32 College Towns That Feel Like a European Vacation Without Leaving the U.S.

13. Glenwood Springs, Colorado – A Swiss Alpine Getaway

Nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains, Glenwood Springs is a breathtaking town that perfectly mimics the charm of a Swiss Alpine village. Home to Colorado Mountain College, the town is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers, creating a scene straight out of a Swiss travel guide. Glenwood Springs is best known for its hot springs, including the world-famous Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, where visitors can soak in steaming thermal waters with a stunning mountain backdrop, much like the spas of Switzerland. Adding to the town’s European ambiance, the historic Hotel Colorado was built in 1893 and is designed in classic Swiss and Italian styles, earning it the nickname “The Grand Dame of the Rockies.” Visitors can stroll through quaint downtown streets lined with cafés and artisanal shops, much like those in Alpine towns such as Zermatt or St. Moritz.