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Grinnell, Iowa: Where the Fun Never Stops! Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Grinnell is flat, small and entirely walkable, which removes the usual logistics problem. The Jewel Box Trail runs 2.5 miles through the historic neighborhoods and is the whole tour. No car needed. What it needs is the willingness to stand in front of a building longer than feels normal. The reason to come here is the hand-work on a pair of small banks, and you will walk straight past it if you are moving at any speed.

Welcome to Grinnell, Iowa. This small town holds more than its size accounts for, and it will fill a long weekend without you having to work at it. History buff, outdoor enthusiast, art lover or somebody who came to eat, Grinnell has a version of the trip for you.

Grinnell’s history is on display in the buildings rather than in cabinets. The Louis Sullivan Jewel Box Bank is an example of early 20th-century architecture done by hand at a scale you can stand in front of, and the Grinnell Historical Museum covers the rest of the town’s past. For something outdoors, the Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve gives you a hike through the Iowa countryside.

Downtown Grinnell carries enough shopping and dining to fill the gaps between buildings. Boutiques and restaurants sit on the same few blocks, so nothing requires a plan. And if you are visiting Grinnell College, the Faulconer Gallery holds a genuinely good collection of contemporary art. Whatever you came for, Grinnell tends to exceed the expectation people arrive with.

Key Takeaways

• Grinnell is a charming town with something for everyone, from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts to foodies.
• You can explore Grinnell’s rich history at the Louis Sullivan Jewel Box Bank or the Grinnell Historical Museum.
• Downtown Grinnell offers plenty of shopping and dining options, and art lovers won’t want to miss the Faulconer Gallery.

Grinnell’s Rich History

For a history buff, Grinnell rewards attention. From the architecture of Louis Sullivan’s Jewel Box Banks to the legacy of Grinnell College, this small Iowa town has more stories in it than the population suggests.

Louis Sullivan’s Jewel Box Banks

You may be wondering what a Jewel Box Bank actually is. It is exactly what it sounds like: a small, ornate bank building designed to resemble a jewelry box. Grinnell holds a pair of them, both designed by the architect Louis Sullivan, which is a remarkable thing for a town this size to be able to say.

The banks were built in the early 20th century and were meant to signal the bank’s stability and security. What they actually deliver is craft. The ornamentation is intricate, the stained glass windows are worth standing under, and the whole thing was made by people working at close range. Do not walk past these buildings quickly.

Grinnell College’s Legacy

Grinnell College has been a fixture in the town since its founding in 1846. The college carries a long and storied history, with notable alumni including the poet Robert Lowell and the physicist Carl Wieman.

Grinnell College’s legacy runs past its famous alumni. The college holds a strong commitment to social justice and activism, with a long history of student-led protests and demonstrations. It was one of the first colleges in the country to divest from South Africa during the apartheid era, which is the kind of decision that gets made by people rather than institutions.

If history is what you came for, give Grinnell’s past a proper look. From Louis Sullivan’s Jewel Box Banks to Grinnell College’s record on social justice, there is a good deal to work through in this small Iowa town.

Exploring Grinnell’s Outdoors

Grinnell is a straightforward place to get outside and clear your head. Leisurely stroll or a harder walk, both are available within the town limits. Here are the outdoor activities worth doing in Grinnell:

Parks and Trails

Grinnell has parks and trails in quantity. Central Park is the place to start, with green space to sit in and room to play games, plus a playground for children and bathrooms when they are needed. For a longer walk, take the Jewel Box Trail, a 2.5-mile route winding through Grinnell’s historic neighborhoods. It is well-marked, so you can look at the houses instead of the map.

Aquatic Center

To cool off during an Iowa summer, head to the Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center. It holds a family for most of a day. There are water features for the children and a lazy river for anyone who wants to stop making decisions, plus water slides for anyone who does not. Bring sunscreen and a hat, because the Iowa sun is not gentle.

Grinnell’s outdoors is not complicated. Get out into it.

