The Coolest College Towns in Pennsylvania
Nestled along the banks of the Susquehanna River, State College offers a quintessential college town experience centered around Pennsylvania State University. Just under two hours east of Pittsburgh, this vibrant town buzzes with energy from the university’s 40,000 students. Visitors can stroll through the lush Arboretum at Penn State, a 92-acre retreat featuring native plants, meandering trails, and serene ponds. The arboretum’s well-maintained paths provide an easy, peaceful escape from campus life. In fall, the surrounding trees burst into fiery hues, creating a stunning backdrop for a leisurely walk. Downtown’s bustling Farmers Market and cozy cafes add to the town’s charm, making it a perfect blend of collegiate excitement and small-town warmth.
About 90 minutes north of Philadelphia, the city of Bethlehem shines with collegiate spirit thanks to Moravian University and its historic neighborhoods. The Colonial Industrial Quarter is a must-see landmark revealing the city’s 18th-century roots, with preserved buildings and informative exhibits tracing Bethlehem’s evolution from a Moravian settlement to a steel powerhouse. Visitors can explore the network of cobblestone streets lined with shops, art galleries, and eateries. Around Christmas, the town transforms with the Moravian Christmas Market, celebrating traditions unique to this community. Bethlehem blends rich history and youthful energy, making it a cultural hub with a distinctly academic pulse.
Just a short drive southwest of Philadelphia, Swarthmore embodies a blend of intellectual rigor and Quaker simplicity. The Swarthmore College campus itself is a highlight, with its striking Scott Arboretum showcasing over 3,800 varieties of plants amid walking paths that feel like a living botanical museum. Visitors in spring or early summer will find the gardens bursting with color, and the vibrant arboretum trails provide a serene counterpoint to the nearby bustle of the suburban town. Swarthmore’s small-town vibe is enhanced by locally owned shops and cafés, where students and residents mingle under the shade of mature trees, creating a relaxed yet stimulating atmosphere.
In the heart of western Pennsylvania, about 50 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, you’ll find the city of Indiana, home to Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The Jimmy Stewart Museum pays tribute to the hometown hero of classic American cinema, offering a quirky cultural stop that pairs nicely with exploring the nearby Blue Spruce Park. This park boasts several miles of multi-use trails, some leading to the serene Yellow Creek Lake, a perfect spot for kayaking or fishing. The combination of cinematic history and outdoor recreation gives Indiana a unique flavor that’s both engaging and accessible, especially inviting in the warmer months when the trails and lake come alive.
At the eastern edge of the Laurel Highlands, roughly an hour southeast of Pittsburgh, the small borough of Greensburg is anchored by Seton Hill University. The campus itself is a showcase of beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, but the nearby Westmoreland Museum of American Art captures attention with its regional art collections and exhibits highlighting Pennsylvania’s creative spirit. Greensburg’s revitalized downtown features a growing number of restaurants and craft breweries, making it a destination for those seeking culture alongside hearty local fare. Fall is a particularly magical time here, when the surrounding countryside turns golden and the museum hosts outdoor events.
About an hour northwest of Philadelphia, the city of Kutztown offers visitors a distinct blend of rural charm and academic life thanks to Kutztown University. The Kutztown Folk Festival grounds are a vibrant place to experience Pennsylvania Dutch culture through crafts, food, and music. This event, held annually in the nearby town of Kutztown itself, offers a deep dive into local traditions that have been nurtured alongside the university’s presence. The rolling hills and farmland around the area create a pastoral backdrop that feels worlds away from urban bustle, inviting visitors to unwind and absorb the slower rhythms of life here, especially during the lively festival season.
Finally, a visit to Gettysburg, about 90 minutes north of Washington, D.C., reveals a college town with a profound historical heartbeat. Gettysburg College, with its classic limestone buildings, sits within walking distance of the Gettysburg National Military Park. Touring the extensive battlefield trails and the visitor center’s exhibits provides a powerful context for understanding the town’s role in American history. The college town atmosphere here merges academic pursuit with a deep sense of place, especially during spring and fall when campus events complement the influx of history enthusiasts. Walking through the town’s historic district, visitors find a blend of student energy and timeless Civil War reverence that is uniquely Gettysburg’s own.