The Ranch Guidebook
Food scene
Williamson Tavern
108 W South StGreat burgers and pork tenderloin in relaxed atmosphere. Menu is on Facebook.
Bar and grill located in the historic Hotel Charitone. Serves freshly prepared lunches and dinners.
The Iron Horse Charitone
831 Braden AvenueBar and grill located in the historic Hotel Charitone. Serves freshly prepared lunches and dinners.
Casa de Oro Restaurant
123 North Main StreetAuthentic Mexican food on the historic Chariton Square.
Family owned with gourmet dishes and full bar in Russell, IA. Great food and relaxed atmosphere.
Prairie Street Pub
106 Prairie StreetFamily owned with gourmet dishes and full bar in Russell, IA. Great food and relaxed atmosphere.
Pipers Candies and Groceries is a historic shop with wooden floors and tin ceilings and a delicious assortment of hand made chocolates and deli sandwiches.
Piper's
901 Braden AvePipers Candies and Groceries is a historic shop with wooden floors and tin ceilings and a delicious assortment of hand made chocolates and deli sandwiches.
Letz Eat
126 North Grand StreetGood breakfasts and inexpensive. 7am to 2pm
Located on Chariton's Historic Square.
City/town information
Chariton is the county seat of Lucas County and 4 miles west of the Ranch. There is shopping and restaurants around the historic square. The community movie theater Vision II is located blocks off the square. Chariton is best known as the primary distribution center of Hy-Vee grocery stores.
The Chariton Chamber and Main Street organizations has a useful web site.
Chariton
Chariton is the county seat of Lucas County and 4 miles west of the Ranch. There is shopping and restaurants around the historic square. The community movie theater Vision II is located blocks off the square. Chariton is best known as the primary distribution center of Hy-Vee grocery stores.
The Chariton Chamber and Main Street organizations has a useful web site.
Birding
See Chariton's Main Street Web page for more info. https://www.charitonareachambermainstreet.com/post/birding-lucas-county
Stephens State Forest
See Chariton's Main Street Web page for more info. https://www.charitonareachambermainstreet.com/post/birding-lucas-county
Red Haw State Park
24550 US-34https://www.charitonareachambermainstreet.com/post/birding-lucas-county
Public Hunting
Stephens State Forest
Red Haw State Park
24550 US-34126 acers of forest and water with a hard surface boat dock. Good fishing!
Williamson Pond State Public Hunting and Recreation Area
126 acers of forest and water with a hard surface boat dock. Good fishing!
Interesting Local Sites
Frontier Trading Post
25281 US-34Amish store with deli and sandwiches, candies, and general groceries. In season fresh produce. Saturday fresh donuts. If you are lucky you might hear the staff singing as they work.
Schmucker's Bulk Foods & Discount Grocery
54359 Iowa 14Amish store with deli and sandwiches, candies, and general groceries. In season fresh produce. Saturday fresh donuts. If you are lucky you might hear the staff singing as they work.
Gun Club in Lucas County, IA. Trap, handgun, rifle ranges 50 and 100 yards. Scheduled shoots every 2 weeks are open to the public for a fee. Educational classes.
Russell Sportsmen's Club
41570 280th AvenueGun Club in Lucas County, IA. Trap, handgun, rifle ranges 50 and 100 yards. Scheduled shoots every 2 weeks are open to the public for a fee. Educational classes.