College towns with Midwest charm and culture
The Midwest is filled with lively college towns, each with its own charm, energy and student-fueled culture. Dominated mostly by schools in the Big Ten and Big 12 collegiate athletic conferences, these cities combine academic achievement with strong community spirit. You’ll find top-notch tailgating, great game-day atmosphere, vibrant arts scenes, beloved student hangouts and bars, and distinctive city events and festivals. Large or small, these towns also often boast bustling downtowns, diverse dining options and ample outdoor activities, attracting not only students but also families and retirees. Here are 15 fun college towns in the Midwest.
Ames, Iowa
A day well spent in the central Iowa city of Ames may mean catching an Iowa State University of Science and Technology football or basketball game, but there’s plenty more to do around town. One must-see spot is Reiman Gardens, a 17-acre botanical garden that’s part of the university and has been recognized as one of the best in North America. It also has a tropical butterfly wing open year-round and is home to the world’s largest concrete gnome. Downtown Ames is filled with independent bookstores, clothing boutiques, coffee shops, cafes, pizza spots and breweries. The Octagon Art Festival curates some of the best art in the Midwest in the fall, and the Stephens Auditorium and Jack Trice Stadium host major concerts in the summer.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is inseparably linked with the University of Michigan. Walkable and bikeable, the city’s downtown and Kerrytown boast cozy coffee shops, bookstores like Literati, eateries like Zingerman’s Deli, music landmark The Blind Pig, and an electric art scene. Michigan Stadium — the nation’s largest — roars with more than 107,000 fans on football Saturdays, and bars like The Brown Jug and Scorekeepers, better known as “Skeeps,” buzz with game-day fever. You can paddle the Huron River, hike the Nichols Arboretum or roam Matthaei Botanical Gardens. “It’s an unassuming place where you can be yourself and all are welcome. so everyone feels like it’s their home away from home,” says Sarah Miller, president and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor.
Athens, Ohio
Home to Ohio University, Athens is a vibrant community nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Just a few blocks uptown from College Green, the campus center, Court Street, is a one-way brick stretch that’s home to more than a dozen legendary bars, including The CI, Courtside Pizza and Lucky’s Sports Tavern. The walkable downtown is home to locally owned shops, cozy coffeehouses and diverse restaurants. Athens offers historic charm and a lively arts and music scene, including the renowned Halloween Block Party and the Athens International Film Festival. The city is surrounded by natural beauty with rolling hills, forest and peaceful farmland. Hocking River tubing, kayaking, fishing and rafting are a short drive away.
Bloomington, Indiana
Known for its passionate sports culture, Bloomington, Indiana comes alive during basketball season, as students pack the iconic Assembly Hall to root for the Hoosiers. Tailgates are also lively, particularly since the Hoosiers reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in 2024. Kirkwood Avenue next to the Indiana University–Bloomington campus is home to restaurants and shops, the historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater music venue, and famous bars like The Upstairs Pub and Nick’s English Hut. Across town are popular spots like Mother Bear’s Pizza, Upland Brewing and Oliver Winery. Nearby Monroe Lake and Brown County offer beaches, boating, biking, trail running and fishing.
Columbia, Missouri
Home to the University of Missouri, Columbia thrives on a blend of academic energy, cultural richness, school spirit and Midwestern charm. Next to campus, downtown Columbia, known as “The District,” is a social hub for students and residents alike. The city offers eclectic restaurants, 70 parks and 50 miles of scenic trails. Annual events like the True/False Film Festival, the Missouri Symphony’s Firefly Music Festival and the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival showcase its dynamic arts scene. “With a bustling downtown full of local shops, music venues and exceptional restaurants, students and residents alike enjoy an exciting and welcoming atmosphere,” Megan McConachie, communications and outreach supervisor at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, wrote in an email.
Columbus, Ohio
With more than 913,000 people as of 2023, per U.S. Census data, Columbus is larger than most college towns. But it blends big-city perks with Midwestern charm, and The Ohio State University and Buckeyes pride dominate the city’s vibe. Local gems like Buckeye Donuts, North Market and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams are student favorites and the nearby Arena District boasts pro sports action from the Columbus Crew (MLS), Blue Jackets (NHL), Clippers (Triple-A baseball) and Fury (Pro Volleyball Federation). Ohio Stadium, known as “The Shoe,” and the Schottenstein Center, or “The Schott,” amp up the energy with Buckeye games and concerts, while the Short North Arts District’s 300-plus independent businesses include rooftop bars, boutiques and food adventure tours.
Duluth, Minnesota
Home to the University of Minnesota Duluth and The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota sits on the pristine shores of Lake Superior. Natural beauty is a major draw, with forests, trails and cliffs practically in your backyard. You can tackle the Superior Hiking Trail, kayak on the lake or ski at Spirit Mountain — all a short trip from campus. The winter is long, with about 86 inches of snow each year, but the city still experiences all four seasons. In a city of about 88,000 people, students are a boost to the population and the vibe; UMD hockey games and year-round concerts mean there’s always something going on.
East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University students are a shot in the arm for East Lansing. With an enrollment of 40,483 in fall 2023, the city’s population nearly doubles when school’s in. Grand River Avenue is the city’s heartbeat, lined with spots like Crunchy’s for burgers and beers or the Peanut Barrel for late nights, all steeped in Spartan pride — especially during football or basketball season. Beyond the social scene, the area has natural perks: the Red Cedar River cuts through town and nearby parks like Hawk Island offer trails, beaches, snow tubing and kayaking. Affordable rent — around $900-$1,200 a month — keeps it student-friendly, while the mix of Big Ten energy, green spaces and a tight community feel makes East Lansing a haven.
