Get to Know: Grimes
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the metro, the City of Grimes is development-friendly and strives to advance and retain a community with diverse businesses and sustainable neighborhoods. City staff cultivates positive relationships with developers to encourage developments that create more employment opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents.
Attractions like K1 Speed, which features indoor go-karts approaching 45 miles per hour, Climb Iowa and Sky Zone Trampoline Park give anyone athletically inclined or looking to get active something fun to experience in Grimes. Eat local at Food Depot Bar and Grill, where you can shop local, too, in the grocery/frozen foods section, too. Attend Governors Days, Grimes’ largest community event, held in the summer during the month of June at the Grimes South Sports Complex. In the fall of 2023, visit Grimes’ updated library building, which will feature a sensory room and other inclusive components.
Grimes at a Glance
Grimes in one sentence: Grimes is a vibrant, young and growing community that retains a community feel, with access to all the amenities of the DSM region.
The top five best things about Grimes: The top five best things about Grimes are its well-respected school districts, family-oriented focus, proximity to Interstates 80 and 35, Grimes sweet corn and the continued growth of the city and how that translates into new business and career opportunities and investments for Grimes residents.
Hidden Gems and Unexpected Finds in Grimes: Old School Pinball & Arcade, tucked in the historic central district of Grimes (Governors District), is a quaint destination that has the best collection of pinball machines in Iowa … and beyond.
Community Traditions and Annual Events: Grimes Governors Days is a celebration of community that takes place every summer.
Best Ways to Get Connected: From the local rotary club to multiple church denominations and locations, Grimes offers many ways to get involved.
If you’re coming to check out the community, be sure to spend your day ... eating, getting active and exploring! Grimes has an increasing array of local restaurants and well-known franchised restaurants from which to choose, including high-end dining to fast food to some of the BEST ice cream around! When it comes to engaging in fun, healthy activities, bike trails, go-karting and indoor rock climbing are just a few of the ways to do so. Explore the Governor’s District and local festivals as well as the statue of Governor James W. Grimes, the third governor and a prominent senator from Iowa. Restaurants to visit include Destination Grille, Food Depot, Mustang Grill and Pour Choices. Recreational destinations include Climb Iowa, Emerge Academy, Pole Position and Skyzone.
The Hy-Vee Multiplex is a new addition to the city, featuring 12 full size soccer fields, 18 baseball and softball fields, 36 batting cages, 36 bullpens and more.
Some of the ways Grimes advances inclusive strategies: The Grimes community works to identify and acknowledge potential unconscious bias. Institutions (i.e. school, city, chamber) are involved in a variety of associations that offer professional development opportunities on inclusion topics. The Grimes Leadership Academy will also touch on inclusive initiatives in the workplace.
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