September 19-21, 2008

Family Weekend is a complimentary event for Grinnell families. We prefer registration to accurately plan for our campus guests, but there is no charge associated with Family Weekend attendance.

Online Registration will be open August 1. Families will also receive a registration packet in the mail in early August. The packet contains registration forms and information about the schedule of events. If you have misplaced your registration information, contact the Office of College and Alumni Relations at 866-850-1846.

Yes, although families are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Some events have limited capacities and fill up quickly, and we cannot guarantee the availability of certain events if you have not registered in advance.

Family Weekend includes many different events. You can participate in some or all -- it's up to you. Among the weekend activities and programs are the following:

Grinnell's athletic facilities are available for family use during Family Weekend. Take a swim in the Obermiller Pool, play racquetball or use the indoor track in the P.E.C., play a tennis match at the outdoor courts, or sweat it out on the free weights, exercise bicycles, treadmills, and rowing machines in the new Athletic and Fitness Center. Times vary and will be available when you arrive on campus.

Grinnell College is committed to making its campus accessible to persons with disabilities. However, not all areas of campus are fully accessible. Individuals who have special needs should contact the Office of College and Alumni Relations at 866-850-1846.

The Grinnell Bookstore will feature a 10% discount for all families attending Family Weekend! Coupons will be available at the registration desk in the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center.

In addition to numerous restaurants in the Grinnell community, Grinnell College is home to several campus eateries:

Families travel to Grinnell by car, train, bus and airplane to participate in Family Weekend. We are an hour east of Des Moines on U.S. I-80. Map and Directions to Grinnell College

While this is a family decision, you may want to note class visitations and meetings with faculty are available on Friday only. The Welcome Ice Cream Social will be held on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday morning, there will be the President's Breakfast and State of the College Address followed by a selection of athletic, musical and academic programs. While some activities may be offered Saturday afternoon and evening, those periods are generally reserved for family time. The only event on Sunday is an interdenominational Christian worship service that will conclude by noon.

Campus parking permits are not required during Family Weekend, and you may park in any of the designated areas on the main campus. All handicapped parking placards will be honored by the Grinnell College Campus Security. Please be aware that the City of Grinnell has designated shifting parking areas in the campus vicinity.

Grinnell College recommends the following area accommodations. Make your reservation as early as possible as Grinnell accommodations fill up quickly.

The Grinnell area offers a wide variety of restaurants and other dining services. Please consider these area restaurants when planning your Family Weekend schedule. Reservations are not required at any Grinnell restaurants, but they are strongly encouraged for Family Weekend.

Your first stop should be the Family Weekend Registration Desk, located in the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center. Upon arrival, families can check in and receive the final Family Weekend schedule, campus maps and information, meal tickets for the President's Breakfast, discount coupons to the Grinnell Bookstore, and nametags.

For more information, please contact the Office of College and Alumni Relations at 866-850-1846.