Gathering Location

Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA

Grinnell College is located in central Iowa, about an hour east of Des Moines, IA. The site of the 2011 Gathering, we're glad to return to the green and centralized campus! Grinnell, Iowa, is home to just under 10,000 residents, is located in central Iowa and has a vibrant, diverse population that blends the charm of a rural community with the quirkiness of a college town. Known as the "Jewel of the Prairie," Grinnell has some of Iowa's most entrepreneurial independent restaurants, a host of unique retailers and a charming downtown.

More about the campus:

• Visit the interactive campus map
• Download a PDF of the campus map
• View the Google map of the Grinnell College
• Travel Information for Gathering attenders

Site Selection report

Grinnell College has several monikers attached to it, including being known as the “Harvard of the Midwest”. The campus is a compact, very flat and very shaded oasis within prime farm country. Grinnell’s history stretches back to 1846 with reminders of this history located throughout the campus. The school, its graduates, and current students have contributed to society in a number of meaningful and exciting ways.

Grinnell College and the surrounding community have been part of an interesting marriage in which the college is not separate from, but an integral part of the community.The town of Grinnell is a safe and pleasant community with welcoming people. Friends will find whether walking, jogging, biking, or just relaxing that the community is openhearted.

Read more from Marvin Barnes of the Gathering Site Selection Committee on what makes Grinnell a great location for the 2019 Gathering!

Field Trips at the Gathering

Once you are at the Gathering, sign-up on site for trips offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Costs vary.

Field trips will showcase local walking tours of buildings by world-renowned architects and local artists, Iowa’s agriculture, the Mother Mosque, a historical look at the Amana colonies, and guided tour of the prairie with the author of Hiking Iowa.

Learn more about Field Trips

Extend your trip to the Iowa region