The Best College Towns in the Midwest for Football, Food, and Fine Arts

01.09.2023 - 13:45 / cntraveler.com / Art

Summer may be coming to a close, but there's good news that comes with school being back in session: College campuses everywhere are springing back to life in full force. The Midwest is home to several of the best, with world-class museums, acclaimed restaurants, and notable festivals, boasting their own unique draws. And while autumn is always an exciting time to visit (think football and foliage), there’s enough happening in each of these destinations to warrant a getaway any time of year. From a bustling big-city suburb to a UNESCO City of Literature, here are the Midwest’s best college towns to visit now.

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A parade in honor of Bucky, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's beloved mascot, takes over downtown every September.

With several lakes and bike paths, impressive restaurants, and independent shops, Madison is one of the Midwest’s most beloved escapes. Once you arrive, check into the historic Edgewater Hotel, just footsteps from downtown. Celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year, expect lots of fun surprises across your stay—all on top of the onsite activities regularly available (inducing boat rentals, a booking at the spa, or a meal at The Statehouse, known for its sweeping Lake Mendota views). For dinner, you have your pick of the town’s dining options—RED for stunning sushi, Fairchild for elevated American fare, and Harvey House for supper club-inspired plates from chef Joe Papach (served in an expansive space tucked behind the historic train depot). 

In the mornings, head to Wonderstate for coffee before exploring 16 lush acres at Olbrich Botanical Gardens—where the 10,000-square-foot conservatory is also a sight to behold. Book ahead for dinner that night at L’Etoile, one of the city’s most esteemed restaurants that has been serving up local, seasonal cuisine since its 1976 opening—helping to put farm-to-table dining on the map. Order a la carte or settle in for a multi-course tasting menu, featuring seasonal finds like rhubarb, sweet corn, and cherries. You’ll spot many of those ingredients when you wake early on Saturday to visit the Dane County Farmers’ Market, which wraps around the Capitol building and abounds with some of the region’s best produce and crafts. With more than 150 vendors each week, it’s the country’s largest producer-only farmers’ market, and one of the town’s most exciting draws. Sample your way through the stalls and consider it all fuel for whatever the rest of your day holds, be it some biking, kayaking, or football.

The Highlander offers a retro-inspired stay in Iowa City—Joan Baez and Mickey