The 10 Legendary College Football Towns Every Fan Must Visit

As someone who grew up in the South, I know college football is deeply woven into everyday life. Spending your Saturdays in the fall tailgating near campus and rooting for your team through whatever the weather has in store is a cherished memory for me. Of course, there are plenty of legendary college football towns across the country that extend far past the South.

We’ve put together a list of some of the best college football towns that every football fan needs to visit…the question is, did your team’s town make the list?

1. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan. With a population that hovers north of 100,000, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Ann Arbor to keep you entertained between games. The city hosts a year-round calendar of events, an incredible food scene, plus an unmatched sports scene.

On game day, catch the Wolverines from Michigan Stadium, nicknamed the “Big House,” which also happens to be the largest stadium in the United States. We’re not stopping there, though. Michigan Stadium is also the largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere, and the third-largest stadium in the world. Its official capacity is 107,601. Spend a weekend in Ann Arbor and you’ll get the hype!

2. Austin, Texas

Austin is home to several colleges, including the University of Texas at Austin, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edward’s University, and Concordia University. Due to its strong economic environment and low cost of living, Austin typically ranks as one of the best college towns in America. It’s a very student-friendly city with a thriving social scene and a low unemployment level. Plus, some of the best Tex-Mex you’ve ever had. 

You can easily visit Austin on a budget. In fact, one of my co-workers recently spent 48 hours in Austin on a budget of $100, and it didn’t stop her and her daughter from getting the most out of her visit. 

3. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is often overlooked as a college town (thanks to Disney). Still, University of Central Florida alumni will be the first to tell you about how excellent Orlando is as a college town. While UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, Orlando and the surrounding area are home to more than 30 colleges and technical schools.

Orlando typically earns a top spot on the best college towns list, mainly because it’s an excellent city for students to live, learn, and thrive in. Although Orlando is known for its theme parks and tourism, it has simultaneously evolved as a leader in education. Visit Orlando for yourself and plan an epic adventure.

4. Athens, Georgia

Home to the University of Georgia, Athens is an iconic college town. The city is a hub for vibrant culture, a thriving music scene, and a strong team spirit. Downtown Athens offers plenty of local shops, dining options, and an intense nightlife.

Creatives from all walks of life love Athens for its welcoming atmosphere (as long as you’re not from a division rival). In addition to having a rich live music scene, you’ll also find that Athens boasts an intense arts scene! Places like the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Georgia Museum of Art are worthy of your time. 

5. Boulder, Colorado

With the University of Colorado within its city limits, Boulder is most certainly one of the best college towns. Downtown Boulder offers a dynamic range of attractions (check out Pearl Street), and it's easily walkable from campus. Even though you’ll never run out of things to do in Boulder, your options really open up for outdoor recreation. Boulder offers over 300 miles of hiking trails to explore. Despite its college town reputation, Boulder is one of the most peaceful places to live!

6. Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Alumni of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill know what a great college town Chapel Hill is. From Franklin Street to the Morgan Creek Trail, you’ll never run out of things to do in Tar Heel territory. The town boasts a lively LGBTQ+ population, a robust music scene, and an endless culinary scene with plenty of top-notch restaurants. 

7. State College, Pennsylvania

I don’t know if there’s a college town whose identity is so intricately woven into its relationship with the university as much as State College is. Pennsylvania State University, aka Penn State, is home to Beaver Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the United States. Known for its safety and family-friendly atmosphere, State College’s nickname is “Happy Valley,” which tells you what a great college town it is. It's a town that balances outdoor recreation with urban adventure really well, and you'll find plenty of excellent hiking trails near State College to enjoy.

8. Madison, Wisconsin

Home to the University of Wisconsin, Madison’s lively atmosphere, diverse cultural attractions, and thriving economy all add up to an excellent college town. Even if you only have a few hours in Madison, you’ll find plenty to do. Madison is consistently ranked as one of the happiest places in America, so why not plan a visit and see what it's all about?

9. Iowa City, Iowa

The University of Iowa’s campus seamlessly blends into downtown Iowa City, so it’s a no-brainer that it’s one of the best college towns in the nation. Downtown Iowa City is very walkable, and art lovers will thoroughly enjoy the town’s thriving art scene. The Staney, in particular! The University of Iowa’s Stanley Museum of Art is an idyllic place to spend an afternoon before a game. 

10. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

There have been songs sung about Louisiana Saturday Nights. If you’ve never experienced a Saturday night in Death Valley, go ahead and move that up on your bucket list. Louisiana State University boosts Baton Rouge into the best college town list for a few reasons. First, any city with an SEC team is going to have some seriously strong college football roots. Baton Rouge’s identity is seamlessly woven into LSU, and the team spirit bleeds far outside of LSU’s gates. 

From sports bars to an incredible live music scene, I’m forever Calling Baton Rouge my favorite. Proud to be a Tiger with two national championships during my years at LSU. And yes, I do hope that song is now stuck in your head. You’re welcome.

Aw, shucks, we didn’t have time to get to Ole Miss or Bama, what a shame. How many of these college towns have you been to? Do you have a favorite stadium? Share this article with your fellow college football fans, and plan your own trip to one of these college towns with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner. Geaux Tigers!