8 college towns near St. Louis for fall travel fun

MADISON WISCONSIN

HOME OF THE WISCONSIN BADGERS

Help paint the town red during homecoming weekend, October 17–22, when the Badgers host Purdue for a Saturday-afternoon showdown at Camp Randall Stadium.

Having grown up in northern Illinois, Madison Magazine editor Andrea Behling sees herself as a small-town girl at heart. One of the things Behling likes most about living in her adopted hometown is that she can navigate between the urban sprawl of downtown Madison and the laid-back setting of rural Wisconsin with relative ease. “If you want a fun night downtown, you can stay out for drinks and visit one of the posh places like Eno Vino,” Behling says. “Then, on Sunday morning, if you want brunch in the ’burbs, you can go to Green Lantern in McFarland, Wisconsin, and get a lobster Benedict and a bloody mary while sitting on Lake Waubesa and feel like you’re in the north woods.”

The Madison food scene features much more than Spotted Cow ale and fried cheese curds—but if that’s your thing, The Biergarten at Olbrich Park is a good place to grab a pint and a pretzel. For approachable fine dining in Madison, Behling recommends Fairchild. Chef Itaru Nagano blends upscale eats with neighborhood hospitality. On the east side of town, recent James Beard semifinalist Sean Pharr’s Mint Mark is the place for vegetable-forward small plates.

Plan a fall visit around the Willy Street Fair, which takes place the weekend of September 17. The festival features a parade, live music, local vendors, and the cartoonish Bubblemobile—an older-model Cadillac that blows bubbles as it’s driven. Later in the season, anyone looking for fall foliage will find gorgeous views, particularly on the hourlong drive from Madison to Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo. University of Wisconsin football games are not to be missed. This fall, the Badgers will play seven home games at Camp Randall Stadium. “There’s a real energy in the town when there’s a game going on,” Behling says. “When you tailgate on Regent Street, you’ll see the whole street is filled with red shirts.”

Unwind nearby at The AC Hotel, with some of the best views in Madison. Another option for visitors is The Edgewater Hotel, which is located—as the name implies—on the edge of Lake Mendota. “You’ll get the full Wisconsin experience there,” Behling says.

ON THE WAY ROCKFORD ILLINOIS

Experience early-20th century Midwestern living at the Midway Village Museum, where visitors can take a self-guided tour of a rural village that features original buildings, as well as built-to-scale replicas. The museum has several permanent exhibits that illustrate northern Illinois’ historical contributions to American life. Visit during the weekend of September 24 & 25 to see the Midwest’s largest World War II reenactment.

IOWA CITY IOWA

HOME OF THE IOWA HAWKEYES

Catch the homecoming parade on Friday, October 28, before going to Kinnick Stadium to watch the Hawkeyes battle Northwestern on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Iowa City native Emma McClatchey knows what the naysayers think about her home state. She doesn’t put much stock in the grousing. “People will say there’s nothing to do in Iowa,” says McClatchey, managing editor of Little Village magazine. “We take that in stride. There are constantly things to do here.” McClatchey offers some of her top picks.

WHERE TO EAT

Hamburg Inn No. 2: It’s one of the classic places where politicians will come to press the flesh while they’re in town during caucus season.

Mosley’s Barbecue and Provisions: Delicious barbecue. It’s where we do all of our staff lunches.

Vue Rooftop: It’s located at the top of the Hilton Garden Inn and has some of the best views in Iowa City. They also do dueling pianos.

Crêpes de Luxe Café: This is a nice breakfast/brunch spot. The owners brought a French and Moroccan pastry tradition here, and it’s a real success story. It’s also just a really cool place.

WHERE TO STAY

The Highlander is the No. 1 place I would recommend. There’s a lot of history with it, and it was recently revamped and renovated to be a modern hotel with a classic twist of 1970s groovy style. There’s also The Graduate, which you can find on a lot of different college campuses. They mold the personality of the hotel to whichever campus the hotel is near.

WHAT TO DO

There are a bunch of cool things to see while walking around Iowa City’s Ped Mall. You can hop into the bars, restaurants, and boutiques. There are also free concerts on weekends. In the fall, Englert Theatre hosts the Witching Hour festival, a mix of experimental films, lectures, and talks. The university’s Stanley Museum of Art also reopens this fall.

