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Arts and Culture

Experience. Explore. Discover.

You’ll find a very active arts community in Grinnell. Between Grinnell College Museum of Art, the Grinnell Area Arts Council, and the STEW, Grinnell hosts an impressive array of installations, exhibits, and creative activities. Appreciate the whimsy like the leaning light pole in front of the city offices at 210 4th Ave., to the larger-than-life Dento-sauras on the alley side of Family Dentistry at 825 Broad St. to the fried egg on the Hotel Grinnell wall above the patio, public art abounds. 

Finally, Grinnell is also an architectural destination with notable landmarks that visitors often come from all over to see. Explore several entertainment options below for walking or driving tours that we hope will make your time in Grinnell a time to remember. 

  • Front door of Louis Sullivan Bank in Grinnell

    This tour will introduce you to some of the highlights of Grinnell's architectural heritage. This walking tour is designed to showcase the wide variety of architectural styles found in Grinnell. Grinnell is proud of the architectural heritage and actively pursue ways to repurpose buildings in the community. This tour will give you a good sense of the variety of architectural styles found in Grinnell.

    To view videos of several locations, visit the Chamber website. 

    Courtesy of Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce

    Printable Guide PDF
  • Mural on side of building

    Grinnell has a very active arts community. Between the Grinnell College Museum of Art and the Grinnell Area Arts Council, creative projects and artistic expression are a staple of the community and can be seen in many areas around town so keep your eyes out for pieces that aren't listed!

    Courtesy of Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce

    Printable Guide PDF
  • The Grinnell College Museum of Art.

    Presenting exhibitions of regional, national, and international art year-round. Temporary exhibitions and a permanent collection of more than 6,000 objects offer diverse classroom and research learning opportunities, and with a variety of creative outreach programs — including lectures, readings, concerts, performances, even yoga — the museum is a valuable link between the College, the community, and the wider region.

    1108 Park St., Bucksbaum Center for the Arts

    Regular Hours
    Tuesday through Friday, 11 am–6 pm
    Thursday evenings open until 8 pm
    Saturday and Sunday, 1–5 pm
    Closed Mondays

    Visit GCMoA for current exhibitions and events
  • A bird's-eye view of downtown Grinnell with an old-style water tower

    This excursion is called a "history hike" because you are about to begin a journey to discover the history of this small midwestern town.  

    Whether you live in Grinnell or are a visitor, you will learn how the town began, how it grew, and how the citizens helped each other make it a good place to live. You will find the answers to questions like: 

    • Who started the town and why did they choose this spot?
    • What was here before the town?
    • Where was the first building located and what was it called?

    Courtesy of the Grinnell Historical Museum

    Let's Get Started!
  • Grinnell Historical Museum Rendition

    Mission: Telling the stories of Grinnell through artifacts and photographs

    The museum is temporarily closed as volunteers work to create a new space at 703 1st Ave. Estimated opening date is Fall 2025. 

    The McMurray House, 1125 Broad St., will remain part of the Grinnell Historical Museum and will reopen once the new space is complete.

    Learn more about the Grinnell Historical Museum
  • Railway Express mini train depot

    If you love trains, you'll love this model railroad exhibit. This railroad exhibit includes models of Grinnell buildings from decades ago. The Grinnell Railway Express is ran by the Model Railroad Club. Limited hours when club members are present. On the north side of the building, you will find a colorful mural painted by college students and young children from the community. 

    731 Park St., Grinnell

    Visit the Grinnell Railway Express on Facebook
  • Smithsonian Affiliate logo

    Grinnell College is proud to be a Smithsonian Affiliate, a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources.

    The community of Grinnell welcomes traveling exhibits as they make their way through Iowa. 

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