Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce

Grinnell, Iowa, located 4 miles north of I-80, 60 miles east of Des Moines, has been touted as an ideal setting to raise a family in such national publications as Forbes, Esquire, and Newsweek. Grinnell was also featured in the book, "The 100 Best Small Towns in America" and as one of America's "Prettiest Painted Places" by Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. Grinnell is on the way to everywhere, and yet a destination itself. Residents of Grinnell have the advantage of living in a small town, estimated population of 9,312, but also being a short hour's drive to Des Moines, Iowa City, and accessible to many major metropolitan areas of the Midwest. Because of Grinnell's enviable location, many people find it easy to commute to and from the community for employment opportunities.

Grinnell is a dynamic and thriving community of hard-working residents employed by such diverse firms as: Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, Grinnell College, Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Donaldson Company, Iowa Telecom, JELD-WEN Door Systems, JELD-WEN Windows, Mayflower Homes, Inc., ASI Modulex, Sho-Me Container and St. Francis Manor. A growing industrial park located 1/2 mile north of I-80 along a Union Pacific rail line offers local industry important transportation options. Grinnell also has a regional airport close to the industrial park, which can accommodate small business jets.

Grinnell is also the home to Grinnell College, one of the premier liberal arts institutions in the country. Grinnell College is annually rated among the top colleges in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Its annual series of free public events brings to Grinnell the finest in public policy discussions, literary and scholarly presentations and symposia, as well as dance, music, and theater performances. Grinnell also has a number of cultural and information resources in the community including a theater, a library, a historical museum, several historic sites, two art galleries, a historical society, and an art council.

Grinnell has 7 financial institutions, 29 restaurants, 9 choices for overnight accommodations, 10 city parks, two swimming pools, a nine-hole golf course (with an 18-hole course nearby), and the Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park is home to eight youth softball fields and baseball fields, two outdoor basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, three youth soccer fields, a golf driving range, several playground areas, shelters and a one and a half mile outdoor walking path. Also located at the park is the Ahrens Family Center, the Grinnell Athletic and Recreation Center and the Administrative Headquarters for both the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and Ahrens Park Foundation. The Iowa Park and Recreation Association Headquarters is located next door. The entire park covers over 100 acres of land.

Excellence in health care is provided by the Grinnell Regional Medical Center. The 50 physicians and over 500 employees provide state-of-the-art care in a caring way. The combination of resident specialists, general practitioners, and visiting specialists bring essential health care close to home.

Grinnell hosts Ag Appreciation Day in September, Happy Days festival at the end of August, Vintage Auto Show & Swap Meet in June, and a Home Show & Business Expo at the end of March. Carroll's Pumpkin Farm is also open throughout the month of October. The retail businesses in Grinnell have special promotions and events throughout the year, including Ridiculous Day, Customer Appreciation Days, and Jingle Bell Holiday.