Iowa City, Iowa
Anchored by the University of Iowa and its vibrant student body, Iowa City offers a dynamic cultural scene and a packed calendar, from the Mission Creek Festival’s blend of music and literature to the Annual Downtown Block Party’s offbeat activities and the Summer of the Arts’ eclectic events spilling into quirky surrounding neighborhoods. Any night brings options: Catch live tunes at Elray’s Live & Dive or Gabe’s, grab a burger at Pullman Bar & Diner or pizza with homemade ranch at The Airliner, or dig into all-day breakfast at the iconic Hamburg Inn No. 2. Nature’s close, too — trails along the Iowa River and the leafy Pedestrian Mall downtown offer a green escape without leaving the city’s vibrant core.
Lawrence, Kansas
Jayhawk basketball games at historic Allen Fieldhouse are perhaps the biggest draw in Lawrence, Kansas, but the home of the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University has plenty else to offer. Downtown and Massachusetts Street have independent bookstores and boutiques, outdoor gear, galleries, and eateries like WheatFields Bakery. You’ll find live music at The Bottleneck and The Granada, farmer’s markets and a unique arts scene. The KU campus, perched on Mount Oread, is full of beauty and history, while the Lawrence River Trails system hugs the Kansas River, luring hikers and cyclists. With affordable rent and a population of about 96,000, mostly drenched in crimson and blue, Lawrence blends academic pursuits and Midwest soul to make a lively college town.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Home to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the city hums with Cornhusker pride. Football game days at Memorial Stadium are some of the most iconic in college football, as the stadium becomes Nebraska’s third-largest “city” with more than 90,000 red-clad fans, hitting a peak with 92,003 at “Volleyball Day in Nebraska” — a women’s sports attendance world record. The Historic Haymarket District’s cobblestone streets and century-old brick warehouses are alive with eateries, breweries and shops. The city’s extensive trail system — 144 miles of smooth and rugged paths, 27 miles of park trails, and 39 wild miles in Wilderness Park — is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With a population of about 290,000, Lincoln blends Big Ten buzz and natural beauty.
Madison, Wisconsin
With its blend of game day atmosphere on campus and a vibrant night life off campus, Madison, Wisconsin thrives off the energy of University of Wisconsin–Madison students. The downtown area offers a cosmopolitan vibe with award-winning restaurants, live music and local shops, while Willy Street is a haven for foodies with its diverse cuisines, including Laotian, Ethiopian, Nepali, Pakistani and Cajun. SASY — short for Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara — is a vibrant, artistic neighborhood known for funky shops, ethnic restaurants, entrepreneurial spirit and front-porch friendliness. Madison’s lively music scene has several venues within walking distance of campus where stars like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Phoebe Bridgers have performed.
Manhattan, Kansas
Home to Kansas State University, Manhattan’s beauty comes largely from its historic architecture, with buildings of limestone carved from the rolling Flint Hills around the city. Affectionately known as the “Little Apple,” Manhattan offers students a blend of academic rigor and outdoor adventure. The Aggieville and downtown areas boast student-friendly bars, entertainment venues, eateries and shops. Affordable living, with median monthly rents around $800, keeps it accessible, and K-State’s strong sports culture, especially football and basketball, fuels a lively social scene. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Konza Prairie Biological Station and Tuttle Creek Lake State Park trails, a short drive from town. Despite harsh winters, Manhattan’s mix of natural beauty, cultural perks and tight-knit charm makes it a cozy spot for college life.
South Bend, Indiana
South Bend, Indiana, thrives as a college town thanks to the University of Notre Dame and its growing integration with the city. The Eddy Street Commons, just steps from campus, has transformed the area with luxury housing, shopping and trendy bars like Brothers and O’Rourke’s Public House. Also near campus is the legendary Linebacker Lounge, and eateries like The Lauber, Fiddler’s Hearth, Chicory Cafe and LaSalle Grill offer eclectic cuisine. The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art on Notre Dame’s campus opened in 2023 and adds cultural depth to the mix. Tailgating at Fighting Irish football games is a much-loved tradition, with thousands of fans packing the lots around Notre Dame Stadium in green and gold ahead of kickoff.
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
Positioned between Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis, Urbana-Champaign offers a vibrant micro-urban experience with diverse cultural and recreational opportunities. Home of the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, the area blends academics with Big Ten Conference athletics and a lively social scene. In 2017, Urbana-Champaign was named the “Greatest Midwest Food Town” by Midwest Living, thanks to its innovative restaurants and culinary variety. There’s a robust brewery scene, with places like Riggs, Blind Pig and 25 O’Clock. The community’s inclusive spirit is reflected in its thriving arts scene and one of Illinois’ largest Pride festivals. Music lovers can enjoy live performances at the historic Rose Bowl Tavern, while history buffs can explore the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.
Fun College Towns in the Midwest
— Ames, Iowa
— Ann Arbor, Michigan
— Athens, Ohio
— Bloomington, Indiana
— Columbia, Missouri
— Columbus, Ohio
— Duluth, Minnesota
— East Lansing, Michigan
— Iowa City, Iowa
— Lawrence, Kansas
— Lincoln, Nebraska
— Madison, Wisconsin
— Manhattan, Kansas
— South Bend, Indiana
— Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
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15 Fun College Towns in the Midwest originally appeared on usnews.com
