Recreation and Entertainment | Grinnell College
Source: https://grinnell.edu/visitor-guide/recreation-entertainment
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:39
Recreation and Entertainment | Grinnell College
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Recreation and Entertainment
Spend Some Time With Us
The city of Grinnell has a beautiful central park with a grandstand, shelter house, and accessible playground as well as over 10 neighborhood parks, lakes, trails, and sledding in the winter.
If your passion is golf, hiking, biking, or spending time on the lake, we welcome you to spend a weekend here and see what Grinnell has to offer.
Ahrens Park Driving Range
1510 Penrose St.
ph: 641-236-5518
Enjoy beautiful Ahrens Park while hitting a few balls at the driving range. The driving range is located on the northeast corner of Ahrens Park, east of the Grinnell Athletic & Recreation Center building, north of the baseball fields.
Ahrens Park Driving Range
Ahrens Park Map (printable pdf)
Ahrens Park
1510 Penrose St.
ph: 641-236-5518
The Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park, opened in 1994, is home to eight youth softball and baseball fields, outdoor basketball courts, a tennis court, four pickleball courts, a sand volleyball court, three youth soccer fields, a golf driving range, several playground areas, three shelter houses, a sledding hill, community gardens, green spaces, 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 offices for the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, Ahrens Park Foundation, Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, and Imagine Grinnell.
Learn more about Ahrens Park
Ahrens Park Map (printable pdf)
Aquatic Center
Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center
120 8th Ave.
Ph: 641-236-2621
(Seasonal)
Open during summer months when school is not in session.
Dates and hours of operation subject to change.
Arbor Lake and Trail
Arbor Lake Park is considered a Natural Resource Area that covers 81.4 acres. The Grinnell Area Recreational Trail runs along the East shores of Arbor Lake. A shelter house with restrooms sits on top of the hill on the east side of the lake. The shelter house can be reserved for a fee.
Arbor Lake and Trail
Bowladrome
915 State St.
ph: 641-236-5827
The Grinnell Bowladrome is a great place to bring family and friends to enjoy some fun on the lanes! There is food, drinks, and fun! Typically closed during summer months.
Follow the Grinnell Bowladrome on Facebook
City of Grinnell Parks and Facilities
The city of Grinnell has a variety of neighborhood parks that are free and available for public use. There are also many that can be reserved for a fee.
Learn more about the city parks and facilities.
Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA)
The
Conard Environmental Research Area
, located eleven miles from the Grinnell College Campus, is a 365-acre field station used for class field trips, student and faculty research, and quiet enjoyment. CERA is open to the public for hiking, bird watching, photography, painting, drawing, and other facets of the study and enjoyment of nature.
To visit or learn more
.
Printable Full-Color CERA Trail Map pdf
Grinnell Athletic & Recreation Center
1500 Penrose St.
ph: 641-236-2620
The Grinnell Athletic & Recreation Center (GARC) is a facility that has open gym hours and can be rented for a fee.
To view hours, facility offerings, rental rates, and pass information.
Ahrens Park Map (printable pdf)
Grinnell College Golf Course
933 13th Ave.
ph: 641-236-3590
The
Grinnell College Golf Course
is a n
ine-hole golf course with a pro shop, lounge, and event space. The event space is the perfect location to host
reunions, receptions, banquets, business meetings, retreats,
live music, indoor dances,
and golf tournaments. The expansive grounds are also ideal for dog walks, ice skating, cross country skiing, outdoor dances, movies under the stars, winter sledding, fishing derbies, and lots more.
Call or stop by any time for a tour of the
facility
. Open to the public.
Book your tee time today!
Grinnell Area Recreational Trail
This hard surface trail runs from the Grinnell Walmart on the south side of town, to Rock Creek State Park, which is located a few miles west of Grinnell.
Grinnell Area Recreational Trail
Printable Grinnell Recreational Trail Map pdf
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve is a 450-acre park and nature preserve. Within the preserve is an extensive trail system for hiking and cross-country skiing, as well as a shelter for both summer and winter use. On the rolling terrain of the preserve are to be found prairies, savanna, woodlands, a 25 acre lake, a marsh, ponds, and wildlife plantings. There are seven miles of hiking trails within the preserve, that offer excellent viewing of a variety of native wildlife species and habitats.
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve
is located ¼ mile north of the Lynnville exit, off I-80. Follow Jacob Avenue east to the preserve’s entrance.
