Best College Towns In Wisconsin

What makes a good college town? A vibrant social scene? A safe community? Good relations between the local and university populations? The best college towns usually do well in all of these categories and more. Wisconsin’s most famous college town is its capital, Madison, home to the flagship University of Wisconsin, but the “Badger State” has several other great choices as well. Of the more than twenty communities in Wisconsin that are home to four-year institutions, we have come up with a list of seven awesome options. So check them out if you are a prospective student or just love a good college town!

Appleton

Located along the Fox River about 30 miles from Green Bay and 100 miles from Milwaukee, Appleton is home to about 75,000 residents and the seat of Outagamie County. It is also home to Lawrence University, a private liberal arts college with about 1,500 undergraduates. Lawrence, founded in 1847, is known as the second oldest coeducational institution of higher learning in the United States, and the people of Appleton take pride in the continued success of the university. The Lawrence campus is adjacent to downtown Appleton, which adds to the vibrancy of the many shops, restaurants, bars, performance venues, and more along the West College Avenue corridor.

La Crosse

Situated along the Mississippi River on the western border of Wisconsin, the city of La Crosse (population 52,000) serves as the seat of the county of the same name. La Crosse is also home to two universities, both of which have aided in the city’s ongoing transition into a regional medical and technology hub. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a member of the state’s flagship university system, has about 10,000 undergraduates, while Viterbo University, a private Catholic institution, is home to about 2,500 undergrads. Both universities are within walking distance of La Crosse’s downtown area, as well as the picturesque bluffs, parks, walking trails, and recreational activities located along the riverfront.

Madison

The state capital and second largest city in Wisconsin, Madison has a lot going for it. It has a picturesque location—part of the city forms an isthmus between Lakes Monona and Mendota, and additional lakes with ample natural beauty and recreational opportunities dot the metro area in southern Wisconsin. The population is growing, adding 100,000 residents since 1980 (to 270,000 in 2020), and Madison has become a leading tech hub and arts and culture capital. When you add in the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin, home to nearly 50,000 students, you get a lively metropolis full of youthful energy, with bustling commercial and cultural districts.

Mequon

Located in the northern suburbs of Milwaukee along Lake Michigan in southeast Wisconsin, Mequon incorporates a city-size area but has a more town-size population of 24,000. Much of the open land in Mequon remains dedicated to agriculture, adding to the quieter, small town feel that visitors often find to be a welcome reprieve. Concordia University-Wisconsin, a private, Lutheran-affiliated institution with about 4,000 undergraduates, has a lakeside campus in Mequon. Concordia has grown rapidly in the past 30 years, adding new buildings and graduate programs, and thereby adding to the growth and vitality of Mequon as well. Mequon is also perfectly situated for getaways into Milwaukee as well as many lakefront recreational areas.

Oshkosh

One of the earliest—and for several decades one of the largest—cities in Wisconsin, Oshkosh is now a small city of 67,000 residents with an ample supply of historical charm and cultural life. Located along Lake Winnebago in the east central part of the state, Oshkosh is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The continued vibrancy of the historic downtown area is supported by the presence of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh campus, the third largest in the state system with about 15,000 students. The campus anchors the bustling waterfront district along the Fox River, which is only a short distance from the lakefront area on the other side of the city.

Stevens Point

Located at the southern end of an extra wide stretch of the Wisconsin River in the middle of the state, Stevens Point was once critical to the logging industry but is now a town of about 25,000 with a more diversified economy. The forests and waterways that once drew in loggers now support Stevens Point’s reputation as the “recreational playground of central Wisconsin,” with great options for boating, hiking, and more. The campus of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, with nearly 10,000 students, is situated in the northern part of town alongside the spacious and lovely Schmeekle Nature Preserve. The campus is also only a short trip from the revitalized downtown area.

Whitewater

The town of Whitewater was founded by New England transplants in the first half of the 1800s, and still retains more of that “Yankee” architecture and culture in comparison to other, more German influenced, southern Wisconsin towns. Whitewater has about 15,000 residents and is home to yet another campus in the University of Wisconsin system. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has about 10,000 undergraduates, with the campus located north of Main Street and not far from the heart of the downtown area. Beyond the lively downtown, Whitewater and its surrounding area offer students, locals, and visitors alike numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and other types of outdoor recreation.

With over 160,000 students at 13 campuses, the University of Wisconsin creates numerous college towns all on its own, not to mention the many other colleges and universities in the state. From bigger cities like Madison to smaller towns like Mequon, great college communities can be found all over the Badger State. So, however you define what it means to be a “great college town,” you can be sure to find one to your liking in Wisconsin!