Cities of the Big Ten Top 10

Expiration: Jul 31st 2025

All “Cities of the Big Ten” want to officially welcome our new west coast members and invite all Big Ten fans to enjoy each destination by checking in and getting your unique “top ten” things to do in each city.


Included Venues

See locations on an interactive map.

Ann Arbor, MI - University of Michigan
Ann Arbor is a vibrant city known for its eclectic blend of art, education, and nature. Home to the University of Michigan, it offers a lively downtown filled with unique shops, global dining, and a bustling arts scene. Nature enthusiasts can explore the scenic Huron River and numerous parks, while history buffs can enjoy the city's historic architecture and museums. Ann Arbor's welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions make it an excellent destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Top Ten:
1. Zingerman's Deli
2. Big House Tour
3. Law Quad on Campus
4. Main Street
5. Michigan Theater & State Theatre
6. The Nichols Arboretum
7. Kerrytown
8. Ann Arbor Distilling Company
9. Winewood Organics
10. Ann Arbor Farmers Market
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Bloomington, IN - Indiana University
Nestled in the heart of Indiana, Bloomington captivates visitors with its blend of natural beauty, academic prowess, and cultural vibrancy. Home to Indiana University, its lively campus infuses the city with youthful energy and a diverse range of experiences.

Bloomington's charm extends beyond academia, with a thriving arts scene showcased in galleries, theaters, and live music venues. Quaint downtown streets are lined with eclectic shops, eateries, and historic limestone architecture, reflecting the city's rich heritage.

Surrounded by scenic hills and lakes, outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of hiking and biking trails in the nearby Hoosier National Forest. Meanwhile, cultural festivals, farmers' markets, and community events provide opportunities for locals and visitors to come together and celebrate.

With its welcoming atmosphere and dynamic spirit, Bloomington offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, inviting all who visit to experience its unique allure.

The Top 10 List:
1. Upland Brewing Company
2. Nick's English Hut
3. Sample Gates
4. Cardinal Spirits
5. Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
6. Simon Skojdt Assembly Hall
7. BuffaLouie's
8. Oliver Winery
9. Showalter Fountain
10. Rose Well House
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Champaign-Urbana, IL - University of Illinois
Home to the University of Illinois’ Fighting Illini, Champaign-Urbana is a vibrant Big Ten community bursting with award-winning local flavors, vibrant arts & culture, live entertainment, and international experiences. Discover the brilliant amenities our community has to offer before and after the game. Check out our top ten must-do’s while you’re in C-U!

Top Ten Attractions:
1. Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
2. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
3. Krannert Art Museum
4. The Japan House
5. Riggs Beer Company
6. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
7. Jarling’s Custard Cup
8. CU Adventures in Time & Space
9. Rose Bowl Tavern
10. Papa Del’s Pizza
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College Park, MD – University of Maryland
Home of the University of Maryland, College Park is the place for bigtime sports with Big 10 thrills, fantastic dining, concerts, shows, and breathtaking green spaces. Just down the road in sister-city Hyattsville, find an old-school hippie headquarters with family friendly biking, running and walking, great street festivals, and a thriving and eclectic arts scene nestled into the historic downtown reimagined with studios, learning spaces, and globe-spanning restaurant options.

10 Absolute “Must See” points of interest when visiting College Park and the University of Maryland:
1. College Park Aviation Museum
2. Lake Artemesia
3. The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
4. Riversdale House Museum
5. NASA Goddard Visitor Center
6. Greenbelt Park
7. Greenbelt Museum
8. Hyattsville Arts District
9. Visit the Maryland Dairy
10. Jim Henson Statue and Memorial Garden
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Columbus, OH – The Ohio State University
Columbus is one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest, home to one of the country's largest universities, the nation's foremost research organization, 16 Fortune 1000 companies, with a lively arts and entertainment scene, great shopping and professional sports that make fun never hard to come by in Ohio's capital city.