James Miller Park Disc Golf Course
Miller Park
is considered a community park that covers 22.3 acres and is located at Lake Nyanza. This park is also host to a Disc Golf Course. The 18-hole, par 54, 5,020-foot course wraps itself around the shores of Lake Nyanza and the picturesque oaks, cedars and maples of Miller Park. There are no greens fees: admission is free. Scorecards are available in the
Recreation Department Office
.
Restrooms are located at a large shelter nearby. Shelter is also available to reserve for a fee.
Lake Red Rock
Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake with more than 15,000 acres of water and 35,000 acres of land for visitors to enjoy. Located on the Des Moines River just 45 miles southeast, and downriver, of the city of Des Moines, Iowa, the reservoir collects runoff and and drainage from a 12,320 square-mile area in Iowa and southern Minnesota.
Learn more about Lake Red Rock.
Oakland Acres Golf Course
Location: 13476 US-6, Grinnell
ph: 641-236-7111
Oakland Acres Golf Course
is a public 18-hole, par 70 course with a driving range and practice green. The diverse terrain between the front nine holes and the back nine makes it a course for all, with the front half for some being the easier approach. Tree lined fairways, water hazards, steep ravines and nearby timber can add to the challenge for even the most consistent player. No matter what your level of play, all golfers will enjoy their experience at Oakland Acres.
Book your tee time today
Poweshiek County Conservation
Diamond Lake Park
4896 Stagecoach Road, Montezuma
ph: 641-623-3191
Poweshiek County Conservation
administers nine park and wildlife areas that encompass over 2,173 acres of land dedicated to public use and enjoyment. The parks and wildlife areas are managed for you, so please remember to leave them as you find them.
Seasonal camping is available at Diamond Lake Park. There is not an online reservation system. If you are curious about how full the park is or have other questions about camping, call the office at 641-623-3191.
Check out the Event Calendar
Rock Creek State Park
5627 Rock Creek East, Kellogg
ph: 641-236-3722
Rock Creek State Park
is a premier camping destination in central Iowa, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including boating and paddling, year-round fishing and horseback riding. Nearly 200 campsites comprise the park’s beautiful campground, with several sites available on the water’s edge or in wooded areas.
Check Availability and make a reservation.
Printable Rock Creek Park Map pdf
Strand 3 Theater
This historical movie theater was once an opera house. It is beautiful and full of architectural history inside and out. It has three auditoriums with comfy, reclining seats and a concession stand that serves snacks and the best buttered popcorn! All reserved seating.
Visit Strand 3 for discounts and specials.
Choose a movie and purchase your ticket.
Two Gravel Bike Riding Routes Designed by Locals
You won't believe it until you experience it, but Iowa is not flat! The miles of great roads surrounding Grinnell can challenge the most physically fit. Grinnell is a gravel riding destination that attracts many cyclists. Our community also has a paved bike trail that weaves through town and connects bicyclists to Rock Creek State Park just a few miles west of Grinnell. Whether you are a novice or an experienced gravel rider, there is a route for you. Just choose how much distance you want to cover and enjoy the ride.
Gravel Bike Riding Routes Designed by Locals
Uncle Bill's Farm
244 400th Ave.
ph: 641-236-7043
(Seasonal)
Uncle Bill's Farm
in Grinnell is the place to take your loved ones to enjoy plenty of family friendly fun! There are lots and lots of safe, farm-style attractions that many folks have enjoyed for over 25 years. No matter the weather, the farm has plenty of indoor and outdoor fun on tap as well as several picnic shelters, and indoor restrooms (not portables). Folks look forward to all the new things Uncle Bill adds to the farm fun each year.
Valle Drive-In
Step Back in Time
4074 Hwy F48, Newton
ph: 641-792-3558
Richard Hollingshead, Jr. of Riverton, New Jersey, is credited with inventing the drive-in concept. After nailing a screen to trees in his backyard, he set a 1928 Kodak projector on the hood of his car and placed a radio behind the screen. Other drive-ins popped up, but this American phenomenon exploded with the introduction of in-car speakers in the 1940s.
Families still flock to drive-ins today for great entertainment at an incredible value. But when you come to Valle, you’ll experience more than just a great movie. You are also celebrating and preserving a slice of Americana throw-back!
Reserve a spot for your vehicle and purchase tickets.
Did You Know?
The city of Grinnell is 5.73 square miles, about 120 acres and sits mid-way between Des Moines and Iowa City on Interstate 80.
Plan a visit to Grinnell.
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To accept the use of cookies and continue on to the site, click "I Agree." For more information about our use of cookies and how to opt out, please refer to our website privacy policy.
