Madison, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Madison is home to Wisconsin’s stately capitol building and the glorious University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Sitting on an isthmus between two lakes, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, Madison has a vibrant culture, great restaurants and bars, museums, and, of course, Badger sports. Grab a beer at Memorial Union, and watch the sun dip over Lake Mendota. Stroll down lively State Street and stop at some of the local haunts, such as State Street Brats, Mackesey’s Irish Pub, Monday’s, and Whiskey Jack’s Pub.
You can admire the campus from Lakeshore walking trail or Bascom Hill. Discover Madison’s top highlights on a guided e-bike tour, which cruises through tree-lined streets, along the lakeshore, and downtown. Head to the Dane County Farmers’ Market (held Wednesdays and Sundays) on Capital Square for fresh produce, flowers,and other local specialties. Into art? Check out the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art or Chazen Museum of Art, which holds the second largest collection of art in Wisconsin. (Both offer free admission.) Stay in the heart of campus at The Graduate or the historic Edgewater on Lake Mendota. Eat beer-battered curds, wings, and burgers at The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company or college favorite The Nitty Gritty. There are also many internationally inspired eateries on and around State Street. And don’t miss a Badgers game and tailgating outside Camp Randall Stadium on a gorgeous fall day.
Read More: Where to eat, play, and stay in Madison, Wisconsin
Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Michigan
West of Detroit is the bustling yet laid-back town of Ann Arbor, home to the sprawling University of Michigan. The city is known for its research programs, arts and culture, and a vibrant, walkable downtown area. Locally called “Tree Town”, Ann Arbor boasts a scenic, expansive campus, along with arts, culture, cuisine, and tons of nature.
Take a stroll inside Matthaei Botanical Gardens, and explore the beautiful walking trails, the indoor conservatory, its gardens, and the campus farm. Visit Nichols Arboretum to discover native and exotic trees and shrubs. You can also kayak or canoe down the Huron River. The Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market supports more than 100 local businesses, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art is one of the oldest, largest art museums in the country, representing more than 21,000 works of art that span a range of cultures, eras, and mediums inside a 94,000-square-foot building. For science enthusiasts, visit the Museum of Natural History, or head to the Ann Arbor-Hands On Museum for interactive, kid-friendly exhibits. For lodging, consider a stay at the Graduate Ann Arbor or Residence Inn Ann Arbor, just steps from more than 60 popular restaurants and shops. Like most college towns, there’s no shortage of dining options, from sports bar–style fare to gourmet.
Read More: 8 college towns near St. Louis for fall travel fun
Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana University
An hour southwest of Indianapolis is Bloomington, home of Indiana University, another top-ranked public university that boasts the world’s first school of philanthropy and the nation’s largest medical school. Its beautiful campus offers plenty of spots to enjoy college life, nature, arts and culture, and cuisine. Check out the stunning limestone building that houses Indiana Memorial Union, the second-largest student union in the country. Visit the Biology Greenhouse to admire plants from around the world, or take a walk in Dunn Woods, near the Sample Gates (at the intersection of Kirkwood and Indiana avenues), the entryway to the 1,860-acre campus.
For those seeking hands-on kids’ activities, check out the WonderLab, a museum of science, health, and technology. The Eskenzai Museum of Art (a stunning piece of architecture in its own right, designed by Louvre architect I.M. Pei) houses more than 45,000 works of art.
If you’re a sports fan and didn’t score tickets to a Hoosiers game, then check out this list of the best places in Bloomington to watch a game. Looking for a place to eat? Check out this list of where to eat like a local in Bloomington, from pizza to international cuisine to breweries. And consider staying at the historic Grant Street Inn or the Graduate Bloomington.
Read More: 5 inspired restaurants to visit in Bloomington, Indiana