Top Ten:
1. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium - Prepaid Experience Passport
2. COSI
3. Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens - Prepaid Experience Passport
4. Ohio History Center
5. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
6. Columbus Museum of Art - Prepaid Experience Passport
7. National Veterans Memorial & Museum - Prepaid Experience Passport
8. Short North Arts District - Prepaid Experience Passport
9. German Village - Prepaid Experience Passport
10. The University District
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East Lansing, MI – Michigan State University
Greater Lansing is a vibrant and welcoming destination with world-class attractions, diverse dining options, unique shopping and exciting entertainment spaces. From the majestic State Capitol Building to the one of the greenest and largest campuses at Michigan State University, visitors can find bustling downtowns, recreational venues, arts and cultural spaces and family friendly play places.

For even more things to see and do in Greater Lansing, visit Choose Lansing.

Top Ten Attractions:
1. State Capitol Building/Heritage Hall
2. Michigan History Center and Archives of Michigan
3. Impression 5 Science Center
4. R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
5. High Caliber Karting
6. Zap Zone XL
7. MSU Broad Art Museum
8. MSU Horticulture Gardens
9. MSU Museum
10. MSU Dairy Store
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Eugene, Cascades & Coast, OR - University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon is home to the University of Oregon Ducks, and there are more than 200 lakes, 10 major waterfalls and 8 rivers to discover in the region. You can enjoy 3 national forests and miles of open coastline, including the towering Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area here. This is the heart and home of TrackTown USA, of the Mountain Biking Capital of the Northwest, the Covered Bridge Capital of the West and Oregon’s Coastal Playground. The people here are creating so many things for visitors to enjoy: symphonies and theater and hundreds of murals, wine and craft beer, spirits, tea and coffee served up alongside delicious plates with Oregon truffles, hazelnuts and Dungeness crab. Here you’ll find an escape from the modern world that isn’t far away. A few days away here can allow you to immerse yourself in Oregon’s beautiful natural wonders and unplug, relax, and reconnect in whichever way you choose – from cheering on the University of Oregon Ducks in a packed stadium to breathing in the solitude of a quiet forested trail.

Top 10 things to do:
Oregon Coast
1. Visit the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
2. See Heceta Head Lighthouse
3. Shop and dine in Old Town Florence
Eugene, Springfield and the surrounding area
4. Catch a show at a local venue
5. Explore the South Willamette Valley Food Trail
6. Drive or bike the Covered Bridges Scenic Route
7. Taste wine in South Willamette Valley wine country
Cascade Mountains
8. Fish or raft the McKenzie River
9. Mountain bike in Oakridge
10. Discover easy-to-reach waterfalls
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Evanston, IL - Northwestern University
Chicago’s North Shore is the perfect base for a trip to Chicago. Bordering the city along the shores of Lake Michigan, the North Shore is equally close to downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, is easily accessible by the famed “el” train. Chicago’s North Shore is strand full of gems: pretty cities and villages full of charisma and hospitality. Enjoy all the perks of an urban center but with their own unique vibe. Our spectacular lakefront with scenic lakefront jogging and biking trails captivate people of all ages. Home to Chicago’s Big Ten team, Northwestern University – a leading academic institution brings Division 1 athletic competition to our area. World-class attractions such as the Chicago Botanic Garden, Illinois Holocaust Museum, Ravinia and Bahai House of Worship are visitor favorites. Theater, museums, art and mural tours create a cultural hub of activity for art lovers. Coffee shops, over 50 unique cuisines make us a foodie heaven. The beautifully landscaped Westfield Old Orchard shopping center brings the best of current retail to Chicago’s North Shore. Add in the unique boutiques in our village centers and a unbeatable shopping experience awaits visitors seeking North Shore style.

