Meeting/Event Space

Jester Park Nature Center Rental Fees

Looking for a venue for your next corporate or personal event in a beautiful park setting? Consider the Jester Park Nature Center in Granger, Iowa! The Jester Park Nature Center is an eco-conscience building immersed in prairie and surrounded by woodlands. The nature center offers many different areas of the building for your next event.

Reservations can only be made six months prior to the reservation date.

View & Fill Out Rental Contract and Application Form

*Application forms may be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed. However, payments for reservations cannot be accepted via e-mail. To pay with a credit card, please call (515) 323-5317 between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday).

View Rules & Rates

Tiered Reservation System Rates

PCC or Partner Agency (Environmental Non-Profit)

• Rent - up to 6 months prior to reservation date
• Classrooms can only be rented up to 30 days prior to the reservation date; M-F before 3 p.m.*
• Rental fees are waived during business hours
• Weekend, after-hours, and associated building monitor fees apply

Non-Profit Agency/Service Clubs

• Rent – up to 6 months prior to reservation date
• Classrooms can only be rented up to 30 days prior to the reservation date; M-F before 3 p.m.*

• 50% off Private fee rates
• Weekend, after-hours, and associated building monitor fees apply
• Deposit check required day of rental

Private (Individual, Corporate, For Profits)

• Rent – up to 6 months prior to reservation date
• Classrooms can only be rented up to 30 days prior to the reservation date; M-F before 3 p.m.*

• Fees listed below
• Weekend, after-hours, and associated building monitor fees apply
• Deposit check required day of rental

VIEW JESTER PARK NATURE CENTER BUILDING LAYOUT HERE

Rentals are limited to one event per space per day as we will not provide room turn-overs in the same day. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance of the reservation date. 

*Classrooms are available for rent weekdays before 3:00 p.m. up to 30 days in advance. Classrooms are unavailable to rent during business hours in April, May, September, or October.
*When renting more than one classroom, maximum deposit is $200. 

Rules and Information

General
Use of the Jester Park Nature Center shall be contained to the area rented and use of public rest rooms. Other areas within the Nature Center shall not be utilized during the rental. Any damage occurring during a private rental shall be billed at 100% repair/replacement cost with a 5% administrative fee.

View full list of Rules and Information here.

Rules and Information document include information on the following:

• Deposit
• Alcohol
• Cleaning Fees & Damages
• Set-up/Tear-down
• Decorations
• A/V Equipment
• Tables & Chairs
• Catering
• Parking
• Signage
• Smoking Policy
• Reservation Modifications
• Cancellation Policy
• Refund Policy

Catering
At the Jester Park Nature Center, we do not have exclusive caterers. We feel the choices you make in selecting your caterers play a big part in managing your overall theme and budget. A catering kitchen is located in the lower level of the nature center and can be used in conjunction with your event. Appliances include a refrigerator/freezer, ice machine, microwave, and dishwasher.

The companies below are local caterers that we recommend and have experience with:

• Food with Flair, Jester Park Lodge Caterer | 515.277.7775
• C Corporation, Jester Park Golf Course | 515.999.2903

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at the Nature Center.

Other Rental Facilities at Jester Park

We understand that the Jester Park Nature Center may not be the most suitable location for upcoming event. Below is a listing of other rental facilities within the Jester Park campus.

Jester Park Lodge
Managed by Food with Flair Catering, the Jester Park Lodge is a unique destination for weddings, corporate retreats, and private parties. The venue is nestled in mature woodlands overlooking an expansive lawn with beautiful lake views. The Jester Park Lodge can seat over 250 guests with a beautiful, private deck overlooking Saylorville Lake. The indoor event space can be divided in half for smaller events. Facility rental prices change seasonally. For more information, visit their website here.

Jester Park Clubhouse
Surrounded by beautiful rolling greens, the Jester Park Golf Course Clubhouse is an excellent choice for your next corporate or holiday party, graduation party, reunion, or birthday! The clubhouse does not host weddings. This venue has a private entrance for events, a customizable floor layout that seats 100+ guests, full service bar and kitchen, and a private back patio with plenty of extra seating. For more information, visit their website here. 

Jester Park Equestrian Center
Jester Park Equestrian Center can be your go-to destination for your equestrian clinic, small show, conferences or other venue needs (ie: dog shows!). Our facilities were established in mind to host a plethora of groups and we are very accommodating and flexible for your needs. Utilize our indoor complex, outdoor arena, trail system or a combination of all of the above! For fees and rental information, visit their website here. 

Jester Park Shelters
Five open air picnic shelters can be rented from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days per week. All shelters are accessible and come with picnic tables and grills. Amenities such as electricity, water service, sand volleyball courts, and playgrounds can be found in or nearby certain shelters. For more information, visit the website here.