Grinnell
Though each city in Iowa is special, there’s only one “Jewel of the Prairie.” Located in Poweshiek County, Grinnell boasts some of the area’s best independent restaurants, one-of-a-kind retailers and a quaint downtown anchored by the Merchants National Bank, one of eight “jewel-box” banks designed by architect Louis Sullivan, mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright.
Grinnell is where ideas come to life and exploration is encouraged. Innovations in aviation, manufacturing and healthcare have been discovered here, and it’s also home to Grinnell College, an award-winning liberal arts college.
With forward-thinking community development initiatives, an environment ripe for entrepreneurialism and an enhanced quality of life, Grinnell is a great place to live, learn and work.
Fast Facts
- Population: 9,564
- 54 miles east of Des Moines
- #4 “Top 25 Coolest Towns in America 2019” (Matador Network, 2019)
- #16 Best Places to Retire in Iowa (Niche, 2021)
- Top 50 Best Public Schools in Iowa (Niche, 2021)
Art Appreciation
Grinnell College Museum of Art presents exhibitions of regional, national and international art throughout the year in a state-of-the-art designed by architect Cesar Pelli and situated at the heart of the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts.
Coolest Town Around
Touting the free-spirited college town’s arts center, nationally recognized art gallery and food and beer scene, Grinnell was named “One of the Coolest Towns in America” in 2019 by Matador.
Putting Grinnell on the Map
After nine years of construction, the stylish and modern Hotel Grinnell re-opened in 2017 and has since been awarded the “Outstanding Lodging Property” award by the Iowa Tourism Office and the Travel Federation of Iowa.
