Collegeville is the quintessential college town, part of an area immersed in history and in one of the nation’s most thriving intellectual and higher education centers.
Collegeville and its surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to shop small, dine at one-of-a kind restaurants, and explore the outdoors.
Bike, run, or stroll along the scenic, 20-mile Perkiomen Trail. Located just a few blocks from campus, right off of Main Street, the trail connects a number of parks and historic sites.
The Collegeville Italian Bakery is a local favorite — a top recommendation from our students, faculty, and staff.
Nearby Phoenixville boasts boutique shops, arts and entertainment, and locally-owned restaurants, all within a 10-minute drive from campus.
The Borough of Collegeville is located approximately midway between Valley Forge, Pa., and Pottstown, Pa., about 27 miles northwest of Center City Philadelphia.
Collegeville and the surrounding Perkiomen Valley are filled with many restaurants, parks, shopping areas and cultural landmarks. Ursinus students enjoy the convenience of stores along Main Street, a lifestyle shopping center with a Movie Tavern just 5 minutes away, and the simple beauty of the Perkiomen Trail behind campus.
Collegeville provides a beautiful and safe community in which to live and learn with all the big-city energy of Philadelphia nearby. The bus to Philadelphia stops right at the Eger Gateway, making access to a major city that much easier.
Things to Do Around Ursinus
Welcome to Ursinus, where we’ve been putting the “college” in Collegeville since 1869! We invite you to get to know campus and the surrounding area. Below, we’ve rounded up some Bear-approved things to do right here in Collegeville and beyond!
On Campus
Schellhase Commons
Bookstore OPEN 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Café 2020 OPEN 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Opened in 2020 as a brand-new gateway to campus, the Schellhase Commons is home to our Office of Admission, campus bookstore, and Café 2020. The space also features bright, open spaces where students can study, collaborate, or just unwind. Three outdoor terraces allow for studying “al fresco” in the warmer months—and serve up some gorgeous views of campus! Our students suggest: Enjoy a warm latte in the cozy Listening Room on the second floor of Café 2020. Don’t forget to snap a picture with the Bear outside the Commons!
The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art
OPEN 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Did you know? The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus is one of only two campus museums in Pennsylvania accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Berman, whose permanent collection spans artistic styles and historical periods, supports the college’s mission through innovative exhibitions and programs offered year-round. The museum also boasts an impressive outdoor sculpture collection of more than 75 contemporary works spread throughout the campus grounds. Don’t miss: The famed “LOVE” statue located in the heart of campus behind the Wismer Center.
Collegeville & Phoenixville
Perkiomen Trail
(5-minute walk from campus)
In the mood for a leisurely stroll? The scenic, 20-mile Perkiomen Trail is the perfect venue! The trail connects a number of parks and historic sites, and you can hop on just a few blocks from campus, right off of Main Street! Our students suggest: Thanks to connecting trails, you can bike all the way to Philadelphia!
Providence Town Center
(5-minute drive from campus)
Just minutes away from campus, Providence Town Center is an outdoor shopping center featuring nationally recognized retailers, local boutiques, and dining options galore. The Movie Tavern, where visitors can dine while taking in the latest blockbusters, is a favorite with students and locals alike. Our students suggest: $5 Movie Tuesdays at the Movie Tavern, and anything from Duck Donuts!
Downtown Phoenixville
(10-minute drive from campus)
Want to shop small? Make quaint Phoenixville your destination! Main thoroughfare Bridge Street is lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants and breweries. Phoenixville is also home to the historical Colonial Theatre, made famous thanks to its appearance in the 1958 horror flick The Blob. Don’t miss: The murals of Bridge Street!
King of Prussia and Philadelphia
King of Prussia Mall & King of Prussia Town Center
(20-minute drive from campus)
With more than 450 stores and 30 eateries, King of Prussia Mall is the largest on the east coast! The King of Prussia Town Center lets you take your shopping outside, with stores, restaurants, and a town square featuring regular live performances and events. Our students suggest: The Cheesecake Factory, and food court favorites like Chick-fil-A or Shake Shack.
Valley Forge National Historic Park
(15 minute drive from campus)
Retrace the steps of the nation’s first president, George Washington, and the Continental Army. The year-round historical attraction caters to visitors of all ages, offering seasonal tours and recreational activities, as well as fun annual events.
Don’t miss: Hike, bike, stroll or run the 5-mile paved loop, which features rolling hills and is accessible from he visitor center parking lot.
Philadelphia
(45-minute drive from campus)
Twenty-five miles from Collegeville, Philadelphia is brimming with museums, historical sites, parks, restaurants and more! The city is also home to five professional sports teams, with some of the most beloved and unique mascots around. Have you met Gritty?
Don’t miss: Having your very own Rocky moment by climbing up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art!
Ursinus is located in the cleverly named town of Collegeville—25 miles from Philadelphia. Just as quaint as it sounds, our corner of the world is known for friendliness, safety and the beauty of being a quintessential college town. (VIDEO)
