Raccoon River Valley Trailhead
The 56 mile paved trail begins just outside downtown Jefferson, in Greene County and is used for biking, running, walking, inline skating and cross country skiing. The trail runs from Jefferson to Waukee and will expand to 89 miles during 2011. The trailhead is just a few blocks from downtown, the Mahanay Bell Tower and a wide variety of dining options and lodging facilities.

Jefferson Trailhead Campground
The first campground located on the Raccoon River Valley Trail runs adjacent to the trailhead in Jefferson. The campground is conveniently located between the Greene County Fairgrounds and the restored Milwaukee Railroad Depot and just outside downtown Jefferson.

Greene County Raccoon River Canoe Trips
Spend a lazy morning and/or afternoon floating at your leisure down the Raccoon River in Greene County, relaxing, watching the local wild life, or taking pictures of the beautiful scenery. Canoers can rent and pick-up canoes at the Jefferson Trailhead Campground or bring their own. Shuttle service runs from the Trailhead Campground to McMahon Access to Eureka Bridge to Henderson Park and finishing at Squirrel Hollow before starting the run all over again. Canoers also have 3 choices of where to start their canoe trip, McMahon Access, Eureka Bridge or Henderson Park, depending on how long you want to float. This gives canoers a variety of trip lengths from the very long (over five hours from McMahon Access to Squirrel Hollow) to shorter trips (approx. 90 minutes from Eureka Bridge to Henderson Park). Our shuttle service will pick you up and return you back to your car no matter where you start and end your adventure. The cost of the shuttle service will be $5.00 per person with a $20 minimum for groups of less than 4 people. Let us help organize your adventure in advance by contacting the Greene County Chamber and Development, 515-386-2155 (Monday–Friday and 515-386-4199 on Weekends).

Mahanay Bell Tower
This 14-story carillon tower provides a spectacular view of Jefferson and the surrounding countryside. Take a glass elevator ride to the 120-foot high observation deck. Cast bells (14 of them) chime the time of day and play bell concerts regularly. Tours are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day (12:00 pm to 4:00 pm) plus weekends in May and September.
Call 515-386-2155 for appointments.

Jefferson Telecom Museum
One of the first telephone museums in the nation dedicated specifically to telephone preservation opened in Jefferson in 1957. The museum, in the basement of Jefferson Telecom at 105 W. Harrison Street, is open for free tours Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm and by appointment after hours or for larger group tours. Call 515-386-4141 for more information.

Milwaukee Railroad Depot
The depot is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It serves as the trailhead for the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The restored depot houses tourist information, Greene County artisans and craft displays, railroad memorabilia, public restrooms, gardens and picnic tables. It has a kitchenette and can be rented for functions.
Call 515-386-2155 for more information.

Greene County Courthouse
Built in 1917, the courthouse boasts a dome rotunda with a stained glass ceiling. Offices are accessed through archways of marble that frame murals depicting the “progress of civilization as recorded in Iowa.”
Call 515-386-2155 for information

Abraham Lincoln Statue
This 1918 bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln stands on the courthouse lawn as a monument to the historic Lincoln Highway (Old Highway 30).

Lincoln Highway
Local citizens donated money to pave Lincoln Highway across Greene County. This was the first paved section of Highway in Iowa. Memorabilia is exhibited at the Milwaukee Railroad Depot and the Greene County Historical Museum.

Greene County Historical Museum
Houses items pertinent to Greene County’s history, starting with the first settler in 1849. Admission is free. April–October, Wednesday 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to noon. Other times by appointment. Located at 219 East Lincolnway, Jefferson. 515-386-8544

Gallup House
This early 1900’s unique octagon-shaped building is the boyhood home of George Gallup, founder of the Gallup Poll. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been restored for uses, such as business or private retreats, educational meetings and seminars and private receptions. Located at 703 South Chestnut, Jefferson.

