The “Jewel of the Prairie” perfectly describes the city of Grinnell. It is truly one of Iowa’s great places to live or to visit. Our city is beautiful, historic, cultural, economically diverse and welcoming. With its great location and emphasis on recreation, entertainment, arts and dining, Grinnell is brimming with activity.
STAY
- Seconds from everything and an hour from anywhere! Everything in Grinnell is right at hand and we’re less than an hourfrom Des Moines and Iowa City!
- Keep the kids happy; choose from SIX indoor pools
- Grinnell is an easy, unique getaway, whether you choose contemporary lodgings or a historic bed and breakfast.
- Affordable weekend packages available, complete with complimentary breakfast and many wonderful amenities.
TASTE
- Eat great foods with an international flair. With flavors from Creole to Thai – and nearly everything in between, we have something for everyone!
- Discover some of Iowa’s hottest independent restaurants found nowhere else or relax on one of many outdoor pub and restaurant patios!
- From a quick bite to eat with the kids to a romantic evening out, enjoy more choices than you thought possible!
- Experience made-from-scratch delights at family-owned bakeries, make your own smores with the kids, cool off with ice cream treats or stop in for an incredible specialty coffee.
DO
- Hunt for your next great find in eclectic boutiques and unique stores, plus farmer’s markets with Iowa grown produce, baked goods, crafts and more.
- Whether it’s fine art or funky, explore your artistic side in numerous art galleries and studios or take a historic architecture tour and see Grinnell’s famous painted ladies.
- From big boxes to jewel boxes, from thrift and affordable to luxury and indulgent, shopping is an experience in Grinnell!
- Get a hot stone massage or facial, a manicure or new do at area spas & salons; take a yoga or fitness class or play tennis or 18 holes of golf.
PLAY
- Bike 15 miles of trail, take in our new frisbee golf course or explore 70 acres of parks. Go aquatic: rent a pontoon or paddle boat & go fishing, or hit the slopes with cross country skiing & sledding!
- Tour an herb farm, a windows plant or a global genetic seed facility. Visit a sign making company, organic foods producer or environmental research area.
- Join in the fun: hands-on, make-it-take-it workshops in quilting, flower arranging, jewelry & stained glass plus baking & pastry decorating! Play at the pumpkin farm outfitted with a corn maze, treehouse and pumpkin catapult; plus take a wagon ride to pick out your own very special pumpkin!
- Experience downtown street festivals complete with a taste of Grinnell’s great restaurants, shopping and live music; fun events like classic car shows, an international kite flying competition, tractor parade & bathtub races!