ON THE WAY QUINCY ILLINOIS

One of our country’s underrated architectural gems, Quincy features an eclectic variety of homes built in the styles of Second Empire, Romanesque, Queen Anne, Arts & Crafts, Italianate, and Midcentury Modern, among many others. Take a driving tour or schedule a private home tour to see one of Quincy’s perfectly preserved, ornate abodes in the East End Historic District.

BLOOMINGTON INDIANA

HOME OF THE INDIANA HOOSIERS

Homecoming weekend kicks off with an evening parade down Woodlawn Avenue on Friday, October 7. The next day at noon, the Hoosiers will welcome Michigan to Memorial Stadium for a classic Big Ten matchup.

By nature of his job, Zach Osterman, the Indianapolis Star’s Indiana University athletics beat reporter, spends a lot of time in college towns. For 16 years, he’s also lived in one. To Osterman, Bloomington stacks up favorably to its peer towns—and to much larger ones. ¶ “It’s a small town that feels like a big city without a lot of the hassle of a big city,” Osterman says. “The university keeps everything lively. It’s just a wonderful place to spend some time.” Here are some of Osterman’s suggestions.

FOR PIZZA: Mother Bear’s. It’s what you think of as that classic college-town pizza joint, with the wooden booths and the ambiance. Plus, it’s fantastic pizza.

FOR FINE DINING: The Uptown Café has a really good diversity of options on the menu. Janko’s Little Zagreb might have the best steak in town, and Osteria Rago does genuinely authentic Italian food. My wife swears by their wine list.

FOR BRUNCH: The Village Deli does a giant pancake. It’s thick. It’s fluffy. It’s really good. You better have a good appetite.

FOR DRINKS: Go to Nick’s for the college-town ambiance, as much as anything. I’m always a fan of The Tap for their beer selection. Next door to The Tap is a place called The Orbit Room, which has a completely different vibe. It’s darker and quieter than other places, and when you’re trying to find a place that isn’t going to be full of crazy college kids, it’s a nice change of pace.

STAY

A number of friends who went to college here and come back to visit swear by Grant Street Inn, a little boutique hotel downtown. You could also stay outside of Bloomington. The Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina is located on Lake Monroe, roughly 20 minutes outside of downtown, and it has some resort qualities. Staying there allows you to experience the best of both worlds.

PLAY

Outside of town, Monroe Lake is the largest body of water in the state—Lake Michigan aside. You’re also not far from Hoosier National Forest and Yellowwood State Forest. If you want to see a show, The Bluebird is a small, quintessential venue. The Buskirk–Chumley Theater gets pretty big acts. And the Indiana University Auditorium always has a rotating list of shows.

ON THE WAY CASEY ILLINOIS

This small town is home to a dozen of the world’s largest roadside attractions. You can listen to the world’s largest wind chime, gawk at a supersized swizzle spoon, marvel at the planet’s most magnificent mailbox, take a gander at a giant golf tee, and check out many more mega-curiosities.

OXFORD MISSISSIPPI

HOME OF THE OLE MISS REBELS

Led by coach Lane Kiffin, the Rebels are coming off two strong seasons, including an appearance in the Sugar Bowl. It’s tough to choose just one game this season, as the Rebels play other football powerhouses: Auburn on October 15, Alabama on November 12, and Mississippi State on November 24 in the Egg Bowl.

After spending the first nine years of her life in Oxford, Mississippi, writer and photographer Erin Austen Abbott has lived in Florida, Seattle, L.A., and Boston, to name a few. But no matter the place, she always compared them to her first home and came to one conclusion: “It’s not Oxford,” she’d say. It was with this love of the region that she, her husband, Sean Kirkpatrick, and their son, Tom, now call it home. Austen Abbott shared some favorite stops.

James Beard Award finalist Saint Leo is where you’ll find wood-oven pizzas made with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant also has an innovative cocktail menu and the city’s only female head of bar. John Currence’s Snackbar brings the Creole flavors of New Orleans to Oxford. Restaurateur Alexandra Santiago, who grew up eating breakfast tacos in San Antonio, recently opened Sleepy Cactus—it’s already a favorite for Tex-Mex. For a caffeine fix, head to Heartbreak Coffee, and if you want a sweet to accompany your coffee, Bottletree Bakery bakes from scratch every day.