Top Ten Attractions:

1. Chicago Botanic Garden
2. Illinois Holocaust Museum
3. Ravinia
4. Northwestern University
5. Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center
6. Charles Gates Dawes House/Evanston History Center
7. Baha'i House of Worship
8. Evanston Beaches
9. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
10. Wagner Farm
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Happy Valley, PA - Penn State
We are the heart of Pennsylvania with easy access from all directions. Whether you visit for a game, a concert, a camp, your students campus visit, or maybe just looking for a place to getaway to and decompress you’ll find unlimited adventures in an area surrounded by state forests and draped in history with exciting attractions all over. No matter how you arrive you’ll leave with a smile!

10 Absolute “Must See” points of interest when visiting Happy Valley and Penn State:
1. Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum
2. Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park
3. Palmer Museum of Art
4. American Philatelic Society
5. Bellefonte Art Museum
6. Penn State All-Sports Museum
7. Pennsylvania Military Museum
8. Tussey Mountain Ski & Recreation
9. Central PA Tasting Trail
10. Happy Valley, PA GeoTour
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Iowa City/Coralville, IA - University of Iowa
The Iowa City/Coralville area, with its collegiate spirit and the vibrant University of Iowa, offers a unique blend of culture, shopping, and recreational attractions. From historic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s adventure around every corner.

The Top 10 List:
1. Pentacrest Museums and University of Iowa Campus
2. Visit our Agri-CULTURE farms and businesses
3. Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
4. Iowa City Downtown District
5. Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse
6. Iowa River Landing
7. Devonian Fossil Gorge
8. Lake Macbride State Park
9. Bike Iowa City
10. Iowa Children's Museum
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Lincoln, NE - University of Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska has earned a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most beloved cities. Home to fine culinary and artistic treasures; a budding live music scene; breathtaking parks, golf courses and trails; and a friendly Midwestern attitude, Lincoln offers the exhilaration of a big city and the serenity of the countryside all in one place. Lincoln is host to many sporting events, concerts, attractions and museums that capture the unique interests from all over the world and offers literally hundreds of choices for where to eat, sleep, work, shop, relax and play.

Top Ten:
1. Nebraska State Capitol
2. Museum of American Speed
3. International Quilt Museum
4. Robber’s Cave
5. Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
6. Lincoln Children’s Zoo
7. Drinks at Bierhaus Maisschäler
8. Shopping at Licorice International
9. Ice cream at Ivanna Cone
10. Coffee at The Charging Station
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Los Angeles, CA - USC
Located across from Exposition Park in Downtown LA, the campus of the University of Southern California (USC) is home to the classic architecture of 12 Historic Cultural Monuments. Guests are invited to explore the campus grounds filled with museums, cafés, entertainment venues and more.

After checking in at historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, here are 10 things to do when visiting USC:
1. Tour the LA Coliseum
2. Tour USC
3. USC Heritage Hall
4. USC Fisher Museum
5. Tommy Trojan
6. Dine & Shop USC Village
7. California African American Museum (CAAM)<
8. California Science Center
9. Exposition Park Rose Garden
10. Natural History Museum of LA County (NHM)


For more great ideas on things to do and places to stay when visiting USC, check out the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
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Madison, WI - University of Wisconsin
Camp Randall Stadium, the oldest Big Ten college football stadium and the only one on an isthmus, is a must-visit for all Big Ten sports fans. Participate in one of the greatest college sports traditions and get jumping with the crowd when you hear “Jump Around” by House of Pain come through the stadium speakers.

In Madison, Wisconsin there is something to offer for everyone with an impressive culinary scene, outdoor adventures, sustainable shopping and creative culture. Get out on one of the five lakes, take a free tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol building, experience the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country and best of all — jump around like never before at Camp Randall Stadium.

