50 Colleges That Rival Ivy League Campuses in Beauty

28. St. Olaf College – A Nordic-Inspired Beauty in Minnesota

Perched atop rolling hills in Northfield, Minnesota, St. Olaf College exudes a timeless, Nordic-inspired beauty. The campus, surrounded by golden farmland, lush forests, and winding streams, feels like a charming Scandinavian village. Its stone buildings, reminiscent of European countryside estates, blend harmoniously with the natural landscape, creating an idyllic setting that changes dramatically with the seasons—blooming in vibrant greens during the summer and transforming into a snowy wonderland in winter. The picturesque quad, lined with towering trees and stunning historic structures, serves as the heart of the campus, fostering a strong sense of community among students. One of the standout features of St. Olaf College is its renowned music program and its breathtaking concert halls, which host world-class performances.