Get to Know: Grinnell
A college town and home to private liberal arts institution, Grinnell College, this mid-size community is known for art, history and architecture. Local murals and galleries are scattered throughout town, while walking tours of historic neighborhoods and the college campus delight history enthusiasts. Architect Louis Sullivan designed Grinnell’s Merchants National Bank, now a National Historic Landmark designated by the U.S. Department of Interior.
Favorite restaurants in Grinnell include Grin City Bakery, Grinnell Craft Brewhouse and Grinnell Pub. Recreation opportunities can be found at the Grinnell Community Ice Rink and the Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center.
Grinnell at a Glance
- Population: 9,495 (2024, U.S. Census Bureau)
- Location within Greater Des Moines: East
- Distance from Des Moines: 54.6 miles
- Type of Community: Town
- School District: Grinnell-Newburg Community School District (Serves the communities of Grinnell, Oakland Acres in Newburg and surrounding rural areas)
- County: Poweshiek County
Grinnell in one sentence: A college town of nearly 10,000 that brims with cosmopolitan flair, Grinnell rightly comes by its "Jewel of the Prairie" nickname.
The top five best things about Grinnell: Grinnell is home to Grinnell College, a highly regarded liberal arts institution. The college community fuels a thriving arts scene that includes after-school and maker programs as well as the Grinnell College Museum of Art. Few towns of this size boast such a wealth of independent restaurants and shops, many located in the downtown historic district known for its notable architecture. Recreational opportunities are also abundant with public parks, a disc golf course and a bike trail that connects to Rock Creek State Park.
Hidden gems and unexpected finds in Grinnell: Even if you don’t plan to spend the night, pop into the Hotel Grinnell, a chic boutique hotel inside a reimaged junior high school building. You’ll find a charming personality is evident through all the little details, including a chalkboard in every guest room, a gymnasium-style ballroom complete with hardwood floors and the original basketball court markings, the Periodic Table lounge and the old school gym scoreboard serving as décor in the restaurant.
Community traditions and annual events: Each September, scores of colorful kites fill the sky above Ahrens Park, site of Kites Over Grinnell. The event draws kite enthusiasts and professional kite fliers from across the country for a day of high-flying fun. And don’t miss a slice of small-town Americana each summer at the downtown Fourth of July parade.
Best ways to get connected: Sign up for youth and adult sports leagues offered by the city recreation department; check the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce Facebook page to get the scoop on happenings around town; connect with the Grinnell Area Arts Council to participate in art classes and community theater shows; join the Grinnell Lions or Rotary Club to connect with service opportunities.
Big things on the horizon for Grinnell: Recent developments continue to strengthen the connection between campus and community, including new mixed-use spaces and housing options near downtown. Projects like the Civic Engagement Quad and other Main Street developments are designed to support residential living, retail and gathering spaces for both students and the broader community.
If you’re coming to check out Grinnell, be sure to spend your day ... Starting with a coffee at Saints Rest Coffee House, then exploring a self-guided architecture tour through the downtown historic district. Grab a lunch at the Prairie Canary, known for comfort food with a local twist. Spend the afternoon at the Grinnell College Museum of Art, which features an extensive and diverse collection.
In the evening, stop by Grinnell Craft Brewhouse before enjoying a progressive dinner experience downtown downtown with stops at Relish Grinnell, Pagliai’s Pizza and Solera for dessert.
Resources