Art and Architecture in Grinnell

Grinnell rewards anyone who cares about art or architecture more than its size suggests it should. Contemporary art or historic buildings, both are here and both are worth the time. Here are the spots to prioritize:

Grinnell College Museum of Art

If you care about art, the Grinnell College Museum of Art is the stop. The collection runs to over 5,000 works, including pieces by Picasso, Warhol and O’Keeffe, which is a genuinely surprising list for a college town this far off the main routes. Admission costs nothing, so there is no reason to ration your time in there.

Merchant’s National Bank

For architecture, the Merchant’s National Bank building in downtown Grinnell is unmissable. It was designed by the architect Louis Sullivan, who is known for unusual and innovative work. The exterior carries intricate ornamentation and a distinctive terra cotta color, which makes it stand out sharply from everything around it.

When you visit Merchant’s National Bank, stop and look properly. The ornate columns and the patterns worked into the facade were made by hand, one section at a time, and the building rewards the kind of attention that a photograph does not capture. The building now holds a coffee shop, so you can sit inside it with a latte and keep looking.

Art or architecture, and ideally both, Grinnell has more than it needs. Do not skip these stops on your next trip to this charming town.

Shopping and Dining in Downtown Grinnell

Looking for shopping and dining with some character? Downtown Grinnell is where it is. Here are the spots worth checking out:

Boutique Shopping

For something one-of-a-kind, downtown Grinnell is well supplied. Vintage finds through to handmade goods, and the stock changes because the stores are small. Here are the ones we go back to:

• Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. – Looking for the perfect pair of shoes? Brown’s has got you covered. With a wide selection of styles and brands, you’re sure to find something you love.
• The Glass Gift Box – This boutique offers a variety of handmade gifts, including jewelry, pottery, and glassware. Perfect for finding a unique souvenir or gift for a loved one.
• Grinnell Clothing Company – Show off your Grinnell pride with a t-shirt or hoodie from this local shop. They also offer a variety of other clothing and accessories.

Local Dining Spots

After a day of walking you will have earned a meal. Downtown Grinnell has the dining options to deal with it. Here are the ones worth booking:

• Prairie Canary – This cozy spot serves up delicious comfort food with a twist. Don’t miss their famous mac and cheese or the daily soup special.
• Pagliai’s Pizza – Looking for a classic pizza joint? Pagliai’s has been serving up delicious pies since 1957. Be sure to try their famous thin crust.
• The Peppertree – This upscale restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with local ingredients. Perfect for a special occasion or a night out with friends.

Whatever you are in the mood for, downtown Grinnell has a version of it. Shop and eat at your own pace, because nothing here closes early out of impatience.

Do the banks first, while the light is on them. Merchant’s National Bank in the morning, coffee inside it since the building now holds a coffee shop, then the Grinnell College Museum of Art when you want to sit down. Faulconer Gallery after that. Both are free, which means you can leave whenever you have had enough rather than staying to get your money’s worth. Save the Jewel Box Trail for late afternoon, because the historic neighborhoods look better with the sun low.

Visiting Grinnell College

For something fun and educational in Grinnell, a visit to Grinnell College is hard to beat. The liberal arts college has a good-looking campus and plenty worth seeing on it. Here are the ideas to start with:

Campus Tour

The straightforward way into Grinnell College is a campus tour. You get the architecture and the college’s history and traditions in one pass, and the guides know the buildings properly. You may end up talking to students and faculty along the way, which is the part that tells you what the place is actually like.

If you are lucky, you may catch sight of the elusive Grinnell ghost. Legend has it that a former student who died in a car accident haunts the campus, appearing as a figure in white. Keep your eyes open.

Art Gallery Visit

Grinnell College holds the Faulconer Gallery, which shows contemporary and classic art from around the world. Seasoned art buff or somebody looking for an hour indoors, the gallery is worth the visit either way.

The gallery’s collection includes work by Picasso, Monet and Warhol. Special exhibitions and events run through the year, so what is on the walls when you arrive is partly luck.

If culture and education are what you are after, put Grinnell College and the Faulconer Gallery on the list for this college town. Neither takes long and both are worth the walk.

