Can I personalize a plaque for someone I love?

Yes, the program allows for custom inscriptions to commemorate loved ones.

Is the trail stroller-friendly?

The trail is primarily suitable for walking; some segments may be rough for strollers.

Pets are welcome but should be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

How long does the plaque installation take?

Plaques are typically installed within a week after ordering.

Is there an admission fee?

There is no fee for visiting the towers or viewing the plaques.

Are tours or guided visits available?

Guided tours are not available; visitors explore independently.

John Thomas Poppy Tower Plaque | Events in Granger | Attraction, Other | Events | Attraction

Jester Park Equestrian Center, located just outside Des Moines, Iowa, is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse outdoor offerings. While primarily recognized for horseback riding and equestrian activities, it also offers unique land-based adventures that blend natural beauty with meaningful commemorations. One standout feature is the Poppy Tower Plaque program, which provides visitors the opportunity to honor loved ones through personalized stainless steel plaques mounted on the striking decorative poppy towers along the Brandon Lay Challenge Trail. This trail weaves through lush, open fields and subtle woodland edges, showcasing Iowa's gentle rolling landscape. The highlight is the visually stunning poppy towers, designed with vibrant, handcrafted metal poppies, which create a vivid splash of color against the green backdrop. These towers aren’t just visually appealing—they serve as lasting tributes, elevating the memory of loved ones within a setting that encourages reflection and connection. Jester Park itself is a hub for outdoor family fun with horseback riding lessons, trail rides, equestrian events, and scenic walking routes. The Poppy Tower Plaque program provides a meaningful way to integrate personal stories into the natural landscape. It’s a popular choice for memorials, family gatherings, or simple acts of remembrance amid Iowa’s prairie scenery. This activity is accessible for visitors seeking gentle, contemplative land adventures—perfect for those looking to combine outdoor recreation with heartfelt tribute. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding trails, woodlands, and open vistas, making Jester Park a standout destination in Polk County for outdoor enthusiasts who want to connect with nature while creating lasting memories. Whether stopping by for a trail ride or a quiet walk among the towers, this site offers a peaceful yet inspiring experience for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

About Jester Park Equestrian Center

Jester Park Equestrian Center in Granger, Iowa, operates as a public equestrian facility offering a variety of horse-related experiences for visitors of all ages. The center presents guided trail rides through Jester Park’s timber overlooking Saylorville Lake, seasonal horse-drawn rides and holiday wagon or sleigh outings, and special programs such as Pony Tales story-and-meet sessions and field trips designed for educational groups. Women’s workshops use horse interaction for personal growth on a waitlist basis, and several popular activities maintain waitlists to manage capacity. The facility also offers a John Thomas Poppy Tower plaque program that allows individuals to purchase a stainless steel plaque mounted on decorative poppy tower leaves along the Brandon Lay Challenge Trail as a lasting tribute.

Field trips run from spring through fall and include hands-on opportunities to learn about horse care, picnic areas, and guided interaction. Guided trail rides provide wrangler-led instruction for beginners and families. Holiday horse-drawn rides last approximately 30 minutes and operate on sleighs or wagons when available. The center emphasizes guest safety, pre-registration for select workshops, and organized waitlist management to accommodate demand. As a feature within Jester Park, the equestrian center connects visitors to the park landscape and lake views while offering structured equine experiences, educational outreach for groups, and commemorative plaque placement along a public trail. Programs are scheduled seasonally and require reservations for many offerings; staff manage group logistics, safety briefings, and horse handling instruction to ensure a well-organized visit for schools, families, and private groups and community partners.