Fansided

Best college town in every state

By Nick Villano

Mississippi Rebels players make their way down the Walk of Champions before their game against the Austin Peay Governors at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Mississippi Rebels players make their way down the Walk of Champions before their game against the Austin Peay Governors at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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College towns
Penn State Nittany Lions fans cheer during a “white out” (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

Best college towns in America: State College, Pennsylvania (Home of Penn State University)

Happy Valley is a place that one might have to check out at least once, even if it’s as a fan of one of the Nittany Lions’ rivals. The town is built around Penn State. It’s unlike anything else in the country. This is a town that was built for the university. The area got its name because it evaded the Great Depression back in the 1930s thanks mostly in part due to the jobs provided by the university.

The arboretum is amazing at State College. It’s 395 acres of greenery, plants, a conservatory, and even a planetarium. It’s a wonderful space that really gives some peace and tranquility, which might be needed if a Big Ten rival is there that week.

Even if you are in Happy Valley for a football game, head to the Pegula Ice Arena. It’s one of the best buildings for college hockey in the nation. It came thanks to a massive donation a few years ago, and it was money well spent. Try to get there for a weekend when the Nittany Lions play the Michigan Wolverines, who are expected to have multiple NHLers on their roster.

The best part of Happy Valley is hanging out with the people there. Obviously, they are a little too into Penn State and everything Nittany Lions, but it’s still a great time for fans and opponents alike.

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