The dedication of the Mahanay Bell Tower took place 57 years ago on Oct. 16, 1966, and each year it is a time to celebrate. This year, the Tower will be open Oct. 16 from 10 am to 2 pm with free admission for all.
The Bell Tower Community Foundation would like to particularly invite local employers to send their employees over the lunch break to experience the Tower. More than 50 percent of the visitors are from out of town and many locals haven’t heard the story, listened to the bells, and seen the rooftop art and spectacular view from the Paul Nally Observation Deck. The Mahanay Bell Tower was named the 2021 Rural Iowa Attraction of the Year.
A Tower Tunes Live Birthday Concert will be played Monday, Oct. 16, from 12:15 to 12:30 pm. A local Mahanay Maestro will perform favorite music on the carillon for the community to enjoy.
Visitors and residents are asked to celebrate by posting pictures with the Tower in the background. #HBD1966 and #experiencejefferson are two hashtags that could be used.
The Mahanay Bell Tower has transitioned to October regular hours of Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. In 2023, youth age 18 and younger can tour the Tower at no charge courtesy of the Victor Zike Trust and Rosalene (Kay) Zike Trust. Adult admission is $5.
Visitors may also schedule an appointment by calling the Jefferson Matters office at 515-386-2155.
