32 American College Towns That Feel Like Stepping Back in Time

25. Gambier, Ohio: A Hidden Gem of Gothic Revival Beauty

Nestled in rural Ohio, Gambier is home to Kenyon College, one of the most picturesque liberal arts colleges in the country. Walking through Gambier feels like wandering into an old English village, with its stunning Gothic architecture, ivy-covered halls, and a single road leading into town. The historic Kenyon Bookstore, one of the oldest independent college bookstores in the U.S., has been a gathering place for students and locals alike for over a century. If you’re looking for a tranquil, time-worn town that feels like an escape from modernity, Gambier is it.