Grinnell at the end of summer is packed with refreshing ways to relax, have fun, and enjoy the company of friends. This is what you can catch the Chamber doing:
☀️ Swimming or Lounging @ Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center
120 8th Ave. | Open though late August (*Exact date will be determined by staffing availability)
Beat the heat with the Grinnell Mutual Aquatic Center; amp up the fun with two thrilling water slides, a lazy river, a zero-depth entry pool, and a lap swimming pool. Purchase pool passes in person at the Recreation Department or online with a credit card.
*Chamber tip: The pool is free for Grinnell College students staying over the summer!
☀️ Watching Movies at the Strand 3 Theatre
921 Main St. | *Chamber tip: Bargain Tuesdays means discounted tickets for movies and a free small popcorn with a purchase of a beverage!
The Strand 3, Grinnell’s local movie theatre, features three screens with luxury seats and plays the latest releases from Hollywood. Over the summer, enjoy their summer matinee movies, which are free with the support of their sponsoring merchants.
The Strand wasn’t named the 2026 Retailer/Restaurant of the Year for nothing; expect high quality service and delicious concessions and snacks. A staff favorite is the #3 Kids’ Combo!
☀️ Enjoying Simulator Golf at Grinnell College Golf Course
933 13th Ave. | Call 641-236-3590 to set up a time!
Back in June, General Manager Shane Hart shared how the facility's newest addition—a state-of-the-art simulator lounge—is giving people another way to experience golf, an activity that has been a part of Grinnell since 1899. The new simulator lounge allows golfers to practice year-round while also giving curious newcomers a low-pressure way to experience the sport.
Getting started is easy. Reserve a time online at golf.grinnell.edu or call the Golf Course. For $40/hour, the simulator experience can be shared with family and friends, by someone looking to improve their swing, or for someone just looking to try a new activity. Split the cost and have the time of your life!
☀️ Being a Foodie in Downtown Grinnell
Downtown Grinnell | *Chamber tip: the Grinnell Eats Guide features member restaurants, their hours, and the day of the week they are open.
Don’t melt! Dari Barn is open through the summer and serves vanilla, chocolate and twist soft serve ice cream. Enjoy different toppings, from coconut flakes to almonds, and M&Ms to brownie bites.
Grinnell also features a historic, highly walkable downtown district packed with local dining options. If you like a good margarita (or drinks for that matter), check out our Grinnell nightlife guide. Whether you love Mexican food, salads, sandwiches, pizza, or steak, we have a variety of popular dining locations for you to try in Grinnell. From breakfast to late night snacks—or perhaps a glass of wine or a coffee—Grinnell has an amazing selection to taste and experience.
☀️ Visiting the Grinnell Farmers Market
As summer ends, enjoy the delicacies of sweet corn, purple and orange beets, bright green shishito peppers, and summer squash at the Grinnell Farmers Market. Outside of produce, the Market features various vendors who sell art and treats, too! Enjoy the luxuries of baked goods—think cherry pies, chocolate zucchini bread, and kolaches!—as well as delicious snacks—like freeze pops, jams, freeze-dried treats, raspberry applesauce, salsas, and chocolate/vanilla yogurt bites! On Thursday afternoons, from 3-6 PM, enjoy mini donuts or soft serve ice-cream from Katie’s Mini Donuts.
A refreshing snack? We’ll be there.
☀️ Becoming Cultured with a Visit to the Museum or Jewel Box Bank
Wanting to be immersed in arts, culture, and education? You’re in luck! Grinnell is highly regarded for its beautifully preserved architecture, making it a favorite for design enthusiasts with special interest.
The Grinnell Historical Museum, the Grinnell Area Arts Council, and the Louis Sullivan “Jewel Box” Bank all feature the chance to expand your knowledge and peak your interest. Walk into the Merchants’ National Bank or the Grinnell Area Arts Council Stewart Gallery for free or purchase a $10 ticket at the Grinnell Historical Museum. With rotating exhibitions and breathtaking architecture, you’d never find yourself bored.
☀️ Practicing Our Swing at Your Local Golf Course
Oakland Acres Golf Club (13476 US-6) and Grinnell College Golf Course (933 13th Ave)
Want to practice golf IRL (in real life)? Take a short drive west out of town to experience Oakland Acres Golf Club (yes, they’re still open despite the construction!). This public 18-hole, par 70 course features a diverse terrain for challenging play, a driving range and practice green. Tree lined fairways and water hazards will keep players on their toes while steep ravines and timber challenges will challenge even the most consistent players. After your round, enjoy a beverage or meal and the unique cedar-log clubhouse. The beautiful facility features a large bar and dining area, beautifully shaded patios, tvs and two golf simulators. A fully stocked bar and short-order kitchen will ensure you’ll start or end your round satisfied. Enjoy all-you-can-golf Mondays or rent a cart other days of the week. Book a tee time with Oakland Acres today!
If you’d like to golf closer to home, try the Grinnell College Golf Course! With its history dating back to the turn of the 20th century, the course has provided an opportunity for both visitors and locals to hit the links. This 56 acres, 9-hole course provides a challenging experience with age-old trees, lush roughs and quick greens. Play a round or two and then enjoy a cold beverage in the Manhattan Lounge or on the outdoor deck overlooking the course. Grinnell College Golf Course is open to the public; make a tee time online or call 641-236-3590. Forget your clubs? No worries, you’re able to rent a set at the pro shop!
☀️ Enjoying the Outdoors at the Park
For nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, why not spend the rest of summer in Grinnell’s exceptional parks and outdoor spaces?
Enjoy Central Park, our buzzing community hub, and where Grinnell Farmers Market is held Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Through August, there is also music in the park (a list can be found here). Central Park features a renovated playground, splash-pad, picnic shelter, and paths for walking and biking. If you’d like a space away from downtown, gather for a picnic at Merrill Park or Ahrens Park instead!
If you have a car, drive out to Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve, a 450-acre park with 7 miles of hiking trails, or Diamond Lake Park in Montezuma to enjoy camping or a meal by the water. Grinnell College’s Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA) is also open to the public for hiking, bird watching, and photography.
Visit Rock Creek State Park, a premier camping destination in central Iowa, offering boating, year-round fishing and perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. Bike to Rock Creek using Grinnell’s recreational trails, but if you don’t want to bike too far, Arbor Lake is right in town.
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Summer in Grinnell is almost over, so take advantage of the wonderful heat of the sun, the greenery surrounding you, and the chance to enjoy a number of activities with friends and family!
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