Skip to main content
Recreation and Entertainment
Spend Some Time With Us
The city of Grinnell has a beautiful central park with a grandstand, shelter house, and accessible playground as well as over 10 neighborhood parks, lakes, trails, and sledding in the winter.
If your passion is golf, hiking, biking, or spending time on the lake, we welcome you to spend a weekend here and see what Grinnell has to offer.
Ahrens Park Driving Range
1510 Penrose St.
ph: 641-236-5518
Enjoy beautiful Ahrens Park while hitting a few balls at the driving range. The driving range is located on the northeast corner of Ahrens Park, east of the Grinnell Athletic & Recreation Center building, north of the baseball fields.
Ahrens Park Driving Range
Ahrens Park Map (printable pdf)
Ahrens Park
1510 Penrose St.
ph: 641-236-5518
The Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park, opened in 1994, is home to eight youth softball and baseball fields, outdoor basketball courts, a tennis court, four pickleball courts, a sand volleyball court, three youth soccer fields, a golf driving range, several playground areas, three shelter houses, a sledding hill, community gardens, green spaces, 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 offices for the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, Ahrens Park Foundation, Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, and Imagine Grinnell.
Learn more about Ahrens Park
Ahrens Park Map (printable pdf)
Aquatic Center
Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center
120 8th Ave.
Ph: 641-236-2621
(Seasonal)
Open during summer months when school is not in session.
Dates and hours of operation subject to change.
Arbor Lake and Trail
Arbor Lake Park is considered a Natural Resource Area that covers 81.4 acres. The Grinnell Area Recreational Trail runs along the East shores of Arbor Lake. A shelter house with restrooms sits on top of the hill on the east side of the lake. The shelter house can be reserved for a fee.
Arbor Lake and Trail
Bowladrome
915 State St.
ph: 641-236-5827
The Grinnell Bowladrome is a great place to bring family and friends to enjoy some fun on the lanes! There is food, drinks, and fun! Typically closed during summer months.
Follow the Grinnell Bowladrome on Facebook
City of Grinnell Parks and Facilities
The city of Grinnell has a variety of neighborhood parks that are free and available for public use. There are also many that can be reserved for a fee.
Learn more about the city parks and facilities.
Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA)
The
Conard Environmental Research Area
, located eleven miles from the Grinnell College Campus, is a 365-acre field station used for class field trips, student and faculty research, and quiet enjoyment. CERA is open to the public for hiking, bird watching, photography, painting, drawing, and other facets of the study and enjoyment of nature.
To visit or learn more
.
Printable Full-Color CERA Trail Map pdf
Grinnell Athletic & Recreation Center
1500 Penrose St.
ph: 641-236-2620
The Grinnell Athletic & Recreation Center (GARC) is a facility that has open gym hours and can be rented for a fee.
To view hours, facility offerings, rental rates, and pass information.
Ahrens Park Map (printable pdf)
Grinnell College Golf Course
933 13th Ave.
ph: 641-236-3590
The
Grinnell College Golf Course
is a n
ine-hole golf course with a pro shop, lounge, and event space. The event space is the perfect location to host
reunions, receptions, banquets, business meetings, retreats,
live music, indoor dances,
and golf tournaments. The expansive grounds are also ideal for dog walks, ice skating, cross country skiing, outdoor dances, movies under the stars, winter sledding, fishing derbies, and lots more.
Call or stop by any time for a tour of the
facility
. Open to the public.
Book your tee time today!
Grinnell Area Recreational Trail
This hard surface trail runs from the Grinnell Walmart on the south side of town, to Rock Creek State Park, which is located a few miles west of Grinnell.
Grinnell Area Recreational Trail
Printable Grinnell Recreational Trail Map pdf
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve is a 450-acre park and nature preserve. Within the preserve is an extensive trail system for hiking and cross-country skiing, as well as a shelter for both summer and winter use. On the rolling terrain of the preserve are to be found prairies, savanna, woodlands, a 25 acre lake, a marsh, ponds, and wildlife plantings. There are seven miles of hiking trails within the preserve, that offer excellent viewing of a variety of native wildlife species and habitats.
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve
is located ¼ mile north of the Lynnville exit, off I-80. Follow Jacob Avenue east to the preserve’s entrance.
James Miller Park Disc Golf Course
Miller Park
is considered a community park that covers 22.3 acres and is located at Lake Nyanza. This park is also host to a Disc Golf Course. The 18-hole, par 54, 5,020-foot course wraps itself around the shores of Lake Nyanza and the picturesque oaks, cedars and maples of Miller Park. There are no greens fees: admission is free. Scorecards are available in the
Recreation Department Office
.