Austen Abbott’s son, Tom, loves The End of All Music record shop, located on the main square of the city. Square Books and its kid-friendly counterpart, Square Books, Jr., are also favorites. The Museum of Natural History, also known as Oxford University Museum, offers rotating exhibits, in addition to its permanent collection. Bailey’s Woods Trail connects the museum to William Faulkner’s onetime home, Rowan Oak. And if you’re visiting in April, go to The Double Decker Arts Festival, which includes an old-fashioned double-decker bus from England that offers tours and rides to games.

Looking for a place to stay? Austen Abbott recommends The Graduate, a hotel known for its Southern sensibility, as well as The Chancellor’s House, which will undergo renovations next year.

ON THE WAY MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

This year marks 45 years since the death of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Graceland is commemorating the occasion with a string of events, including Elvis Week in mid-August. Couldn’t make it? There are still ELVIS 45 events and other performances throughout the year, notably St. Louis’ own Nikki Glaser performing on the Graceland Soundstage on December 2.

URBANA-CHAMPAIGN ILLINOIS

HOME OF THE ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

Consider a trip to see the University of Illinois during homecoming, when the Fighting Illini face the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 15 at Memorial Stadium.

Patrick Singer was born in St. Louis and grew up in Chicago and Charleston before moving to Urbana-Champaign. Singer is the music editor of Smile Politely magazine, and he’s involved with the Pygmalion arts festival, so he knows the area well. He shared some favorites.

WHERE TO EAT

Maize Mexican Grill: Armando Sandoval’s restaurant serves some of the best traditional Mexican food in the Midwest.

Flying Machine Avionics: Josh Lucas’ Flying Machine has taken on a few forms over the years. The present coffeehouse location, in midtown Champaign, is a mainstay. No matter when you visit, it’ll most likely be buzzing with people.

Quality Beer: There’s an ever-rotating tap of regional and local brews, as well as an awesome beer garden in the heart of downtown Champaign. On a sunny day, you won’t want to go anywhere else to get a cold one.

WHERE TO STAY

If you want to stay in downtown Champaign, Hyatt Place is a natural pick. Get a drink at the bar, Punch.

WHAT TO DO

Rose Bowl Tavern: Enjoy live music of all sorts seven days a week at this historic honkey-tonk tavern.

Japan House: Take a stroll at this magnificent arboretum, full of incredible cherry blossom trees.

Allerton Park & Retreat Center: In nearby Monticello, philanthropist Robert Allerton’s former estate often hosts events and is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.

ON THE WAY SPRINGFIELD ILLINOIS

During a particularly divisive time in the country’s history, it might be eye-opening to travel to the Land of Lincoln and reflect. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recently introduced Walk, Hike and Bike History Tours—guided experiences that revolve around a range of topics: Black history, women’s history, military history, Frank Lloyd Wright, and, of course, the 16th president.

COLUMBIA MISSOURI

HOME OF THE MISSOURI TIGERS

Mizzou takes on the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs on October 1. Looking to take in some traditions? Go during homecoming against Vanderbilt on October 22.

A Chicago native, Madeleine Leroux, the editor of Inside Columbia magazine, moved to Columbia earlier this year but says it already feels like home. “Columbia is a perfect mix of big-city amenities and small-town friendliness,” she says. Below are her top picks.

FOR PIZZA: It’s not a trip to Columbia without Shakespeare’s Pizza. My go-to is a simple pepperoni pizza. The pepperoni is thicker than you’d normally find, as the staff at Shakespeare’s cuts their own.

FOR A BURGER: Booche’s is an institution, and you can get an incredible burger.

FOR GREAT JAZZ: Several nights per week, Murry’s hosts live jazz music, with Tom Andes often playing or leading a trio. It’s really the best spot in town for live jazz music.

FOR DINER FOOD: I love a good diner, and Columbia has a couple of iconic diners. The Broadway Diner and Ernie’s Cafe are both great places to get typical diner food, especially after a night out and you want some good, greasy eggs and potatoes.

FOR A CUP OF COFFEE: Fretboard Coffee in the North Village Arts District serves delicious coffee and espresso drinks.

FOR LODGING NEAR IT ALL: The Tiger Hotel is right downtown and has great views. The Broadway is also downtown and has a rooftop bar. In the winter, it has heated igloos.

FOR OUTDOOR FUN: Cooper’s Landing has live music, food trucks, and a [site that’s] kind of like Stonehenge but with boats. There are also probably 50 trails that are all connected in Columbia—you can go anywhere without having to take a car.

