Simpson College Dorm Life: The Around-Campus Guide
You unpacked the boxes — now here is where students at Simpson College (Indianola, IA) actually eat, shop, bank, and hang out. Bookmark this for your first month.
🍕 Where students actually eat
Crouse Cafe diner
Classic square breakfast spot — famous homemade pies
The Corner Sundry soda fountain
Old-fashioned ice cream and sodas on the square
Uncommon Grounds coffee
Square coffeehouse and student study spot
Pete's Pizza pizza
Local favorite just off the square
Deng's Garden Chinese
Affordable takeout on Jefferson Way
Savor The Rise bakery
Fresh pastries and breads near the square
🛒 Big-box runs and groceries
Hy-Vee grocery / pharmacy
N Jefferson Way, about a mile north of campus
Walmart Supercenter big-box / pharmacy
N Jefferson Way, about 1.5 miles
Des Moines retail malls
Jordan Creek and more, roughly 25–30 minutes
🏦 Banking near campus
City State Bank
Full-service local bank with an Indianola branch
TruBank
Community bank headquartered in Indianola
Community 1st CU
S Jefferson Way branch with student-friendly accounts
🩺 Health, mail and services
UnityPoint Clinic clinic
Family medicine and walk-in care in town
The Iowa Clinic clinic
Second family-medicine option in Indianola
Indianola Post Office mail
Downtown USPS for packages
Walmart Pharmacy pharmacy
Budget prescriptions on Jefferson Way
🎉 Beyond the books
Town Square
Shops, eats, and events a short walk from campus
Summerset Trail
Paved bike trail, about 11 miles to Carlisle
Lake Ahquabi
Beach, hiking, and kayaking about 5 miles south
Des Moines trips
Downtown, concerts, and malls 25 minutes north
National Balloon Classic
Nine-day hot-air balloon festival every summer
Hand-checked August 2026. Hours and locations change — give places a quick look before you head out. Some links on this site earn us a commission at no cost to you.