Discover Grinnell

Grinnell offers several specific points of interest for a stay: architecture by Louis Sullivan, art at Grinnell College, community parks and open spaces, and offerings from the Farmers Market. When choosing what to focus on, you can consider whether architectural history, visual art, green spaces, or market products should take priority. If you are considering a hotel stay in Grinnell, you can start your search with this thematic priority in mind.

Architecture by Louis Sullivan

Grinnell’s historic downtown is home to the Grinnell Sullivan Building. Louis Sullivan designed the building, which is also a National Historic Landmark.

The Merchants National Bank offers another perspective: Louis Sullivan completed it in 1914 as his third major “Jewel Box” bank. The two buildings differ in their architectural-historical significance: the Grinnell Sullivan Building is distinguished by its designation as a National Historic Landmark and its attribution to Sullivan as its designer; for the bank, the completion year and Jewel Box classification provide context. The description “third major” also places the bank within Sullivan’s body of work.

The self-guided Architectural Treasures Walking Tour showcases a wide variety of architectural styles in Grinnell. While the named buildings each have specific connections to Sullivan, the tour takes in a broader spectrum of styles. For your architecture-focused visit, you can therefore choose between individual building histories and the diversity of styles.

Art at Grinnell College

The Grinnell College Museum of Art presents year-round exhibitions by regional, national, and international artists. This range combines a regional connection with perspectives from beyond the region and around the world. Check the latest visitor information before planning a specific museum visit.

A collection of outdoor sculptures can be explored on the Grinnell College campus and beyond. For your art interests, you can consider two different points of comparison: the geographic reach of the exhibitions and the campus connection of the sculpture collection, which can also be explored beyond campus. In this way, the exhibition program and outdoor art differ in format and in the context in which they can be explored.

Parks and open spaces

Grinnell’s park and recreation system includes 10 parks and more than 170 acres of parks and open spaces. These figures describe two different measures: 10 is the number of parks, while the acreage refers to parks and open spaces combined. The municipal inventory may change as facilities are added or reclassified. For choosing what to focus on, the system is a distinct green-space option alongside architecture and art.

The Farmers Market as a travel interest

The Grinnell Farmers Market offers locally grown produce, freshly baked goods, and handmade items for purchase. This adds local products and handicrafts to the architecture and art themes. The selection varies by season and vendor. If the market is important to your trip planning, check the current dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Carnforth, Deep River.

Go to the main travel overview: Poweshiek County.