ON THE WAY FULTON MISSOURI

Last year marked the 75th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s famous Iron Curtain speech at Westminster College, in which the former British prime minister urged the U.S. and Britain to stand together against Soviet communism. Today, you can visit America’s National Churchill Museum, situated in a 17th-century church that was moved to Fulton from London, and see sections of the fallen Berlin Wall.

LAWRENCE KANSAS

HOME OF THE KANSAS JAYHAWKS

KU played its first homecoming game 110 years ago against Mizzou, a rival it faced for every other homecoming for years. This year’s homecoming features Iowa State on October 1.

On the heels of the jayhawks winning another national title, it’s no surprise that WalletHub.com recently named Lawrence among the “Best Cities for College Basketball Fans.” Less than an hour west of KC, the city’s known for far more than sports, though. Travel site Matador noted it’s “not fussy or trendy—it’s just a great area for creative folks to show the world than Kansas can be seriously cool.”

STAY

If you’re staying in Lawrence for a game, The Oread is conveniently located next to campus. (You can also watch the game at the hotel’s Bird Dog Bar if you don’t have tickets.) The Eldridge Hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and a great option in downtown Lawrence.

EAT

To start the day, head to Decade, a coffee and espresso bar with an extensive menu. Looking for something stronger? Try Free State Beer, which became the state’s first legal brewery in more than a century in 1989. It’s situated in the up-and-coming Warehouse Arts District. For Mexican and Latin American food, stop by La Parrilla. And be sure to grab a burger at The Burger Stand at the Casbah, which Zagat named one of the best burger joints across 25 American cities.

PLAY

Any trip to Lawrence isn’t complete without a stop at Allen Fieldhouse, which boasts James Naismith’s original 13 rules of basketball. Take the Jayhawk Experience walking tour to visit athletic facilities across campus. The KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum houses artifacts and animals. And if you want some fresh air, the Lawrence Loop is a series of trails stretching around the city.

ON THE WAY KANSAS CITY KANSAS

Can’t wait for Major League Soccer to come to St. Louis? Get a sneak peek of what’s to come by taking in a Sporting KC game. The franchise takes on the Seattle Sounders FC on October 2. And soccer fans should be on the lookout for ticket info about the 2026 FIFA World Cup games at Arrowhead Stadium.

FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS

HOME OF THE ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS

Call the Hogs at the University of Arkansas’ 92nd homecoming pep rally on Friday, November 4, at the Greek Theatre. The Razorbacks will take on Liberty the following day.

Dickson Street hasn’t changed much during the 60 years that Tracy Hutchens has called Fayetteville home. Sure, a few shops, bars, and restaurants have come and gone, but the vibes have endured. “It’s always a unique experience,” says Hutchens, director of external relations for Celebrate Arkansas. “You never know what you’ll see on Dickson.”

The street is the center of University of Arkansas sports revelry, and it’s a must-stop destination on any trip into the heart of Razorback country. “You could be there and see a celebrity or the coolest [motorcycles] you’ve ever seen,” Hutchens says. “There are also some super dining places on Dickson.”

Farrell’s Lounge, Bar & Grill serves the Hangover Burger, with applewood-smoked bacon, crispy hash browns, American cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg. Across the street, Bordinos Restaurant & Wine Bar offers Italian cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere. For drinks, head to Vault, where cocktails are served from a bar inside a former bank vault.

While there’s plenty to do in Fayetteville proper, one of the best art museums in the country is a half-hour drive away. Situated amid 120 acres of Ozark forest, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses masterpieces from every era in U.S. history. Back in Fayetteville, the Walton Arts Center hosts top recording artists and major musicals.

Of course, any fall trip isn’t complete until you’ve attended an SEC football game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. To get the full Razorback experience during your stay, consider booking a room in the University of Arkansas–themed Graduate Hotel. The Inn at Carnall Hall, a boutique hotel located in what was once a fraternity house, offers guests another twist on the campus experience. And the Dickson Street Inn is just steps from the nightlife scene in Fayetteville and its eponym. “It’s the place to go,” Hutchens says.

ON THE WAY OZARK MISSOURI

Just south of Springfield, Missouri, the quaint town of Ozark is host to Johnny Morris’ newest attraction: Finley Farms. Situated on the Finley River, the reimagined Ozark Mill site offers fine dining with farm-fresh ingredients, a workshop with crafts and coffee, and speakeasy-style spot The Garrison.

Graduated Travel – Planning a trip beyond these college towns