Seasonal Activities in Grinnell

Looking for things to do in Grinnell, Iowa? The seasonal activities run right through the year. Summer sun or winter snow, the town has a version of the day ready for you.

Summer Fun

Summer in Grinnell is for being outdoors. Take a hike through one of the nature preserves in the area, such as the Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve. For something on the water, kayaking or canoeing on the nearby rivers and lakes is the harder version.

Prefer to stay on land? Grinnell has options. Play a round at one of the area’s golf courses or ride a bike through town at a pace that lets you look at things. The Grinnell Farmers Market is the other one, for fresh produce and handmade goods made by the people selling them.

Winter Wonders

When the snow arrives, Grinnell changes character. Strap on skis or snowshoes and take the trails at one of the nearby parks, such as Rock Creek State Park or Diamond Lake Park.

To stay warm indoors, Grinnell has options. Catch a movie at the Strand Theater or take in a performance at the Grinnell Community Theater. The annual Winterfest celebration is the other one, with ice skating, sledding and the rest of it.

Whatever time of year you arrive, Grinnell has enough seasonal activity to fill the days. Get out there and start working through it.

Unique Grinnell Experiences

Looking for something genuinely unusual in Grinnell? This small town has a few quirks worth knowing about. Here is the one you will not find anywhere else:

Smelling the Stock

You may be wondering what the stock is and why anyone would want to smell it. The stock is the smell coming off the Quaker Oats factory in town. It does not sound appealing and it has become a badge of honor for Grinnellians anyway, which tells you something about the place.

There is a Facebook group dedicated to discussing the smell of the stock, with members sharing memories and stories about the odor. Some people say it reminds them of home, and they mean it.

If you are curious about the stock, the way to experience it is a walk or a bike ride near the factory. You will know you are getting close when the aroma arrives. Consider yourself warned.

Smelling the stock is not a conventional tourist activity, and it is genuinely specific to this town. Go ahead and take a deep breath. You may find you like it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top free activities in Grinnell, Iowa?

You do not need to spend much to enjoy Grinnell. There are plenty of free activities here. Start with the Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve, which suits nature lovers and hikers. The Louis Sullivan Jewel Box Bank is the other one, and the craftsmanship on it is worth the walk on its own. And for art, the Faulconer Gallery is unmissable.

What are some must-see architectural landmarks in Grinnell, Iowa?

Grinnell holds architectural landmarks that are worth the trip on their own. The Louis Sullivan Jewel Box Bank is the famous one, and it is regarded as one of the significant buildings in the Midwest. The Merchants’ National Bank Building is the other, an example of Beaux-Arts architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What’s the most fun thing to do in Grinnell, Iowa on a rainy day?

It’s raining, it’s pouring, but you don’t have to be snoring. There are plenty of fun things to do in Grinnell, even on a rainy day. Why not check out the Hotel Grinnell? It’s a unique hotel that used to be a high school. You can explore the building and even stay the night. Another great option is to visit the Strand Theatre. It’s a historic movie theatre that’s been renovated and is now a great spot to catch a flick. And if you’re feeling creative, you can head over to the Grinnell Arts Center. They offer a variety of classes and workshops that are perfect for a rainy day.

Frequently asked questions about Grinnell, Iowa

Which Grinnell museum is worth the time if you only have a single afternoon?

The Grinnell College Museum of Art. It holds over 5,000 works including Picasso, Warhol and O’Keeffe, which is not what anyone expects to find in a town of this size, and admission costs nothing at all. The Faulconer Gallery sits on the same campus and runs contemporary and classic work alongside it. Do both while you are there, since neither of them takes very long.

How long is the Jewel Box Trail, and is it actually worth walking?

It runs 2.5 miles through Grinnell’s historic neighborhoods and it is well-marked, so getting lost is not a realistic risk. Walk it late. The houses are the point rather than the distance covered, and the pace you want is a good deal slower than a fitness walk would be.

Is Central Park worth a stop, or is it just an ordinary town park?

It is just a town park, and that is exactly its use. Green space, a playground and bathrooms, right in the middle of everything else. After a morning spent standing in front of buildings it is where you sit down and stop looking at things. Take something to eat.

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