The Ultimate College Tour Travel Guide: The Midwest & South
Explore the Midwest and South on college tours that blend top schools with big football energy, live music, and unforgettable food stops.
Courtesy of University of Wisconsin - Madison
The Midwest and South offer a mix of classic college-town charm and vibrant cultural hubs. It’s Big Ten energy, barbecue breaks, and cities that blend Southern hospitality with world-class education. These are routes where Saturday football games and jazz nights feel just as important as the campus tours themselves.
Note: I’m not suggesting you have knock out all of this in one trip! You can break it into smaller chunks - just try to give yourself a balance of checking out schools and memory-making side activities. The goal is for it to be a trip you look forward to.
Potential Schools & Route
Chicago → Madison → Ann Arbor → Nashville → Atlanta → New Orleans
This route is best tackled by car or a mix of short flights and drives. The distances are longer, but that just means more time for roadside stops and playlists. Along the way, you’ll soak up the unique character of each city: deep-dish slices in Chicago, football energy in Nashville, art and civil rights history in Atlanta, and live jazz floating through the French Quarter in New Orleans. It’s not just about the campuses - it’s about feeling the heartbeat of the region.
Chicago: University of Chicago, Northwestern University, DePaul University
Madison: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University
Nashville: Vanderbilt University, Belmont University
Atlanta: Emory University, Georgia Tech, Spelman College, Morehouse College
New Orleans: Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans
Courtesy of the Shinola Hotel
MPKO Travels’ Hotel Picks
Chicago
The Peninsula Chicago – Luxury with Fora perks, steps from the Magnificent Mile.
The Robey – Stylish, affordable luxe in Wicker Park with great skyline views.
Madison
Graduate Madison – Collegiate-chic hotel with rooftop views over Lake Mendota.
AC Hotel Madison – Affordable luxe with sleek style and walkable downtown location.
Ann Arbor
Weber’s Boutique Hotel – Local favorite with modern comfort and amenities.
Graduate Ann Arbor – Affordable luxe with collegiate flair and a central location.
Option: Stay in bustling Downtown Detroit at my new favorite, The Shinola Hotel
Nashville
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection – Polished Southern luxury with Fora perks.
Fairlane Hotel – Retro-modern vibe at approachable rates downtown.
Atlanta
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead – A refined retreat in the city’s most upscale neighborhood, with serene gardens, a luxe spa, and Fora perks to make your stay even more indulgent.
Hotel Clermont – Retro-cool with a rooftop bar and a playful vibe, right in the heart of Poncey-Highland, perfect for an affordable luxe choice.
New Orleans
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans – Luxury on Canal Street with Fora perks and jazz lounge.
Hotel Peter & Paul – Affordable luxe, historic schoolhouse turned boutique stay in the Marigny.
New Orleans Swamp Tour
Make it an Adventure
Chicago
Day Trip: Head up to Evanston to tour Northwestern’s lakeside campus.
Don’t Miss: Deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s.
Food Break: A hot dog (Chicago-style, of course).
Madison
Day Trip: Explore Devil’s Lake State Park for hiking and lake views.
Don’t Miss: State Street stroll connecting campus and the Capitol.
Food Break: Cheese curds at The Old Fashioned.
Ann Arbor
Day Trip: Detroit for Motown history and revitalized downtown.
Don’t Miss: The Big House stadium tour.
Food Break: Zingerman’s Deli for iconic sandwiches.
Nashville
Day Trip: Franklin, TN for Civil War history and small-town charm.
Don’t Miss: Catch a Bear Redell Show on Broadway (you’ll thank me!).
Food Break: Hot chicken at Hattie B’s.
Atlanta
Day Trip: Stone Mountain Park for nature and history.
Don’t Miss: The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
Food Break: Southern comfort food at Mary Mac’s Tea Room.
New Orleans
Day Trip: Garden District Walking Tour.
Don’t Miss: Jazz on Frenchmen Street.
Food Break: Burgers at Port of Call
Pro Tips
Big Ten schools thrive in fall; time tours around game day for full campus energy.
Southern campuses can get hot, so plan morning visits when possible.
Leave space for local culture - music, food, and history shape these cities as much as the schools do.
College tours in the Midwest and South are a little different - slower-paced in some spots, buzzing with energy in others. Between football stadiums that feel like small cities, campuses steeped in civil rights history, and soulful food stops along the way, there’s plenty to balance the “serious business” of college hunting with moments you’ll actually treasure.
The truth is, you don’t have to cover it all. What matters most is creating shared moments while helping your student picture where they belong. And if piecing it all together feels daunting, I can craft a route that blends the must-see schools with the culture, flavor, and downtime that make the journey worthwhile. That way, you come home with more than brochures. You come home with stories you’ll talk about for years.
Keep Exploring the College Tour Series
Didn’t see the school or region you’re considering? I can create a custom guide that’s tailored to your list, your timeline, and your travel style—so your college tour feels less like a marathon and more like a memorable adventure.
