The Grinnell center point is around 16 miles east of Iowa Speedway NASCAR and 17 miles east of Skiff Medical Center.
The climate in Grinnell includes snowy and cold winters, followed by humid, hot summers. The area receives about 36 inches of rain per year, much of which falls during the summer months. In fact, approximately two-thirds of the area's annual rainfall comes between April and September, so be sure to bring a rain jacket and other protective gear if you're visiting during this time. The hotel rates tend to stay fairly consistent, although travel rates decrease slightly during the winter months so you may be able to get a lower price if you visit during this season.
Grinnell hosts several community-focused events throughout the year. The Grinnell Farmers Market takes place between mid-May and mid-October on Thursdays and Saturdays. Local farmers and residents sell fresh produce, baked goods, plants, flowers, crafts, and other tasty options. Grinnell Games takes place over two summer weekends and includes a half marathon and 5K race, a trail run, live entertainment, a beer garden, and other family-friendly activities. The events are generally in mid-June and late August. The graduation ceremonies at Grinnell College also impact hotel rates in the city.
Government employees and military personnel are eligible for discounted rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Pella, which is about 27 miles away from Grinnell. This property has an indoor swimming pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, a gift shop, a fireplace in the lobby, and free wireless internet access in the common areas and guest rooms. Each room features a flat-screen TV with a DVD player and cable programming, a refrigerator, a microwave, a desk, and a phone with free local calls. You can also attend the complimentary reception, held for guests on select days, and enjoy the daily breakfast buffet with hot and cold items.
AAA members can save when staying at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Grinnell Iowa. This hotel features a picnic area, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour business center. A complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet is served each morning. Within the rooms, you'll find 32-inch flat-screen TVs with premium cable programming, complimentary toiletries, free Wi-Fi, phones with free local calls, microwaves, refrigerators, and free newspapers on weekdays.
Senior travelers get discounted rates at Hampton Inn & Suites Marshalltown, which is also about 30 miles outside of Grinnell. Your stay includes free daily breakfast with both hot and cold items, along with access to the indoor swimming pool, spa tub, and fitness center. Every room comes equipped with free wired and wireless internet access, an LCD TV with premium programming, complimentary toiletries, and tea and coffee makers.
Comfort Inn & Suites offers excellent value for travelers. This property has a fitness center, a spa tub, and free Wi-Fi. A free daily buffet breakfast is available each morning. In the rooms, you'll find LCD TVs, refrigerators, Select Comfort beds with down comforters, and complimentary toiletries. You can also warm up next to the fireplace in the lobby as you catch up on current events in the complimentary daily newspapers.
Super 8 by Wyndham Newton is budget-friendly and has high ratings from past guests. Each of the 43 rooms comes equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite programming, free wireless internet access, complimentary toiletries, a tea and coffee maker, and a phone with free local calls. A free continental breakfast is also available every day. Additional amenities for guests include a 24-hour front desk, free newspapers in the lobby, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby.
Fans of unique architecture will enjoy a visit to the Merchants National Bank, which is a historical building designed by legendary architect, Louis Sullivan. It is one of just eight “jewel box” banks designed by Sullivan. It dates back to 1914 and is a National Historic Landmark. You can take a stroll through downtown Grinnell, where many of the historic buildings are still standing. Shopping and dining areas are located throughout the city. Grinnell also has several art galleries and museums.
Outdoor enthusiasts often rent bikes to take the 10-mile trail to Rock Creek State Park. This park houses several camping areas, a lake with a beach for swimming, canoeing areas, docks for boating, picnic areas, and multi-use trails that are open for hiking and horseback riding in the summer and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve is another outdoor spot in Grinnell, offering 7 miles of hiking trails, a 25-acre lake, and plenty of wildlife to see.
Grinnell has a fascinating history, making it an interesting place to visit in the Midwest. Enjoy a relaxing stay by choosing a hotel option that offers the amenities you want.
Below are reviews of the city of Grinnell, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Great restaurants!
We ate lunch at the Mexican restaurant by Walmart which was very good. The dog show was very well put together.
Grinnell College
We were in town for volleyball.
We were in town for volleyball.
The city looked terrific! The downtown area was clean and welcoming. The college campus looked fantastic too.
Great selection of eating places. Easy access to interstate 80.
Grinnell was my hometown, so good to see it is doing great!