Scranton Water Tower
This 1897 all-steel elevated water tank landmark has a capacity of 48,000 gallons and stands 148 feet high. It is the oldest water tower still is service in Iowa and tied for ninth oldest in the U.S. For information call Scranton City Hall 712-652-3888

Deal's Orchard
This third generation apple orchard has 55 acres of trees with 35 varieties. Other fresh produce is available in season including raspberries, cherries, tomatoes, sweet corn and pumpkins. Each year 25,000 to 30,000 gallons of fresh apple cider is processed. Celebrate the harvest on the second weekend in October at the Annual Fall Festival. Located three miles north of Jefferson on Old Highway 30 and a quarter mile south. For information call 515-386-8279 or visit www.dealsorchard.com

RVP-1875 Historical Furniture Shop
Robby Pedersen, Master Furniture Maker, builds period furniture using only the hand tools, techniques and finishes from that time period. Based in the year 1875, this living history museum displays more than 100 of Robby’s show pieces as well as the largest collection of period hand tools anywhere. Tours, hands-on programs, weekend workshops and apprenticeships are all available. The workshop produces and sells tables, beds and trunks for those who wish to have furniture built to last for hundreds of years. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9 am to 5 pm or by appointment. For information call 515-975-3083 or visit www.RVP1875.com

Barn Quilts of Greene County
Over 20 colorful and traditional quilt patterns—each painted on a wood frame over eight feet square- placed on ag buildings around Greene County. For information call 515-386-2155

Inspiration Gardens
Dick and Janice Schlicht of rural Rippy invite you to visit and tour their tranquil and relaxing gardens. The gardens include ponds, waterfalls, two rustic rooms available for small group meetings, sitting areas throughout the gardens, two camping hookups and a Greene County Barn Quilt. The gardens have something for everyone and each week brings different points of interest.

Greene County Community Center
The 28,000 square foot center offers over 100 organized recreational opportunities annually. The facility features a multi-purpose room and gymnasium, racquetball court, fitness center, suspended walking/jogging track, lockers, a preschool and daycare facility with an outdoor playground, as well as meeting and activity rooms.

Golf Courses of Greene County
Greene County has three courses within a fifteen minute drive of downtown Jefferson plus a driving range at The Hill Golf Course.
- Raccoon Valley Golf Course, 515-386-4178
- The Hill Golf Course, 515-738-2633
- Lakeside Golf Course, 515-738-2403

Squirrel Hollow Campground and Horse Trails
The second oldest county park in Iowa and is listed on the National Register of Historic Parks. Focal point of the park is the rock built shelter house on a bluff overlooking the Raccoon River. Electrical sites are available and there is a specific area for horse trailer camping and horse trails. Located two miles east of Jefferson on County Road E53 (Lincoln Highway), five miles south on County Road P30 and one mile east on 283rd Street. Look for county park signs.

Spring Lake Campground
This county park hosts a spring fed 50-acre lake. Concessions include boat rental and indoor skating rink. Modern camping facilities include 126 electrical sites on the lakeshore, modern showers and restrooms, an open shelter and two enclosed shelter houses, along with a swimming beach surrounded by 120 wooded acres. Travel north of Highway 30 on County Road P33. Look for county park signs.

Dunbar Slough and Goose Lake
This county park hosts a spring fed 50-acre lake. Concessions include boat rental and indoor skating rink. Modern camping facilities include 126 electrical sites on the lakeshore, modern showers and restrooms, an open shelter and two enclosed shelter houses, along with a swimming beach surrounded by 120 wooded acres. Travel north of Highway 30 on County Road P33. Look for county park signs.

Henderson Park
Located one mile south of Jefferson, directly on the Raccoon River. The park provides grills, picnic area, restrooms and tent camping. It is also the “take-out” point for the Greene County Raccoon River Canoe Trips. The 39 acre park is south of Jefferson on Highway 4.

Hyde Park
A 57 acre park located six miles south of Scranton. The park is on the Raccoon River and has grills, play equipment, restrooms, sledding hill, shelter and tent camping with electrical sites.

Community Pool

Skateboard Park

Bowling Alley

Ice Skating Rink