Skip to Main Content

Grinnell, Iowa: Bank Golden Lions by Louis Sullivan

Designed by architect Louis Sullivan in 1914, the jewel box bank building is not something you expect to see in a small town in Iowa.

Address:
833 4th Ave. W., Grinnell, IA
Directions:
Merchants National Bank/Grinnell Chamber of Commerce. Downtown, on the north side of 4th Ave. W. just west of its intersection with Broad St.
Admission:
Free
Save to My Sights

Visitor Tips and News About Bank Golden Lions by Louis Sullivan

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Merchants National Bank entrance.

Louis Sullivan National Bank

Beautiful bank designed by famous architect Louis Sullivan, although it does seem overly ornate for a little Iowa town. Lots of easy parking and also located by a lot of nice shops.

[Bianca Giron, 11/07/2019]

It dates from a time when money was gold and silver, and people had more faith in a bank if it was in a gaudy, gilded building.

Jewel box bank building.

Jewel Box Bank Guarded by Golden Lions

Winged golden lions guard the entrance to the former Merchants National Bank, built in 1914 by famed architect Louis Sullivan and placed on the National Landmarks Registry in 1976.

Now home to the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, the bank building style was known as a "jewel box" because of its rectangular shape and keyhole-inspired design above the front door.

[signmanjoe, 11/18/2014]

Nearby Offbeat Places

L.J. Maasdam's Wheel ArtL.J. Maasdam's Wheel Art, Lynnville, IA - 8 mi.
Historical Treasures of KelloggHistorical Treasures of Kellogg, Kellogg, IA - 10 mi.
John Wayne's Boyhood HomeJohn Wayne's Boyhood Home, Brooklyn, IA - 14 mi.
In the region:
Twister Movie House, Eldora, IA - 44 mi.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Map and Plan Your Own Roadside Adventure ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Iowa Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings