Location: Jefferson
Top Things to do in Jefferson
What to do and see in Jefferson, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Jefferson is a city in Greene County, Iowa, United States, along the North Raccoon River. The population was 4,345 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Greene County. It is the home of the Mahanay Memorial Bell Tower, 168 feet (51 m) tall, located on the town square, and visible for miles. The tower is named for Floyd Mahanay, a businessman, philanthropist, and former resident. Jefferson is bisected east to west by the old Lincoln Highway (formerly U.S. 30). A new U.S. 30 is located about one mile to the north.
Restaurants in Jefferson
1. Deal's Apple Orchard
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
We are a family run apple orchard located in Jefferson, Iowa. From humble beginnings dating back to 1917, Deal's Orchard has grown to its present size of 45 acres, selling our produce in many central Iowa grocery stores. We have over 25 varieties of Iowa apples as well as tomatoes, sweet corn, pumpkins, holiday gift baskets, and plenty of other seasonal fruits and vegetables. In 1999 we planted our first crop of Scotch Pine trees and now have a wide selection of Christmas trees on our Tree Farm. In 2011 we started our newest adventure by becoming only one of two establishments in the state of Iowa to produce hard cider. All of our cider is pressed, fermented, and bottled at our orchard.
Reviewed By David J - Texarkana, Texas
Deals has the very best sweet corn and tomatos now. In October they have a big festival with a corn maze, food, music home made ice cream, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, bouncy house, and apple sling shot. It is a great way to spend a day.
2. Mahanay Bell Tower
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By RetiredOhioTravelers - Coshocton, Ohio
First timers to Jefferson and was very impressed with the people we met and the city in general. Was in the gift shop across from the bell tower and the proprietor went out of her way to tell us about her city and the area. Even contacted the Chamber of Commerce to arrange a tour to the top of the tower on a closed day. If you visit, do not miss going into the Court House. One of the finest we have seen.
3. RVP~1875 Historic Furniture Shop & Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
RVP~1875, the world’s leading historical furniture shop and museum, is located in the Milligan Lumber, building (National Historic Registry). Owner Robby Pedersen is a Master Furniture Maker with over 20 years experience, who has built over 900 pieces of historically accurate furniture using only the tools, techniques and finishes used in 1875 Iowa. On display is the Midwest’s largest working set of 19th-century woodworking tools, including an 1860’s foot-powered lathe, an 1870’s hand-crank ripsaw, and over 500 different hand planes. The showroom displays over 100 of Robby’s prototype pieces of furniture, each with a story of historical significance. Robby passionately shares his love of historic furniture making and how it relates to Iowa history with his visitors.
Reviewed By Darin J - Kansas
My friend and I must have lucked out. We were visiting Jefferson on a quiet Sunday afternoon, and we decided to see if this place might be open (even though they do not have posted hours for Sundays). The owner -- Robby -- happened to be in the shop/store and, after talking about the store, allowed us to look around.
So, as other reviewers have mentioned, this store features furniture made in 1875. This specific year was chosen for several reasons that I'm at a loss to remember at the moment. That stated, the furniture is all handmade (obviously), and, surprisingly, reasonably priced. The owner was very friendly and welcoming, and I am definitely considering adding a piece of furniture from this place into my collection.
4. Sally's Alley
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin N - Iowa
This is a great place to stop and think for a while while viewing the great bird photography and reading the original poetry. This alley is on the south side of the square, about in the middle.
5. Wild Rose Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By BikeHawk - Sioux City, Iowa
Visited the Wild Rose Casino for the first time while passing thru Jefferson. The Casino is fairly new - Although on the small side, the casino has a nice mix of modern slots and a very friendly staff. The biggest downside, like most casinos in Iowa is that 90 % of the floor is smoking - there is a SMALL non-smoking area but you have to go thru the smoking area to get there. Casino offers complimentary coffee and pop.
6. Greene County Community Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin N - Iowa
Great place to walk, run, Zumba, lift weights, play Rec League volleyball....
The Rec Center has it all:
Two basketball/volleyball courts
Suspended walking track above the double courts
Weight equipment including Power Lift Racks, Platforms, and machines
Treadmills and bikes
Medicine balls and jump ropes
Upstairs dedicated fitness room
Racquetball available with reservation
Downstairs dedicated meeting room
Many programs are available at a very reasonable cost
Monday-Friday - 5 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday - 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday - 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Closed on major holidays. For more information call 515-386-3412
Yearly memberships are available.
Daily Admission: $5/child $6/adult
Facility can be rented at varying rates
7. Thomas Jefferson Gardens of Greene County
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By coolcoach67 - Jefferson, Iowa
Located in Jefferson, Iowa, The Thomas Jefferson Gardens has a statue of Thomas Jefferson, a replica of a wood mold board plow invented by Jefferson, 5 separate gardens (Lewis and Clark Prarie garden, a farmers' garden, a children's garden, a herb and vegetable garden, and a pernial flower garden), an abor sits in one corner and a pavilion in another corner. Contact The Chamber of Commerce of Greene County for tour information.
8. History Boy Theatre Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
The History Boy Theatre Company is a regional, up & comer and the philosophy is simple... pick the best shows and then put a mix of professionals & locals with tons of talent on stage! Next top it off with direction and technical creativity, focusing on cutting-edge themes, and an incredible audience and you come up with a formula for SUCCESS!
Reviewed By 3PreciousGirls - Iowa
You can always catch a great show at History Boy. I've seen 12 out of the thirteen shows, and they have all been stellar! You won't be dissapointed!
9. All Ability Cycles
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin N - Iowa
Get on the road or get on the bike path.
Get a different style of bike for any age, size, style, physical challenge, level of fitness or nonfitness. All Ability has a very good selection, in a relatively small space, and can order just about anything else.
If a bike has broken down or needs to be tuned up this is the place with the best service, skill, reasonable prices, and affable owner.
If you are a bicyclist or considering becoming one, then this is a must stop.
Call ahead for store hours or to make an appointment - (515) 386-8900.
10. Sierra Community Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Julie N - Jefferson, Iowa
This is a great place to see a movie in a community owned theater. Prices are very reasonable.
Although there is no dedicated parking lot, there is room to park on the town square.
Standard price is $4.50 for children and seniors and $5.00 for adults.
3D movie prices are $6.00 for children and seniors and $7.00 for adults.
Concession prices are very reasonable including a $5 box/tray for kids. The box/tray has popcorn, a drink, and a candy of some type (e.g. M & Ms).
Weekday movies show at 7:00 pm.
Weekend show times are at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
For more information call 515-386-3176
The theater is at 212 East States Street in Jefferson.
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