The Best College Town In Maine

Brunswick, located on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Maine, has a long and meaningful story to tell. Incorporated in 1739, this charming town’s roots stretch back to early colonial times when fishing, lumber, and shipbuilding shaped the region’s growing economy. Over time, Brunswick became a vital hub between Portland and the mid-coast communities and played a key role in Maine’s path to statehood in 1820. Even today, that legacy of industry and enterprise endures and is evident in its well-preserved architecture and thriving commercial scene.

A central part of Brunswick’s continued success is its identity as one of the best college towns. An accolade earned through a mix of academics, culture, and community engagement. The town’s claim to academic fame is due to its being home to Bowdoin College, one of America’s best private liberal arts colleges, and a highly respected institution that attracts scholars from far and wide.

Since the college’s establishment in the late 18th century, the town has witnessed a steady influx of students, each adding fresh perspectives and economic benefits. And for its part, Brunswick continues to provide a safe, secure, and prosperous community in which they can thrive.

A Brief History of Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College was established in 1794 under the charter of the General Court of Massachusetts when Maine was still part of that state. The college took its name from James Bowdoin II, a wealthy merchant from Boston known for his strong support of higher education. Brunswick was the chosen location due largely to the town’s coastal setting and accessibility, as well as its growing commercial district. All of which made it the perfect choice for a new seat of learning in northern New England.

While there were just eight students in attendance when classes officially began in 1802, enrollment to increased steadily as word of Bowdoin’s top-notch liberal arts curriculum spread. Some of its strengths at the time were classical studies, theology, and mathematics, courses that laid the groundwork for many of the nation’s earliest intellectual leaders. Among these were Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the 19th-century poet celebrated for works such as Paul Revere’s Ride and The Song of Hiawatha. Longfellow, who graduated in 1825, later returned as a professor of modern languages and played a key part in establishing the college’s academic reputation.

Other notable alumni from the college’s early years include Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of such classic novels as The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables (he graduated alongside Longfellow in 1825); and Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. Fast forward to today, and Bowdoin’s expanded range of majors sees alumni succeeding in areas including government, environmental studies, and neuroscience, cementing its reputation as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Town and Gown Entwined

The college’s location in Brunswick, a town of 22,000 people that’s still referred to by locals as the “Gateway to Maine’s Mid Coast,” places it at the very heart of a community that has long valued scholarship and outreach. Even its campus layout testifies to this connection, with much of the college just a short walk from Brunswick’s downtown.

From those humble beginnings of just a handful of undergraduates, Bowdoin has grown to an annual enrollment of over 1,800 undergraduates. Though relatively small compared to other college towns in New England, this student body has had a profound impact on Brunswick’s economy. It is also one of the state’s largest employers, contributing millions of dollars annually in wages, local purchases, and student spending.

The college’s impact, however, goes far beyond just financial benefits. Annual events such as the annual Commencement ceremony, now in its 221st year (as of 2025), draw thousands of visitors to town who patronize hotels, restaurants, and shops. Student volunteer groups, meanwhile, connect the campus to the broader community through tutoring programs, food drives, and partnerships with local nonprofits.

Visitors, in particular, will notice the college’s influence on the town. During football season, crowds gather at Whittier Field to cheer on the college team, the Polar Bears, and fill local watering holes before and after the game. Musical performances, lectures, and workshops are frequent (and often free) and are usually open to the public, adding a steady stream of cultural offerings that rival much larger cities.

Campus Attractions and Landmarks

Even if you’re not a student, Bowdoin’s campus has plenty to explore. One must-see highlight is the Bowdoin College Museum of Art. Housed in the Walker Art Building, its collections span everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. Be sure to take time to also see the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, named after explorers Robert E. Peary (Class of 1877) and Donald B. MacMillan (Class of 1898). Located in Hubbard Hall, fascinating exhibits and artifacts portray Arctic exploration and the challenges of polar travel.

The Maine State Music Theatre is another campus staple and stages professional productions in the Bowdoin’s Pickard Theater, the best of which bring Broadway-caliber talent to town. The Bowdoin College Chapel, with its elegant architecture and stained-glass windows, is a hard-to-miss campus landmark and regularly hosts concerts and ceremonial events.

The heart and soul of campus, though, is its lovely Quad. This park-like green space covers an impressive 97 of the college’s 207 acres and features centuries-old pine trees and level pathways. In warmer months, it’s common to see students reading, chatting with friends, or practicing instruments in a picture-perfect setting that’s enhanced by the presence of several historic buildings including Memorial Hall, Massachusetts Hall, and Coles Tower.

Things To Do in Brunswick

While Bowdoin forms the town’s academic core, there’s plenty more to see and do in and around Brunswick itself. Just a short stroll from campus, Downtown Brunswick offers a range of shops and galleries to explore, including bookstores like Gulf of Maine Books. Established in 1979, it is a popular haunt for students and literary types. Book lovers should also include the Harriet Beecher Stowe House on their Brunswick travel itineraries. Though not a Bowdoin alumna, Stowe lived in Brunswick while her husband taught at the college, and it was here that she wrote parts of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

For outdoor fun, bring your bikes with you. The nearly 3-mile-long Androscoggin River Bicycle Path is a favorite for a gentle bike ride or a stroll and offers great views of the river. Better still, bring a canoe or a kayak and paddle along the very same route that brought the first settlers to this spot centuries ago.

If possible, try to make your visit an extended one. Brunswick boasts an assortment of hotels and inns within easy reach of the college grounds, including The Brunswick Hotel & Tavern, just steps from Bowdoin’s campus. As for dining, popular eateries include Wild Oats Bakery & Café, a great choice for its homemade soups, sandwiches, and pastries.

Why Brunswick Tops The List

There’s little doubt that Bowdoin College and Brunswick share a unique and symbiotic relationship, one that has enriched Maine’s history for over two centuries. The college has not only provided a place where intellectual pursuits and community cultural events mesh together, it has also brought enormous economic opportunities along with it. Whether you’re a prospective student scouting your next educational step, an alumnus returning to walk the Quad, a local resident looking for things to do, or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of Maine hospitality, Brunswick, the best college town in the state, certainly delivers.