Grinnell College

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Tours

1. Campus and Town Tours

   • Town of Grinnell

     Stops

     1. Saints Rest Coffee House

        917 Broad St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
        
        A Grinnell institution for coffee, conversation, beautiful sunrise views, and a warm and cozy atmosphere. A short walk from campus, and an excellent choice for your afternoon reading or writing. 

     2. Jewel Box Bank

        Louis Sullivan Jewel Box Bank, Grinnell, IA, USA
        
        Built in 1914 by Louis Sullivan, mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright, the iconic Jewel Box Bank is one of only 8 like it across the Midwest. Currently home to the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce!

     3. Central Park

        925 3rd Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
        
        Take a relaxing stroll through Central Park! In the summer you'll find concerts at the amphitheater, and in the winter, enjoy a walk around the holiday lights. 

     4. Dino Mural

        817 Commercial St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA

     5. Strand 3 Theatres

        921 Main St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
        
        Located in the heart of downtown Grinnell, the Strand is a popular spot for students to catch a movie. Keep an eye out for free movie nights sponsored by the College throughout the year!

        
        What's playing?

     6. McNally’s Foods

        Mc Nally's Foods, Main Street, Grinnell, IA, USA
        
        A locally-owned grocery store with a dine-in area just a few blocks from campus! Come around lunchtime for prepared hot foods and sandwiches (try the individual chicken pot pies), or browse an extensive selection of groceries —including specialty cheeses, spices, coffees, and wines.

     7. Broad Street

        Broad St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
        
        Central street connecting residential Grinnell to downtown. 

     8. Corner of Broad & Fifth

        937 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA, USA
        
        Great sunrise and nighttime views here!

     9. United States Postal Service

        932 Broad St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
        
        Swing by to mail a letter home — or to enjoy the beautiful architecture!

     10. Grinnell Arts Council

         Grinnell Area Arts Council, Broad Street, Grinnell, IA, USA
         
         Grinnell students at “Stew Fest” (stew-tasting and community building), as well as performing in a 2017 production of Godspell at the downtown Grinnell Arts Council.

     11. Hotel Grinnell

         925 Park St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
         
         A modern hotel in the heart of Grinnell, Hotel Grinnell also hosts Presidential campaign events and the Iowa Caucuses.

     12. Drake Community Library

         930 Park St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
         
         Named for a Grinnell College alum and past president, Drake may appear to be your typical community library. But come campaign season, it’s a must-visit stop for presidential candidates. 

     13. Sky-owa

         5th Avenue, Grinnell, IA, USA
         
         Our state is called “Sky-owa” for a reason. The cloudbursts and sunsets are simply the best.

     14. The Peppertree at the Depot Crossing

         1014 3rd Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
         
         Located inside a historic train station that once welcomed students from around the world to  Grinnell, today the Peppertree boasts an extensive menu, a spacious outdoor patio, and the coziest atmosphere around. It’s a great restaurant to consider for a special night out, or when family comes to town!

         
         The Peppertree

     15. Water Tower

         15148 Jacob Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
         
         Visible from Interstate 80, the water tower is a sign you've almost made it to Grinnell!

     16. Holi Spring Festival

         High Street, Grinnell, IA, USA
         
         Grinnell students celebrate Holi, a Hindu spring festival, at an off-campus residence.

     17. Dari Barn

         Dari Barn, 6th Avenue, Grinnell, IA, USA
         
         Grinnellians enjoy a milkshake after an improv show at the iconic, delicious Dari Barn. In walking distance from campus, and some of the best ice cream (and pulled pork) in town!

         
         Dari Barn Menu

     18. Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park

         Penrose St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
         
         Baseball diamonds, a sledding hill, an outdoor basketball court, and a beautiful running/walking trail await you at this popular Grinnell park. Some of the best sunrise and sunset views in town, and only a half-mile from campus!

     19. Sunrise Coffee Club

         Penrose St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
         
         Do you love coffee and conversation? Join the Sunrise Coffee Club, a student group that meets on Sunday mornings to enjoy coffee, pastries, and the sunrise over Ahrens Park.

     20. Merrill Park

         Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
         
         A peaceful park in residential North Grinnell. A great spot to enjoy the spring breeze, a sunset, or just a relaxing afternoon.

     21. Iowa Caucus Night

         1333 Sunset St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
         
         A storied democratic tradition in Iowa! Here, caucus-goers check in for the 2020 caucuses at one of Grinnell’s caucus sites.

     22. Grinnell Aquatic Center

         Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center, 8th Avenue West, Grinnell, IA, USA
         
         Cool off at the Grinnell Aquatic Center with slides, a lazy river, and plenty of space to soak up the summer sun.

     23. Country Road F27

         Co Rd F27, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
         
         A popular biking and running path to Rock Creek State Park!

     24. Arbor Lake

         Arbor Lake, Grinnell, IA, USA
         
         Located less than two miles beyond campus, Arbor Lake is an ideal spot to get away from it all and walk, bike, run, or kayak.

     25. County Highway T38

         Co Hwy T38, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA

     26. Krumm Nature Preserve

         Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve, Jacob Avenue, Grinnell, IA, USA
         
         Enjoy a walk through the prairie or take in the spectacle of a controlled burn at the Krumm Nature Preserve, located just outside the town of Grinnell. A popular spot for running too! The cross country teams practices here every Wednesday in the fall.