7 Most Beautiful College Towns In Wisconsin

America’s Dairyland is known for its cheese, cranberries, brewing legacy, and production of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. However, a smaller demographic of their state is known for its educational resources. The colleges in Wisconsin are popular for their agriculture, health sciences, and natural resources studies. The campuses are known not only for their enlightened teaching but also for their natural and historical attractiveness. Enjoy a visit to any of Wisconsin's eight most beautiful college towns and experience all their offerings.

Mequon

Visit Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) and stop by the CUW Art Gallery. On display are works from students, emerging artists, and established artists. After immersing yourself in the art world, take to the outdoors at Virmond Park. A public staircase leads from the bluffs down to Lake Michigan and provides panoramic views the whole journey down. Explore the 63-acre park with a nature conservancy, recreation fields, and hiking trails. After art and nature excursions, learn some history at the Jonathan Clark House. The architectural and historical home has been restored to collect, preserve, and share the history of the early settlers of Mequon and Thiensville. Tour the house, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to learn more about this pioneering family.

Beloit

Beloit College, founded in the town of the same name, offers a very enticing place of interest on its campus. The Logan Museum of Anthropology, founded in 1893, has about 350,000 ethnographic and archaeological items collected from 129 countries and over 600 cultural groups. The hands-on teaching museum features collections from exchanges, expeditions, field schools, gifts, and purchases. For another popular spot in Beloit, spend some time in nature at Big Hill Park, one of the town's most scenic spots. Found on the bluffs along the Rock River, the park offers trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, recreation fields, and an educational center. Connect with nature while taking in the scenic views. For another outdoorsy stop, step back in time at the Beckman Mill. The 50-acre park contains a grist mill from 1868, a dam, a foot bridge, a cooperage from the 1840s, a blacksmith shop, and more. The mill was restored in 1997 but is still operated by the original water-powered Leffel turbine from the 1860s.

Ripon

In the town of Ripon, the university with the same name resides. Ripon College features the Caestecker Gallery, which is open to the public, and highlights the scope of the creative process that their artists provide to the community. The collection features purchased artwork that is archived in their permanent collection. They also include rotating exhibits. For another school-related experience, but on a different educational level, tour the Little White Schoolhouse. Constructed in 1853, this structure was the town’s first public school. The building only served as a schoolhouse for seven years. Still, during that time, significant men came together to minimize the expansion of slavery and thus created a new political party. Continue learning about the political rise and creation of the Republican Party at the Ripon Historical Society. The society displays and preserves stories and artifacts from the earliest settlers to today's civilians in Ripon. Stories of prominent men, women, and events were written and archived with historical records and artifacts.

De Pere

St. Norbert College in De Pere is a historical landmark, and one of its most prominent attractions is the St. Norbert College Historic District. The focal point of the campus is the High Victorian Gothic Revival-style St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The church eventually became a center to educate future priests and then an institution for higher learning. Take in the awe-inspiring ancient buildings on the campus, including styles of Romanesque, Neoclassical, Tudor Revival-style, and more. After enjoying the architectural history at St. Norbert, enjoy some nature time at the De Pere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier. The historic district lies in downtown De Pere, along the Fox River. Enjoy the restaurants, shops, and hotels, and continue walking until you are surrounded by spawning fish and other wildlife. For more outdoor enjoyment, walk through the small Lost Dauphin State Park — the 19 acres offering rolling hills equipped with hiking trails along the Fox River.

Rhinelander

Another Wisconsin university that features an art gallery available to the public is Nicolet Area Technical College. The Nicolet College Art Gallery features a diverse display of media. The gathering space and educational lab allow students to use the space and displays as study references. The studio is open six days a week and hosts seasonal exhibits and events. Another educational art venue in Rhinelander is ArtStart. ArtStart supplies many artistic displays, including in-house exhibits, public art, events, music, and more. Take part in all the museum offers, both on the grounds and in public. For another unique experience in town, visit the World's Largest Hodag Statue. What’s a Hodag, exactly? That’s unclear, but the statue depicts the many variations of the creature. A fierce, strange, terrifying monster, a reclusive woodland being with razor-sharp claws, a misunderstood individual who wants to be left alone in the woods, or a little bit of everything? Stop by the statue and create your own interpretation of what the Hodag is.

Hayward

One of only two tribal colleges in Wisconsin is the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University. Founded to serve the Chippewa tribe and located in Hayward, the community has a mutual respect with the tribe members who still inhabit that land. Enjoy learning about the history of fishing, freshwater fish, and motorboats at the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. The giant muskie fish contains a museum where visitors can check out old motors from fishing boats and the top 100 freshwater fishing lures of all time. Another exciting adventure in Hayward is the lumberjack shows at Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Village. Catch a show and watch the competitors fight to see who will come out on top of the boom run, log rolling, power sawing, pole climb, axe throw, and canoe joust. Make sure not to leave town without a stop at Tremblay’s Sweet Shop. Homemade fudge, chocolates, brittles, and old-fashioned candies are just some of the staples in this local gem. Opened in 1963, the red-roofed building has become a staple on Main Street and a favorite of tourists and locals alike.

Wausau

Students at Northcentral Technical College have various attractions to keep them entertained off campus. For outdoor adventure, head over to Rib Mountain State Park. The park sits on a narrow ridge of quartzite estimated to be one billion years old and is one of the oldest geological formations on Earth. The park includes hiking trails that offer picturesque views of the Wisconsin River and the town. For another nature-based activity, enjoy the beauty of the Monk Botanical Gardens. With an array of gardens, including Shade and Hosta, Treehouse, and Sara’s Storybook Garden, there are different viewing points within the park. Bleeding hearts, weeping birch, hostas, hydrangeas, and magnolias are just a few of the many flowers within the park. Head to the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum for one last visit in town. Plan a tour to marvel at the works or participate in their programs.

If you’re planning a trip to the Midwest or just passing through it, take some time to stop and enjoy the unique sights offered in the Badger State. Hike through the natural beauty of the landscapes, partake in the art and media displays offered, and learn about the historical aspect of Wisconsin. Enjoy the smaller towns and the less populated areas with their hidden gems. Partake in all the unique opportunities in Wisconsin's seven most beautiful college towns.