 

During the cooler months, don’t miss out on The Newton YMCA’s Fall Story Time, Fall Festival, and the Annual Turkey Trot 5K. In Baxter, residents benefit from a Recreation Complex with a soccer complex, fields for football, baseball, little league and softball, and a 400m all-weather track for athletic competition as well as recreational use. Walkers and joggers of all ages are encouraged to take full advantage of the public-use track lighting to utilize the facility at all hours of the day.

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Did we mention local community centers, ball fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, walking trails and sports complexes? They are here too! 

Jasper County has hiking and biking trails, with 25 miles of recreational trails managed by the Jasper County Conservation Board. For those who prefer exploring by water, the South Skunk River traverses Jasper County and has two main access points: Oswalt Bridge in Colfax and Beyers Bridge near Reasnor.

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