Activities

 
Cabins Cabins at Uhlenhopp Arboretum

Stay at our beautifully constructed cabin and wake up to the sounds of nature. Enjoy groomed trails for hiking or fishing in one of the 7 ponds on the property.

 

Elliot Uhlenhopp’s wish was that his 250-acre arboretum be gifted to Jasper County Conservation. He reminded others, “The world needs more trees; plant as many as you can,” and this is just what he did! JCC accepted his generous donation and has worked to create a natural area full of trails winding through prairie, timber, wetlands and 7 ponds, each named for a day of the week. He also built the beautiful cabin that is now available for rental as a place to come out and be one with nature.  

 

Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Mariposa Park
Enjoy our self-serve kayak rental station at the Mariposa boat ramp! Park users will be able to rent a kayak directly from the station by simply downloading the RENTFUN app and paying with a credit card. No need to purchase your own kayak or a vehicle to haul it! Cost of the rental will be $20/2 hour rental, and $2.50 for every 15 minutes after.
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Uhlenhopp Arboretum
Check out the beautiful fall colors at Uhlenhopp Arboretum!
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Ashton Wildwood Park
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors at Ashton Wildwood! 
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve East
Great fall colors at Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve.
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Mariposa Park
Take a stroll around the beautifully restored lake and enjoy the fall colors.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Mariposa Park
The Mariposa Playscape Trail is an area just north of the picnic shelter where children of all ages can explore and play in the great outdoors. It is designed to encourage better social and physical development, improve fitness, motor skills and well-being, support creative and imaginative play, reduce stress and create feelings of empathy for nature—the first step toward developing the next generation of environmental stewards! The trail features a large “messy materials” area with sandbox, digging tools, and natural building blocks, a free library and reading bench, and a “musical mischief” area with chimes, a pebble harp, and interactive musical fence. The trail also features a big chair, stage, teepee, canoe and large painted turtle to help inspire creativity and play. New elements are continually being added!