Many students from around the province also attend the school for the first- and second-year course offerings before transferring to Memorial University's larger campus in St. John's.

The campus opened in 1975 as Memorial University's West Coast Regional College with Arthur Sullivan as its principal.

In 1998, the Forest Centre opened, which houses not only laboratory and classroom space, but also research offices for Natural Resources Canada, among others.

[3] Grenfell Campus played a critical role in helping Corner Brook host the 1999 Canada Winter Games with its residences being used to house athletes.

[5] However, the announcement fell short of offering the campus true status as a university (within the Memorial system), much to the anger and disappointment of many local residents.

On June 11, 2012, the campus unveiled its new logo to the public,[12] which was rolled out in addition to a new marketing campaign entitled "Find Your Corner.

"[13] New soil science laboratories, the Boreal Ecosystem Research facility, attached to the Forest Centre, also opened in Summer 2013.

[15] In June 2016, Princess Anne dedicated a sculpture of the Danger Tree marking the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel.

[16] In 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Grenfell Campus and planted a Forget-Me-Not at the Danger Tree site memorial.

[29] The Aging Research Centre (ARC) is primarily located at Grenfell Campus, but also has spaces in St. John's, Grand Falls-Windsor, and North-West River.