Union Depot

The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad built this depot in 1893 to replace an earlier one erected in 1863. Designed in a modified Queen Anne style, notable features include a 1.5-story round tower topped by a conical roof and arched windows. As of early 2022, the former depot is unused but previously housed a restaurant. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Railroads played a critical role in establishing communities around the country. Such was the case with Grinnell, which was founded in 1854 by Congregationalist minister Josiah Grinnell (and three others) who assumed that railroads would eventually reach the town. He was right. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad arrived in 1863 and built a small frame depot. The Central Railroad, which later became part of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, reached Grinnell in 1872.

By the late 1880s, it was clear that the depot was inadequate for the growing town. As a result the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad built Union Depot, which had two waiting rooms, a baggage room, offices, and a lunch counter. Passenger service ended in 1970. The depot remained vacant until 1993 when it was converted into a restaurant.

"Architectural Treasures Walking Tour." Grinnell Chamber of Commerce. Accessed February 16, 2022. https://www.grinnellchamber.org/index.cfm?nodeID=84836&audienceID=1.

Oelke, William C. "Union Depot." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. December 12, 1976. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/76000805_text.