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Tower Opens for 2026

donvg on April 26, 2026

Mahanay Bell Tower Announces 2026 Season Opening

The Bell Tower Community Foundation is pleased to announce the official 2026 season opening of the iconic Mahanay Bell Tower. Starting May 2, the Tower will welcome visitors on weekends, transitioning to daily operations for the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend. For special tours, call Jefferson Matters at 515-386-2155.

Standing as a beacon of local pride, the Tower features four octaves of bells that chime the Westminster quarters throughout the day. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy full carillon concerts after every hour from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. To honor local tradition, each day begins and ends with the “Jefferson Chimes,” an original composition by local musician Jennifer Powers.

Elevating the Visitor Experience

This season, the Mahanay Bell Tower continues to offer a rich, interactive experience for all ages:

  • The Lobby & Souvenirs: Guests can explore an updated introductory video, browse unique souvenirs, and learn about the Jefferson community.
  • Legacy of Excellence: A dedicated display honors the prestigious Bell Tower of Fame Award
  • Interactive Global Map: Visitors are invited to mark their hometowns on our United States and international maps, celebrating the Tower’s reach.
  • Expert Guidance: Our team of six enthusiastic tour guides is ready to share the deep history of the Tower and provide insider tips on the best Jefferson has to offer.

Admission & Accessibility

In a continued effort to support the next generation of visitors, admission remains free for youth 18 and under, thanks to the generous sponsorship of our local chiropractors.

  • Adult Admission: $5
  • 2026 Season Pass: $25 (Unlimited access)
  • Elevator Access to Observatory: ADA accessibility to the 120 ft enclosed Paul Nally Observation Deck to view the countryside, community and rooftop art.

Operating Hours

  • Pre-Season (May 2 – May 17): Saturdays & Sundays | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Daily Operations (May 23 – October 31): Monday – Sunday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

About the Mahanay Bell Tower The Mahanay Bell Tower is a premier destination in Jefferson, Iowa, offering panoramic views and world-class carillon music. For the latest updates on special events and activities, visit mahanaybelltower.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Become A Mahanay Maestro

donvg on April 26, 2026

Call for Musicians: Become a “Mahanay Maestro”

and Play the Carillon This Summer

JEFFERSON, IA — The Mahanay Bell Tower is seeking musicians to join the prestigious ranks of the Mahanay Maestros. This unique opportunity invites experienced pianists to step into the tower and share their talents with the community by performing on the historic 47-bell carillon in the heart of downtown Jefferson.

The Tower Tunes Live Tradition

Every summer since 2017, the Mahanay Maestros bring the town to life during the Tower Tunes Live concert series. These 15-minute performances are a local staple, featuring a diverse repertoire of recognizable melodies, patriotic anthems, and hymns.

  • When: Wednesdays, 12:15 PM – 12:30 PM
  • Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
  • Flexibility: Musicians select the specific dates that work best for their schedules and their own selections of music.

Requirements & Participation

While no prior carillon experience is necessary, interested individuals should have at least two years of piano experience. Specialized training on the carillon will be provided to all approved participants.

Note: The carillon keyboard is located one flight of stairs up within the Mahanay Bell Tower. While these performances are volunteer-based, they offer the rare chance to be the “voice” of Jefferson’s most iconic landmark.

How to Apply:

If you or someone you know is ready to make the bells ring, please complete the online nomination form.

  1. Visit: mahanaybelltower.org
  2. Navigate to the “Join Our Team” section
  3. Click “Become a Maestro” to access the form
  4. Direct Link: org/about/volunteer/

Join us in continuing a cherished local tradition and filling Jefferson with music for all to enjoy!

About the Mahanay Bell Tower

Located in Jefferson, Iowa, the Mahanay Bell Tower is a premier musical landmark. Its 47 carillon bells serve as a cultural cornerstone for the community, providing daily music and special performances throughout the year.

Tower Tunes for the Holidays

donvg on November 19, 2025

Bundle up and enjoy the festively lighted Bell Tower Square as you listen to the Mahanay Maestros play familiar holiday songs this Holiday Season. Each Thursday from 5:15 – 5:30 pm in December, a Maestro will play their selections on the carillon of the Mahanay Bell Tower.

The Mahanay Maestros playing each Thursday will be Dec. 4 – Rita Rasmussen; Dec. 11 – Jenny Wills; and Dec. 18 – Danille Curtis. 

Christmas music will be also be featured on the Bell Tower Carillon after each hour throughout the season.

Operation Green Light for Veterans

donvg on November 7, 2025

OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS.  

