<p>Grinnell is in the middle of nowhere. In an honest opinion, is there anything to do there? thanks!</p>
<p>The College makes a huge effort (and fortunately has lots of resources) to bring in world-class entertainment, speakers, etc. There is a very nice movie theatre in town (not always the case in the “middle of nowhere”) and numerous restaurants. There are “Harris Parties” and on-campus movies and alcohol-free activities, too. The College is very liberal about funding groups and activities. There are great fitness and sports facilities. DesMoines and Iowa City are within an easy drive, for more options. The College runs buses for shopping trips on the weekend, I believe. Son, who has always had a car at school, does not leave on weekends, even though he has friends attending college within a few hours’ drive. So, Yes, there are definitely things to do there!</p>
<p>Concur with Dairy State K8. S also has a car and uses it only to transport the team for away games. He didn’t even want to do a semester abroad because he was too busy on campus. I think the key to happiness at all the rural LACs is to be a participant rather than a bystander: be on the sports team, play in the orchestra, act in the theater productions, sing with the a cappella groups, do the social service activities. Grinnell makes that easy by providing a lot of great resources - the palatial sports facilities, theater spaces, etc…</p>
<p>As for what to do around Grinnell, it has good biking and some prairie hiking. The downtown area of Grinnell is a two block walk from campus. The Grant Wood scenic byway is a beautiful drive. </p>
<p>Some schools in the NE have better outdoor rec options because the location lends itself to skying, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking. And some urban LACs will give you access to clubbing, shopping, museums, and other urban amenities. Depends on what you like to do for fun.</p>
<p>I live relatively near Grinnell. The above are correct. In terms of the traditional “what is there to do” they have very little, but the key to enjoying such an experience is community. Make friends, get involved, and you will be plenty busy. And Des Monies is close enough for weekend trips. I like the “small college town” vibe of having to be creative with your free time, but then again I was born and raised in a town of 400 with the only city >1hr away being a moderately sized college town of 10k or 13k town with lots of manufacturing as its main attraction :P</p>