My Local Guide

Bell Towers, Prairie Trails, Deep Iowa Roots

Greene County, Iowa

Greene County is a rural west-central Iowa county shaped by productive farmland, the North Raccoon River, historic small towns, parks, trails, and a strong sense of community. Jefferson serves as the county seat and is home to the landmark Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower, a historic courthouse square, local shops, museums, and trail access. Beyond Jefferson, communities such as Churdan, Grand Junction, Paton, Rippey, Scranton, and Dana add to a county where agriculture, outdoor recreation, and local history remain closely connected.

Greene County at a Glance

Population8,658 (2025 estimate)
County SeatJefferson
Largest CityJefferson
Organized1854
ZIP CodesMultiple ZIP Codes across 7 incorporated cities
Total AreaAbout 571 sq. mi. total
Major RoutesU.S. 30, Iowa 4, Iowa 25, Iowa 144
Area Code515
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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Greene County

Greene County

Greene County was officially organized in 1854 and was named for Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene. Early settlement developed near the North Raccoon River, and Jefferson became the county seat. The county’s present courthouse was dedicated in 1917, while the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower added a modern landmark to the downtown square in 1966. Agriculture, rail service, highways, and small-town commerce have continued to shape the county’s identity.

Today, Greene County offers a mix of farm country, historic downtowns, parks, wildlife areas, river recreation, and paved trails. Jefferson anchors the county with public services, shopping, dining, health care, schools, and cultural attractions, while Spring Lake Park, Squirrel Hollow Park, the Raccoon River Valley Trail, and county wildlife areas provide outdoor access throughout the region.

What Shapes Us

Historic Heart

Jefferson’s courthouse square, Mahanay Bell Tower, historic buildings, depots, churches, and local museums preserve stories that reach back to the county’s earliest settlements.

Prairie & River

Farmland, the North Raccoon River, county parks, prairie remnants, wildlife areas, and trails define Greene County’s landscape and outdoor recreation.

Community Strength

Schools, health care, local businesses, festivals, volunteer groups, agriculture, and civic traditions keep the county’s seven incorporated communities connected.

Small towns, strong roots, wide-open possibilities.
My Local Guide

Greene County

Our County - Our Stories
Greene County Wire

Greene County Wire

Local Stories - DailyPhoto Credits
Radio Iowa

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Around Greene County

Stories from every corner of Greene County.

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Horror film fest is highlight of Ottumwa’s Halloweenapalooza

The leaves are starting to change color, pumpkins are appearing on porches, and a scare is in the…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Names of northeast Iowa boaters who died in Mississippi River accident released

The Iowa DNR has identified two northeast Iowa men who drowned after their fishing boat hit a submerged…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Iowa farmers didn’t get much field time last week waiting for drier conditions

The harvest didn’t advance much last week as farmers waited for fields to dry out. The lastest U.S.D.A.…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Celebrating Iowa 4H from calves and canning to astronomy and robots

This is National 4H Week, recognizing the accomplishments of the program that reaches more than 120,000 young people…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
GREENE COUNTY WEATHER
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

Find trusted county, city, school, health, safety, recreation, transportation, library, court, veteran, and employment resources serving Greene County and its seven incorporated communities.

Government

Greene County Government
County departments, supervisors, public notices, records, meetings, and services.
Official Website

Greene County Department Listing
Direct access to county departments and offices.
Official Website

City of Jefferson
Municipal services and city information for the county seat.
Official Website

City of Grand Junction
Municipal information for Grand Junction.
Official Website

City of Scranton
Municipal information for Scranton.
Official Website

State of Iowa
State agency directory and online public services.
Official Website

We’re Here To Help.

Quick answers for visiting, living, exploring, and getting around Greene County.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Get practical answers about Jefferson, local history, trails, parks, shopping, dining, attractions, and everyday life in Greene County.

Start in downtown Jefferson with the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower and the historic Greene County Courthouse square. The tower rises above downtown and offers an observation deck with broad views across the county. Then explore local shops, murals, museums, and other attractions listed by Experience Jefferson.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day

From courthouse-square history and the Mahanay Bell Tower to trails, parks, local shops, and small-town dining, Greene County offers plenty to explore.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower
  2. Greene County Community Center
  3. Jefferson Swimming Pool
  4. Sierra Community Theatre
  5. Spring Lake Park

Restaurants

  1. The Public House & Lounge
  2. Bett and Bev’s BBQ
  3. Casa de Oro
  4. Peony Chinese Restaurant
  5. Greene Bean Coffee

Shopping & Retail

  1. Ope & Fable
  2. Olson Iron Works
  3. Fareway Meat & Grocery
  4. Downtown Jefferson Shops
  5. Experience Jefferson Shopping Guide

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Ope & Fable
  2. Jefferson Downtown Boutiques
  3. Iowa-Made Gift Shops
  4. Local Specialty Retailers
  5. Jefferson Main Street Shopping

Outdoor Fun

  1. Raccoon River Valley Trail
  2. Spring Lake Park
  3. Squirrel Hollow Park & Wildlife Area
  4. Seven Hills Park
  5. Adkins Bridge Wildlife Area

Free Things To Do

  1. Greene County Courthouse Square
  2. Raccoon River Valley Trail
  3. Jefferson Downtown Murals & Main Street
  4. Seven Hills Park
  5. Jefferson Public Library
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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