Things to Do
Things to Do
Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower
The 14 story tower commands a breathtaking view of Jefferson and the countryside of five counties. Visitors can take a glass elevator ride to the 120-ft. observation deck. The tower is located on the southwest corner of the Greene County Courthouse plaza in downtown Jefferson. The tower is 168 ft. 2 inches high and holds 47 bells that were cast in the Netherlands. The bells chime on the hour, quarter and half hour and music is played hourly. Mahanay Maestros play daily during summer months from a digital keyboard. Unique rooftop art can be viewed only from the observation. Open daily Memorial Day to the end of September, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and weekends in May and October. Other times by appt. by calling 515-386-2155. $3 for adults and free for youth 18 and under courtesy of various organization each year. More info at www.mahanaybelltower.org and Facebook.
Raccoon River Valley Trail
Come to Jefferson to bike the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Start at the Jefferson Milwaukee Depot on the Old Lincoln Highway and ride through Cooper, Herndon, Yale, Panora, Linden, Redfield, Adel, and Waukee to Clive. This 56 miles of paved trail is an absolutely beautiful ride!
Doreen Wilber Olympic Plaza
Doreen Wilber exemplifies an ordinary person who did extraordinary things. The inspiration and contribution made by one life can motivate everyone to make a difference in the world. Doreen (Hansen) Wilber was born in Rutland, IA and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1948. Doreen learned archery as an adult when her husband, Paul “Skeeter” Wilber, a local mechanic shop owner, received a bow and a set of arrows as payment for an auto repair bill. Without professional coaching or commercial sponsorship, she made it to the top of amateur archery. Skeeter gave Doreen instruction and was her only coach. Doreen was a natural archer, physically strong and displayed amazing concentration. Daily she committed to the discipline, focus, and practice of her sport. A great competitor with outstanding sportsmanship, she would take archery supplies to international opponents that had trouble getting them… even her fiercest competitors. Doreen was the first Iowa woman to win an Olympic Gold Medal. She was the Olympic Gold Medalist in Archery, Munich, Germany, 1972, setting two World records.
RVP-1875
Robby Pedersen, Master Furniture Maker
A working museum building superior quality furniture with only the tools, techniques, & finishes of the 1800's. Items include building custom heirloom furniture, tables, benches, trunks, cupboards, beds, desks and repairs.
Tours and Demonstrations available.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday
9:00-5:00
515-975-3083
Located 1 hour NW of Des Moines
115 S. Wilson Ave.
Jefferson, IA
robby@rvp1875.com
Daubendiek Park & Disk Golf Course
Disc Golf at Daubendiek park is a complete 18 hole course using the parts of the park that have not been utilized over the years. The course provides a variety of obstacles. Variety of wooded, tight/technical, and out in the open holes. Designed to be a challenging course to attract the disc golf community to travel to Jefferson and also to maintain replayability. If you download the app "Udisc" it will walk the player through the course. There is also a temporary sign posted on the bathrooms down at the park with a QR code to download the app.
Greene County Community Center
Jefferson’s community center offers not only an indoor track, racquetball court, aerobic classes, and free weight lifting room, but also offers meeting room rentals, child care, batting cage, and a variety of programs both physical and educational for all ages. For more information call 515/386-3412.
Jefferson Parks & Rec. Dept.
Ice Rink
Chatauqua Park, During Winter Months
Library
200 W Lincoln Way, (515) 386-2835
Softball Complex
710 South Maple, is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
For pool hours and other information, call 515/386-9171.
Jefferson Community Golf Course
501 W. Greenewood Road, (515) 386-4178
Sierra Community Theatre
212 E. State St., 515/386-3176
Sparetime Lanes Bowling
118 S. Chestnut, 515/386-9119
Restaurants
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- A&W Restaurant
- Bett & Bev's BBQ
- Breadeaux Pizza
- Casa de Oro
- Casey's Pizza
- Doc's Stadium Bar & Grill
- Hy-Vee Market Grill
- Junkyard Café
- Peony Chinese Restaurant
- Sparky's One Stop
- Subway
Coffee Houses/Bakery
Hotel/Motel/B&B
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- Gallup House-703 S. Chestnut St.
- Super 8 – 207 W. Gallup Rd., 515-386-2464
- The Redwood Motel – 209 E. Gallup Rd., 515-386-3116
- Trailside Lodging
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- Volunteer Opportunities
Greene County RSVO 55+ Volunteer Program
For a list of community events, businesses, attractions, and tourism related information, visit www.jeffersonmatters.org
- Volunteer Opportunities