In addition to being a travel advisor, I'm also a college football sideline reporter. And I spent seven years living in the heart of Big Ten country in Michigan. From the electric atmosphere in Ann Arbor to sailgating in Seattle (yes, you read that right), the Big Ten offers experiences you simply can't find anywhere else.
Through my travels working in sports media, I can confidently say this conference knows how to do college football right. We're talking about legendary traditions like Wisconsin's Jump Around that literally shakes the stadium, Iowa's heartwarming wave to the children's hospital, and Ohio State's deafening O-H-I-O chants that echo through Columbus. These aren't just games—they're cultural experiences that have been decades in the making.
This conference spans an enormous geographic area, which means planning requires local expertise. You've got major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and Seattle, classic college towns like State College and Madison, and everything in between. Hotel availability varies wildly depending on the market, game-day traffic patterns are completely different in each city, and knowing which restaurants can actually accommodate the crowds makes all the difference. That's where a Fora travel advisor becomes essential—we understand the nuances of each destination and can navigate the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
We’ve got some of the other conferences covered, so pick your favorite team and read how to make the most of your game weekend.
SEC College Football Travel Guide: Where to Stay and What to Do
Big 12 College Football Travel Guide: Where to Stay and What to Do
Where to stay and what to do in Big Ten college towns
Illinois: Champaign-Urbana
The tradition you can't miss: I-L-L / I-N-I call and response
Where to stay: Hyatt Place Champaign-Urbana, the official hotel partner of Fighting Illini athletics
Where to eat: Papa Del's Pizza, deep dish Chicago-style pizza
What to do: University of Illinois Arboretum—free admission and beautiful nature
Indiana: Bloomington
The tradition you can't miss: Hep's Rock—players touch the rock honoring former coach Terry Hoeppner
Where to stay: Graduate Bloomington for preppy style on Kirkwood
Where to eat: Nick's English Hut, it’s been around since the 1920s
What to do: Hit Kirkwood Avenue and get Long Island pitchers at Kilroy's
Iowa: Iowa City
The tradition you can't miss: The Iowa Wave—entire stadium turns to wave at the kids in the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital overlooking the field
Where to stay: hotelVetro Iowa City for floor-to-ceiling windows and downtown views
Where to eat: Pullman Bar & Diner, a modern take on the diner
What to do: Prairie Lights Bookstore, a beloved indie bookstore
Maryland: College Park
The tradition you can't miss: Flag drop, when the Maryland student section unfurls a state flag over the crowd
Where to stay: The Hotel at the University of Maryland
Where to eat: Looney’s Pub—get the crab cakes
What to do: Lake Artemesia for scenic lakeside walking paths
Michigan: Ann Arbor
The tradition you can't miss: The Victors, one of the more iconic fight songs in college football
Where to stay: Graduate Ann Arbor for collegiate chic style blocks from campus
Where to eat: Zingerman’s Deli, an Ann Arbor institution
What to do: Nichols Arboretum, "The Arb" riverside gardens
Michigan State: East Lansing
The tradition you can't miss: Sparty the mascot, one of the more famous mascots in college sports
Where to stay: Graduate East Lansing, stylish and right downtown
Where to eat: Crunchy's, a local fave for burgers & beer
What to do: MSU Dairy Store, ice cream made by the agricultural school
Minnesota: Minneapolis-St. Paul
The tradition you can't miss: Ski-U-Mah cheer
Where to stay: W Minneapolis, art deco, newly renovated
Where to eat: Al's Breakfast, a tiny but legendary diner in Dinkytown
What to do: Minnehaha Falls, beautiful falls in an urban park
Nebraska: Lincoln
The tradition you can't miss: Tunnel Walk, Huskers take the field to Sirius as fans erupt
Where to stay: The Scarlet, a boutique spot in Marriott’s portfolio
Where to eat: Lazlo's in Haymarket is a go-to in one of the trendy areas of town
What to do: The Haymarket District for revitalized warehouses turned shops and breweries
Northwestern: Evanston, Illinois
The tradition you can't miss: Wildcat growl and claw
Where to stay: Graduate Evanston, charming and close to Lake Michigan
Where to eat: Mustard’s Last Stand, a game-day classic hot dog stand right across from Ryan Field
What to do: Visit the Grosse Point Lighthouse, a historic landmark north of campus
Ohio State: Columbus
The tradition you can't miss: O-H / I-O chant
Where to stay: Graduate Columbus—stylish digs in the Short North neighborhood
Where to eat: Adriatico’s, a student staple for pizza
What to do: Short North Arts District for murals, bars and restaurants
Oregon: Eugene
The tradition you can't miss: "Shout," when the entire stadium sings and dances to The Isley Brothers’ song
Where to stay: The Gordon Hotel, a boutique spot with rooftop views
Where to eat: rye, an elevated local favorite
What to do: 5th Street Public Market for boutiques, restaurants, and local shops
Penn State: State College, Pennsylvania
The tradition you can't miss: Annual white-out game is one of the more electric sights in college football
Where to stay: Nittany Lion Inn, a Georgian colonial-style hotel on campus
Where to eat: The Original Waffle Shop for a game-day breakfast
What to do: Hike Mount Nittany for panoramic views of happy valley
Purdue: West Lafayette, Indiana
The tradition you can't miss: The Boilermaker Special, Purdue’s unique train mascot
Where to stay: The Union Club Hotel, the only student-run Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel
Where to eat: The Bryant, a polished spot for steaks and cocktails
What to do: Wabash Riverfront District for riverside dining and nightlife
Rutgers: New Brunswick, New Jersey
The tradition you can't miss: Scarlet Knight on horseback
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, within walking distance of the train to Rutgers
Where to eat: Old Man Rafferty's, local classic for hearty food
What to do: George Street, lively strip with bars, restaurants, and nightlife
UCLA: Los Angeles, California
The tradition you can't miss: "Eight Clap"
Where to stay: Palihotel Westwood Village for a boutique spot near campus
Where to eat: Fat Sal's Deli for sandwiches, Diddy Riese for ice cream sandwiches after
What to do: Getty Center for world class art and architecture
USC: Los Angeles, California
The tradition you can't miss: Traveler, the white horse that the Trojan rides
Where to stay: Downtown Los Angeles Proper for a chic option up the road
Where to eat: Jacks N Joe, a brunch favorite
What to do: Stroll the Exposition Park Rose Garden near the Coliseum
Washington: Seattle
The tradition you can't miss: Sailgating, where fans arrive by boat on Lake Washington for one of the most unique pregame scenes in football
Where to stay: 1 Hotel Seattle for sustainable luxury on the waterfront
Where to eat: Shultzy's for German sausages
What to do: UW Arboretum & Japanese Garden, a serene escape just south of campus
Wisconsin: Madison
The tradition you can't miss: Jump Around, 80,000 fans bouncing to House of Pain
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown for something boutique with local flair
Where to eat: Mickies Dairy Bar, breakfast icon across from Camp Randall with your dose of Wisconsin dairy
What to do: State Street, the pedestrian mall connecting campus to the Capitol
Learn more football intel on where to stay for bowl games here.
