I%26#39;m driving back from the west through Iowa. I am dying to see some of Louis Sullivan%26#39;s architecture, especially his banks or other buildings in Grinnell or Algona (or in Newark or Sidney OH).
Does anyone know anything about these banks, if they are open during working hours, if they are worth a visit, and if there are any good places to stay nearby?
Additionally, are they any fun things to see on route 80 on our way back? It would be great to take an occasional break to see something fun on the way home.
Grinnell and Sullivan; Ohio too
Merchants Bank in Grinnell is open during banking hours. Beautiful architecture. Many old stately mansions around the Grinnell College campus and Broad Street north. Pella, Iowa is about 30 miles south and west of Grinnell. Dutch community with a unique main street district. Their annual Tulip Festival is the first week of May. Thousands of tulips. There is a large dutch windmill in the park. The Amana Colonies ( 7 small villages) are home to the Amana/Maytag appliance factory and have many shops --from lace creations, year round Christmas store-and over 5 great restaurants serving German/ Bavarian family style meals.The Amana are north of I-80 and east of Grinnell about 40 miles. There are several furniture factories, meat markets, and the Amana Woolen Mills here, plus wineries and historic homes that were originally built with out kitchens. The original people of Amana ate at large kitchen dining halls in each town. The settlements were set up as pure communist style communities. Each person had a duty and the community provided everything. Enjoy Iowa!
Grinnell and Sullivan; Ohio too
The Louis Sullivan bank in Grinnell is a working bank and open regular hours. There were two griffins that used to sit either side of the door. Years ago one was destroyed by vandals. The other was moved inside and I believe they put a couple replicas outside in their place.
There are several hotels in Grinnell. While in Grinnell you could tour the campus of Grinnell College. There are other houses in the town that are architecturally interesting including one designed by Water Burley Griffin - an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright. On the Grinnell campus is Goodnow Hall which is on the national historic registry and is the only building that survived a cyclone in the late 1800%26#39;s.
Further east is the Amana Colonies. There is a nice hotel just off I-80 and the other villages are worth visiting.
Thank you for your information. You have been most helpful.
Grinnell has many great architectual buildings to be see and most are open daily from 9-5. There are other items of interest as well such as Farmers Markets and music in the park on Thursdays if you time it right it%26#39;s a great time. The Chamber of Commerce could give you more detailed info.
