5 of America's prettiest college towns, from Berkeley, California, to Madison, Wisconsin

Built in 1756 as a prayer hall, Princeton's Nassau Hall was the largest stone structure in the American Colonies at the time. It was the site of the British surrender following the Battle of Princeton in 1777 and the nation's capitol in 1783. Since then, it has housed student dorm rooms, classrooms and laboratories and later, the office of the school's president. Today, it is a meeting place for the faculty and board of trustees.

The East Pyne archway connects East Pyne Hall, the home of Princeton's language and humanities departments, and Chancellor Green, which houses a cafe and seminar rooms.

Charlottesville, Virginia, is home to the University of Virginia, founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the nation's third president. Pictured here is the Rotunda, which was built between 1822 and 1826 and designed by Jefferson himself. Though it is one of the university's original buildings, it was the last structure on the campus' Lawn, or Academical Village, to be completed due to its $60,000 cost.

The Lawn is also home to some of UVA's most distinguished student housing.

Charlottesville also has some ugly chapters in its history. Jefferson famously kept slaves at his plantation home, Monticello, and a slave market once existed in Court Square.

The Sample Gates are an iconic part of Indiana University, but they've only been part of the campus in Bloomington since they were gifted to the school by Edson Sample, the former director of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

While on the IU campus, college basketball fans will want to make a pilgrimage to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, the home of the storied Hoosiers basketball program.

Sproul Hall on the campus of the University of California at Berkeley is a symbol of the free speech Movement of the 1960s and is still the focal point of student protests more than half a century later. Sproul Plaza, the red brick walkway in front, has long been a gathering place for Berkeley students.

Another Berkeley spot that's hosted its share of protests is Telegraph Avenue. The street is also known for its eclectic blend of shops and restaurants.

Sather Tower is the third-tallest clock-and-bell tower in the world.

Staying at the Doubletree at Berkeley Marina puts you near nightlife and views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is connected to the state capitol by State Street, home to boutiques, restaurants and food carts.

On Saturdays, from April to November, Madison's Capitol Square is home to the Dane County Farmers Market, one of the largest in the United States.

On autumn Saturdays, Badgers fans pack Camp Randall Stadium for home football games.

If you're planning to take in a Wisconsin football game, check the weather and come prepared. It's been known to snow during football season.