5 Most Scenic College Campuses Near Boston
Massachusetts is known for having some of the best colleges and universities in the country when it comes to academics. However, many of the campuses in the state are also some of the most beautiful in the country. Take a look at the top five most scenic college campuses in and around the city of Boston.
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Ave.
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-8000
www.bc.edu
The grounds at Boston College are quite scenic and look lovely in each of the four seasons. The architecture of the buildings on campus is quite lovely. Located just six miles west of downtown Boston, BC transports students, faculty and visitors to a place that seems like it belongs in the suburbs, far away from the hustle and bustle. The lush landscape holds 120 buildings that overlook the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.
University Of Massachusetts, Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 287-5000
www.umb.edu
If you love being near the ocean, UMass Boston is the Boston-area campus for you. Situated on 177 acres, the land is located on the Columbia Point peninsula and is surrounded by Boston harbor waters. Although it's quite chilly in the winter months, the campus offers several areas to sit out and relax (or study) while catching some rays, watching planes take off from nearby Logan International Airport or just breathing in that fresh ocean air.
Wellesley College
106 Central St.
Wellesley, MA 02481
(781) 283-1000
www.wellesley.edu
Located 12 miles west of downtown Boston, Wellesley College is one of the most scenic in the state. The campus was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., who wanted it to look like it belonged where it was built and didn't want it to look like a typical college campus. For this reason, perhaps, the areas surrounding the buildings on the 500-arce campus are quite lovely -- and natural. There are open meadows as well as wooded areas near Lake Waban that make for picturesque spots to see.
Related: Boston's Best Public Art
Harvard University
1350 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 495-1573
www.harvard.edu
Harvard University is situated just northwest of downtown Boston and is the oldest campus in America. The grounds are filled with rich history and whilst walking around many feel completely transported to another time. The two most appealing buildings are Sever Hall, built in Richardsonian Romanesque style, and University Hall, built of white Chelmsford granite. The 209-acre main campus is filled with rich foliage which is lovely in all four seasons.
Amherst College
41 Quadrangle Drive
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 542-2335
www.amherst.edu
This 1,000-acre campus is located about two hours west of Boston. Once again, the landscape takes center stage here as the lush green grass and trees provide a sanctuary-like space. Students really enjoy hanging out on The Quad in nice weather. The buildings at Amherst College cannot be overlooked either. Johnson Chapel, for example, is one of the centerpieces on campus and was the fourth building ever built there.
Boston-based writer Effie Orfanides keeps up with all of the latest happenings in her city. She loves eating at Boston's hotspots, having drinks at the trendiest bars, and enjoying all that Boston has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