Shine a light of hope and support for veterans

Along with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), ISAC encourages Iowa counties to join Operation Green Light to show support for veterans. This initiative aims to “shine a light” on issues and challenges veterans face, particularly as they transition to civilian life. Along with our state and federal partners, counties serve veterans every day as they take on these challenges and navigate a sometimes difficult system. Operation Green Light will show appreciation and support for our veterans while bringing awareness to the resources available to them.

Greene County will be lighting the Mahanay Bell Tower green from November 4 through November 11 to show gratitude and grow awareness.

Veterans Day at the Tower

donvg on November 3, 2025

In honor of Veterans Day, November 11, the Tower will be playing two patriotic songs after each hour from 8 am to 8 pm.

Expanded October hours and Birthday Celebration

donvg on October 6, 2025

The Mahanay Bell Tower has expanded hours again this year and will be open daily during the month of October from 10 am – 4 pm. Youth 18 & under will continue free admission courtesy of Jefferson dentists, Dr. Keith Van Beek and Dr. James Teusch.

Bell Tower Tour Coordinator Pat Richards explained, “There has definitely been an increase in visitors during October in recent years. Traveling in the fall to see the changing rural landscape is very popular. The Lincoln Highway is a draw to many and visitors like to stop at the Tower to experience the bells and the view.”

The dedication of the Mahanay Bell Tower took place 59 years ago on October 16, 1966. This year, Mahanay Maestro Rhena Lane will play a special Tower Tunes Live Concert from 12:15 – 12:30 pm. All guests at the Mahanay Bell Tower on October 16 will take the tour for free.

Bill Monroe continues to change the songs playing after each hour with a great selection of recognizable tunes including patriotic, religious and secular. 

Special tours can be arranged by calling the Jefferson Matters office at 515-386-2155.

Bell Tower Partners With Tower View Team

donvg on September 9, 2025

 

Bell Tower Community Foundation President Don Van Gilder with Jefferson Matters Tower View Team Chair Deb McGinn along with several TVT members Roger Aegerter, Linda Cochran, Joyce Kurth, Shelly Berger, Jolene Peters.

The Jefferson Matters September 5, 2025 Java’n Juice event afforded an opportunity to present Jefferson Matters Tower View Team with a $10,000 check from the Bell Tower Community Foundation in support of their upcoming Roof Top Art installation on the Centennial Block building. This art will feature a 3-D Vinyl rendering, something new and very innovative to the Roof Top Art projects.

A portion of the Foundation’s responsibility is to enhance the Tower to attract visitors. Bell Tower Community Foundation president Don Van Gilder said that “It seemed to us a perfect marriage with the Tower View Team to partner with them on this project. After all, in order to see the Roof Top Art, you have to come to the top of the Tower. When at the Tower, you see the Roof Top Art.” Reciting, tongue in cheek, to the Tower View Team, Van Gilder quoted the famous TV Character Red Green regarding this partnership, “Remember, I’m pulling for you. We’re all in this together.”

The Bell Tower Community Foundation funded this project with their Enhancement monies, not operating budget dollars, those of which are derived from bequests, donations and monies directed toward enhancement of the Tower. The Foundation is ever mindful of being good Stewards of these monies afforded them. Similar projects funded by these monies have been the purchase of additional bells from the existing 14 to the present 47 making it a full four octave carillon, outside seating, planters, music and colored lighting.

Bell Tower Hours for October

donvg on September 2, 2025

The Mahanay Bell Tower will continue to be open daily during the month of October from 10 am – 4 pm. Youth 18 & under will enjoy free admission courtesy of Jefferson Family Dentistry and Jefferson Dental Care.

Traveling in October to see the changing rural landscape is very popular. The Lincoln Highway is also a draw to many visitors who like to stop at the Tower to experience the bells and the view.

The dedication of the Mahanay Bell Tower took place 59 years ago on October 16, 1966.

Special tours can be arranged by calling the Jefferson Matters office at 515-386-2155.

Children visit the Tower Free

donvg on June 25, 2025

With the elevator back up and running at the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower in Jefferson, people can now experience the full capabilities overlooking Greene County from the Paul Nally Observation Deck. 

Jefferson Matters Executive Director Matt Wetrich says youth can also ride to the top of the Bell Tower for free because of the generosity of Jefferson Family Dentistry and Jefferson Dental Care.

“Thanks to both of our local dentist offices for co-sponsoring getting our kiddos up in the tower as many times as they want this year.”

Wetrich adds that adult admissions are $5 to also go up to see all of the amazing sights of the county from a height of 128 feet. The Bell Tower is open daily from 10am-4pm.