Restrooms are located at a large shelter nearby. Shelter is also available to reserve for a fee.
Lake Red Rock
Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake with more than 15,000 acres of water and 35,000 acres of land for visitors to enjoy. Located on the Des Moines River just 45 miles southeast, and downriver, of the city of Des Moines, Iowa, the reservoir collects runoff and and drainage from a 12,320 square-mile area in Iowa and southern Minnesota.
Learn more about Lake Red Rock.
Oakland Acres Golf Course
Location: 13476 US-6, Grinnell
ph: 641-236-7111
Oakland Acres Golf Course
is a public 18-hole, par 70 course with a driving range and practice green. The diverse terrain between the front nine holes and the back nine makes it a course for all, with the front half for some being the easier approach. Tree lined fairways, water hazards, steep ravines and nearby timber can add to the challenge for even the most consistent player. No matter what your level of play, all golfers will enjoy their experience at Oakland Acres.
Book your tee time today
Poweshiek County Conservation
Diamond Lake Park
4896 Stagecoach Road, Montezuma
ph: 641-623-3191
Poweshiek County Conservation
administers nine park and wildlife areas that encompass over 2,173 acres of land dedicated to public use and enjoyment. The parks and wildlife areas are managed for you, so please remember to leave them as you find them.
Seasonal camping is available at Diamond Lake Park. There is not an online reservation system. If you are curious about how full the park is or have other questions about camping, call the office at 641-623-3191.
Check out the Event Calendar
Rock Creek State Park
5627 Rock Creek East, Kellogg
ph: 641-236-3722
Rock Creek State Park
is a premier camping destination in central Iowa, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including boating and paddling, year-round fishing and horseback riding. Nearly 200 campsites comprise the park’s beautiful campground, with several sites available on the water’s edge or in wooded areas.
Check Availability and make a reservation.
Printable Rock Creek Park Map pdf
Strand 3 Theater
This historical movie theater was once an opera house. It is beautiful and full of architectural history inside and out. It has three auditoriums with comfy, reclining seats and a concession stand that serves snacks and the best buttered popcorn! All reserved seating.
Visit Strand 3 for discounts and specials.
Choose a movie and purchase your ticket.
Two Gravel Bike Riding Routes Designed by Locals
You won't believe it until you experience it, but Iowa is not flat! The miles of great roads surrounding Grinnell can challenge the most physically fit. Grinnell is a gravel riding destination that attracts many cyclists. Our community also has a paved bike trail that weaves through town and connects bicyclists to Rock Creek State Park just a few miles west of Grinnell. Whether you are a novice or an experienced gravel rider, there is a route for you. Just choose how much distance you want to cover and enjoy the ride.
Gravel Bike Riding Routes Designed by Locals
Uncle Bill's Farm
244 400th Ave.
ph: 641-236-7043
(Seasonal)
Uncle Bill's Farm
in Grinnell is the place to take your loved ones to enjoy plenty of family friendly fun! There are lots and lots of safe, farm-style attractions that many folks have enjoyed for over 25 years. No matter the weather, the farm has plenty of indoor and outdoor fun on tap as well as several picnic shelters, and indoor restrooms (not portables). Folks look forward to all the new things Uncle Bill adds to the farm fun each year.
Valle Drive-In
Step Back in Time
4074 Hwy F48, Newton
ph: 641-792-3558
Richard Hollingshead, Jr. of Riverton, New Jersey, is credited with inventing the drive-in concept. After nailing a screen to trees in his backyard, he set a 1928 Kodak projector on the hood of his car and placed a radio behind the screen. Other drive-ins popped up, but this American phenomenon exploded with the introduction of in-car speakers in the 1940s.
Families still flock to drive-ins today for great entertainment at an incredible value. But when you come to Valle, you’ll experience more than just a great movie. You are also celebrating and preserving a slice of Americana throw-back!
Reserve a spot for your vehicle and purchase tickets.
Did You Know?
The city of Grinnell is 5.73 square miles, about 120 acres and sits mid-way between Des Moines and Iowa City on Interstate 80.
Plan a visit to Grinnell.
We use cookies to enable essential services and functionality on our site, enhance your user experience, provide better service through personalized content, collect data on how visitors interact with our site, and enable advertising services.
To accept the use of cookies and continue on to the site, click "I Agree." For more information about our use of cookies and how to opt out, please refer to our website privacy policy.