8 Most Beautiful College Towns In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, stretching from the US Atlantic Coast to the edge of the American Midwest, ranks among the oldest states in the Union. Its collection of college towns is well-known, especially in larger cities like Philadelphia, home to the University of Pennsylvania and others, or Pittsburgh, which hosts the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and many more. But what about Pennsylvania's small college towns? Places like the ones below, all of which offer a pleasant college-town feeling, make for ideal destinations to visit for a higher-education setting that often comes with quaint grounds and gardens. These towns may just be the best that Pennsylvania has to offer the discerning visitor.
Bethlehem
Set in eastern Pennsylvania's lovely Lehigh Valley, the town of Bethlehem hosts Lehigh University, with about 7,500 students in total, creating a true collegiate feeling on campus and across town. A short drive from Allentown, the place offers the quiet of academic life and the proximity to a larger town's diverse options of things to see and do. It is also within 90 minutes of New York City, Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania's stunning mountains, the Poconos. In Bethlehem proper, students, parents, and visitors can get into the college spirit at the Moravian Book Shop, an independent retailer, or sample gourmet goods at Season's Olive Oil and Vinegar Taproom. The town is known as the "City of Festivals," ensuring something lively to enjoy at all times of year.
Carlisle
In south-central Pennsylvania, near the state capital, Harrisburg, the town of Carlisle is proud to host Dickinson College, a four-year liberal arts school. Its international flair comes through in its study-abroad programs, giving the campus a global flavor, and many foreign-language course options, as students come and go from a semester or a full year out of the country. For visitors in colder weather, the Ice Art Fest takes place in downtown Carlisle each winter. Similarly, the town puts on its Harvest of the Arts event each fall. The town is likewise a hub for craft brewing and distilling, with four local breweries, a cider maker, and a wine bar, all in or near downtown.
Easton
As its name suggests, the town of Easton lies near Pennsylvania's border with the neighboring state of New Jersey. Easton is home to Lafayette College, a small four-year school with just 2,700 undergraduates. The school operates an innovative no-loan initiative, encouraging students to take advantage of the school's financing options while avoiding burdensome student debt post-graduation. The school is also proud to play up its rivalry with Lehigh University. Each year, the school organizes "Rivalry Week," with a football game and other festivities designed to crank up the competition and the fun to be had between the two schools.
For a break from campus surroundings, students and visitors can take advantage of Easton's 30-plus parks and green spaces. Active types can tackle the beautiful Two Rivers Trailway, a perfect path for walking, running, and cycling.
Indiana
Once billed as the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World," the town of Indiana, some 50 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, is proud to serve as the base of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). Founded in 1875 and celebrating 150 years this year, IUP currently welcomes about 6,300 undergraduates annually. The campus itself, sprawling across more than 370 acres, makes for an ideal terrain for walking, jogging, or taking in the campus' diverse and historic architecture. Fans of classic American movies can check out the Jimmy Stewart Museum in town, built here in honor of the local boy who became a Hollywood legend. For a unique drive, the surrounding area offers Amish crafts, farms, and food to enjoy.
Lewisburg
In the central-Pennsylvania town of Lewisburg, Bucknell University has distinguished itself. With a modest 3,800 undergraduates, the school has a well-earned reputation for fine academics and athletics in Division I — the top league in U.S. collegiate sports. East of town, the bucolic Susquehanna River offers watersports and nature scenes aplenty. The town has been ranked among the 100 best small towns in America, promising an enjoyable weekend or longer visit here. For those who love a good live performance, the Weis Center for the Performing Arts puts on music, drama, and dance on a year-round basis. The center sits on Bucknell's campus.
Millersville
The central Pennsylvania town of Millersville sits by the Conestoga River in Lancaster County, known for its longtime Amish population. The town is home to Millersville University of Pennsylvania, with about 4,700 undergraduates.
For a break from studying, nearby Lancaster City offers a broad menu of things to see, do, and taste. Be sure not to miss the standout Central Market, advertized as the oldest continuously operating farmer's market in America — it has been running since 1730. The place offers tasty local dishes, as well as more exotic fare from Puerto Rico and Central America, reflecting the diverse communities here. For a night out, Phantom Power, a popular live performance venue in town, brings in everything from rock acts to comedy.
State College
Right in the heart of central Pennsylvania, State College is well-known for the school that dominates the town: the Pennsylvania State University, more commonly called Penn State. The school, a longtime sports powerhouse, whose teams and mascot, the Nittany Lions, have inspired lifelong fans for years.
Beyond its collegiate trappings, this town deserves more attention during its Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, hosted here every year for almost six decades. The event features a jury to assess the art on display, while visitors and art buyers can browse, watch performances of dance and music, try local foods, and soak up the atmosphere of celebration.
West Chester
Three-dozen miles west of Philadelphia, the town of West Chester is home to West Chester University of Pennsylvania, a public institution. Famed for its quaint main street and attractive storefronts, the town brings together an academic feel that is never far from local history. Many downtown buildings, including some in Greek Revival style popular here, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The concentration of Greek styles, plus the town's atmosphere of learning and intellectualism, has given rise to West Chester's nickname: the Athens of the West.
For time outdoors, head to Marsh Creek State Park or the West Chester Golf and Country Club, in the north of town. If you need a break and a big-city feeling, Philadelphia is an hour's drive east.
Pennsylvania Offers Beautiful College Towns
Like these towns show, Pennsylvania's most attractive college towns often come in small proportions. Beyond the state's larger cities, many of these places offer a quiet respite with access to urban variety, like Bethlehem's proximity to Allentown, or Indiana's fairly short distance to Pittsburgh. Certain towns excel at academics, like Bucknell in Lewisburg. Other towns make athletics their main attraction, as State College and Penn State's sports-crazy culture within it have proven for so long. As potential destinations for the curious traveler, Pennsylvania's smaller college towns, which balance an academic feel with often charming downtown stores, restaurants, and local culture, are well worth a visit sometime soon.
