Quality of Life

General Information

Poweshiek County prides itself on being a great place to work and play.  It is one of the few places you can find a great job and have many of the amenities of a larger community. Poweshiek County includes the incorporated cities of Brooklyn, Deep River, Hartwick, Grinnell, Guernsey, Malcom, and Montezuma.

Poweshiek County has state-of-the-art schools, medical facilities that are second-to-none, affordable living, short commute times, and active/growing communities.  There is nothing stagnate about our small towns. Nestled along Interstate 80 between Des Moines and Iowa City and within 4 hours of Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis and Chicago; Poweshiek County is positioned perfect to enjoy the quality of life provided by a smaller community and also enjoy the amenities provided by a larger city.  Grinnell was named one of the “Top 3 Coolest Small Towns In America” by Budget Travel and the “Number One City In The Nation To Live In Or Relocate To” by Relocate America.

Additional Statistics on the Region

If there is additional information you would like on our region, please call Poweshiek Iowa Development at (641) 236-1626.

Area Events and Attractions

Poweshiek County keeps its residents busy with activities, festivals, and recreation throughout the year.  Whether its sports, art, shopping, music, or theater, you will find something for everyone throughout the area.

Community Events—Grinnell Games; Fourth of July Celebrations; Christmas Walks; Flag Festival; Local Farmer’s Markets; art festivals; car shows; and amateur sporting events.

Diamond Lake County Park—This 632-acre multi-use recreational area works to preserve the area’s wildlife and natural habitat, as well as continued expansion of the park for public use including camping and cabin rental opportunities.

Adventureland - Located near-by in Altoona, Iowa, Adventureland Amusement Park contains over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides.

Big Springs Shooting Range is the newest shooting range near the Montezuma area. Throughout the year the range is open to the public, and includes open shotgun, trap and skeet field, and five-stand sporting clay.

Fun Valley MotoX is an American Motocross Association facility that hosts the best motocross racing for motorcycles and ATVs in the state of Iowa. The 5000 square foot all-season facility provides an indoor arena for spectators, as well as amenities for those who wish to take advantage of the camping area with full electrical hookups.

Faulconer Gallery at Grinnell College presents exhibitions of regional, national, and international art. This 7,400 square feet of state-of-the-art museum space situated at the heart of the College's Bucksbaum Center for the Arts.

Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center features a lap pool, lazy river, zero-depth entry, waterslides, and more.

Strand 3 Theater—This completely restored movie theater provides first-run movies on three large screens.

Iowa Speedway (located in the neighboring community of Newton, Iowa)– This NASCAR and IndyCar sanctioned 7/8 mile Rusty Wallace Signature Series tri-oval features some of the nations best stockcar and open wheel racing.

Iowa Transportation Museum - The Historic Spaulding Center for Transportation, once a buggy and automobile factory during the 1900's, has been renovated to reflect a rustic and distinctive venue that can accomodate up to 300 guests. On the 3rd floor of the Spaulding Center is Iowa Transportation Museum. 

Housing

Median Value of Owner-occupied housing (2013-2017) - $131,100*

For information on available housing in the area visit www.poweshiekmls.com

* according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Shopping and Dining

Downtown will lead you to many unique shops and eating establishments you will not find in a box store or larger city. There is no better feeling than supporting your neighbors while you shop and dine in our locally owned downtowns.  Each community has shopping district(s) and eateries that are active and bustling.  New restaurants and businesses are starting up or expanding each month.

Grinnell Chamber of Commerce (www.grinnellchamber.org)

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce (www.brooklyniowa.com)

Montezuma Community Development (www.montezumaiowa.org)

Sports & Recreation

Whether you are taking to the golf course after work, relaxing at the lake on the weekend, or cheering on your favorite youngster, you will find there are plenty of activities for even the most active family.  Each community in Poweshiek County offers sports and recreation opportunities for both youth and adults. The county is also home to two residential lakes, wildlife refuges, and camping and picnic areas. It also has public and country-club swimming pools, and extensive baseball, softball, basketball, golf and soccer complex.

Recreational Lakes – Poweshiek County is home to two private recreational lakes and numerous reserve lakes. The Holiday Lake area (www.holidaylakebrooklynia.com) sits on approximately 755 acres and has 3 boat ramps, restaurant, marina, a large swimming beach and bathhouse. There are parks, campground and playground areas for the use by all lot owners and their guests.

Lake Ponderosa (www.lakeponderosa.com) is a private residential lake along Diamond Trail, just three miles west of Montezuma. The 440-acres of wooded landscape and seven miles of shoreline offer a beautiful setting for the 700 households, restaurant and marina that call Lake Ponderosa home.

Golf Courses – There are five golf courses throughout Poweshiek County. There are three country clubs and two public courses.

Figure 8 Racing—Brooklyn hosts Iowa’s top figure 8 race track.

Recreational Trail System – There are many miles of recreational trails throughout Poweshiek County.