Entry No. 76 — the Des Moines file — filed under: after-dark
Annett Nature Center observation tower
A 160-acre Warren County nature preserve on a hillside ringed by farmland, with a 30-foot observation tower that central-Iowa stargazers favor as a dark-sky perch just south of the metro. Sitting next to Lake Ahquabi State Park and away from city glow, it stays surprisingly dark for being this close to Des Moines, though the park grounds close at 10 p.m., so it's an evening-into-night spot rather than an all-nighter. Climb the tower platform after sunset with binoculars or a telescope and you can pick out constellations, meteor showers, and the occasional planet. (The nature center building keeps weekday daytime hours, but the trails and tower are open until close.)
The story
Drive five miles south of Indianola, past the southern fringe of Des Moines' suburban glow, and the horizon opens up over a 160-acre patch of Warren County farmland and prairie. While most night-sky seekers assume you have to trek hours out to western Iowa to see real stars, local amateur astronomers quietly pivot off Highway 65 toward the Annett Nature Center. Resting on a high ridge right next to Lake Ahquabi State Park, it sits in a sweet spot where the metro light bleed drops off sharply.
The main draw for after-dark visitors is Mildred’s Observation Tower, a 30-foot timber structure rising out of the prairie edge above Lester Pond and nearby wetlands. Climb the wooden stairwell as sunset fades, and the platform lifts you just high enough above the tree line to catch an unobstructed view of the sky. It clears the damp ground mist and gives you an elevated, dark-sky vantage point for tracking meteor showers, spotting Jupiter's moons through binoculars, or picking out constellations before the city glow catches up.
What it's like
Pull into the gravel drive off 118th Avenue around dusk. The three-level nature center building will be locked for the night, but the trails and the tower remain open. Pack a red-light flashlight so you don't blow out your night vision on the short walk to the base, and bring your own glass—there are no built-in telescopes on the platform. The real catch to keep in mind is the clock: the park grounds close at 10 p.m., making this a crisp early-evening stargazing spot rather than an all-night campsite.
The move: Pack a blanket and a thermos, hike the short path to the 30-foot tower after sunset, and lie back to watch for shooting stars away from the streetlights.
📍 Before you go Free, open 24/7 year-round; the nature center building has limited hours but the grounds and tower are accessible after dark. No on-site telescopes, so bring your own optics, and a meteor shower or new-moon night is best.
- 📍 Indianola (near Lake Ahquabi), Warren County
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 15565 118th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Indianola Glass Creations — Just five miles north on the Indianola square, you can stop by this local glass shop and studio before heading south to the tower at dusk.
- Briar Patch Amphitheater — Pair two distinct Warren County outdoor spots—a quiet dark-sky observation tower and a handmade outdoor music bowl tucked into an oak-hickory forest.
- Full Moon Hike at Fort Des Moines Park — If you want a guided group walk under a bright moon, pair it on another night with your solo, dark-sky telescope session at Annett.
Good to know
Is there an entry fee or reservation needed?
No. Access to the grounds, trails, and observation tower is completely free and self-guided.
Are there telescopes on top of the tower?
No. The 30-foot platform is completely open timber, so you will need to bring your own binoculars, spotting scope, or portable telescope.
How late can you stay on the tower?
The preserve grounds close at 10 p.m., so you will need to pack up your gear and head out before park curfew.
What is the official name of the tower?
It is known locally as Mildred's Observation Tower and stands 30 feet tall.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: warrenccb.org · mycountyparks.com · dsm4kids.com · traveliowa.com · desmoinesparent.com
last checked: 2026-06-23