10 Things to do when visiting Madison, WI:
1. Take a free tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol
2. Spend a Saturday morning at the Dane County Farmers’ Market
3. Check out Madison’s five lakes
4. Visit the Memorial Union Terrace
5. Experience Olbrich Botanical Gardens
6. Visit the free Henry Vilas Zoo
7. Shop along Monroe Street and State Street
8. Indulge in the Madison food scene
9. Try out local breweries, wineries and distilleries
10. Enjoy live music

For more information on things to do when visiting Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI, check out Destination Madison at visitmadison.com. visitmadison.com.
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Minneapolis, MN - University of Minnesota
Meet the biggest underestimated place in the north. A dramatic riverfront skyline, three professional sports stadiums within 1.3 miles, so much art you’re literally surrounded by it and a theater on almost every corner. A culture committed to perfecting the craft of the brew, the best park system in the nation, and a foodie paradise where you can get Nordic cuisine for breakfast, Ethiopian for lunch and this thing called a “Jucy Lucy” for dinner. A place to bring your dancing shoes and party at festivals all year round, enjoy four gorgeous seasons surrounded by 13 lakes, the Mississippi River and a waterfall, and meet the friendly locals who can’t wait to show you why they love living here.

For more great ideas on things to do and places to stay when visiting Minneapolis, check out our website here.

Top Ten Attractions:
1. Stone Arch Bridge
2. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
3. Mall of America
4. North Loop
5. Guthrie Theater
6. Breweries
7. Chain of Lakes
8. Minnehaha Falls
9. Malcolm Yards
10. Paisley Park
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New Brunswick, NJ - Rutgers University
Centrally located between New York City and Philadelphia, Central Jersey is an exciting and convenient destination for every type of traveler! From shopping to dining, family fun to world class arts & culture, there is something for everybody! Come for Rutgers sports and stay to experience everything else this wonderful region has to offer! For more information on planning your trip to Central Jersey, please visit https://www.gocentraljersey.com.

Top 10 things to do:
1. American Dream
2. East Jersey Old Town Village
3. Malls & Shopping Centers
4. New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
5. Rutgers Gardens
6. Rutgers Golf Course
7. Six Flags Great Adventure
8. State Theatre New Jersey
9. Supercharged Entertainment
10. Topgolf
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Pasadena, CA - UCLA
While the picturesque campus of UCLA is located near Westwood Village on the Westside of Los Angeles, the Bruins play their home football games at the landmark Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.

After checking in to the Rose Bowl, here are 10 things to do in Northeast LA:
1. Tour Rose Bowl Stadium
2. The Gamble House
3. Kidspace Children's Museum
4. Norton Simon Museum
5. The Huntington Library
6. The Autry Museum
7. LA Zoo
8. Descanso Gardens
9. Golden Road Brewing
10. Tam O'Shanter

For more great ideas on things to do and places to stay when visiting UCLA, check out the
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
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Seattle, WA – University of Washington (UW)
With everything from unrivaled natural beauty and world-class attractions to major sports teams, a thriving arts and culture scene, and beyond, Seattle always has something to do.

Top Ten Attractions:
1. Space Needle
2. Pike Place Market
3. Museums (MoPOP, Center for Wooden Boats, Burke and Henry Art Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass)
4. Sports Stadium (T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field, and Climate Pledge Arena)
5. Smith Tower
6. Seattle Waterfront
7. Chinatown-International District
8. Ballard Locks
9. Starbucks Reserve Roastery
10. Kerry Park
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West Lafayette, IN – Purdue University
Welcome to Lafayette-West Lafayette. Indiana, home of Purdue University. You’ll find our community is rich with tradition and all the beauty of a classic Midwestern destination. Our vibrant downtown remains the heart of our ever-growing community. Here you’ll find antiques, boutique shopping, quaint coffee shops and restaurants, including the state’s oldest drive-in restaurant, pubs and even local breweries. Experience a sophisticated art scene, including galleries and public art, plus a variety of great festivals throughout the year.

10 fun things to do when visiting Lafayette-West Lafayette:
1. Ross-Ade Stadium
2. Mackey Arena
3. Columbian Park Zoo
4. Harry's Chocolate Shop
5. Wolf Park
6. Prophetstown State Park
7. Triple XXX Family Restaurant
8. People’s Brewery
9. Purdue Memorial Union
10. Frank Lloyd Wright's SAMARA - John and Catherine Christian House
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