The vast majority of college campuses across America give off pretty much the same vibe at their core.

But it's what surrounds those campuses that separate the good from the bad.

Travel + Leisure is out with their 25 Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S. and one Tri-State (Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota) made the cut.

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Iowa City is number eight on the list.

The city of 75,000 just celebrated its 184th birthday (founded January 21, 1839) and has been home to the University of Iowa since 1847.

Travel + Leisure raved about the city's link to literature:

'Those looking to study literature should seriously consider a move to Iowa City. After all, it’s a UNESCO-designated City of Literature, making it a stellar spot to learn about (or write) all the great novels.' 

Overall, the top college town in America is home to fewer than 35 colleges, universities, and community colleges and the 152,000 students that call those campuses home.

The Upper Midwest is represented in the Top 25 by Lincoln, Nebraska at number 21.

  1. Boston, Massachusetts
  2. Lynchburg, Virginia
  3. Madison, Wisconsin
  4. Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  5. Columbia, Missouri
  6. Ann Arbor, Michigan
  7. Tempe, Arizona
  8. Iowa City, Iowa
  9. Gainesville, Florida
  10. Athens, Georgia
  11. Lawrence, Kansas
  12. Boulder, Colorado
  13. Providence, Rhode Island
  14. Tallahassee, Florida
  15. Berkeley, California
  16. Provo, Utah
  17. Eugene, Oregon
  18. Oxford, Mississippi
  19. Syracuse, New York
  20. Austin, Texas
  21. Lincoln, Nebraska
  22. Burlington, Vermont
  23. Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  24. Hartford, Connecticut
  25. Ithaca, New York

South Dakota College & University Mascots

Have You Ever Explored the 'War Eagle Monument' on the South Dakota/Iowa Border?

Originally being from the Sioux City area, I grew up knowing about the War Eagle Monument perched on a bluff along I-29. There was at least one field trip for every kid in the area to the monument.

However, speaking with folks from Sioux Falls, they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. All they know about I-29 in Sioux City was that it was usually under construction.

When crossing into Iowa from South Dakota on I-29, look up!


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