What Makes a College Campus Unique?

At most colleges, students will find places like academic buildings, a student center, a library and sports or recreation facilities. So, what stands out beyond the typical locations on every campus? Keep reading to find out more about unique spots to look for on your campus tours.

Historical and Architectural Significance

From legends to ghostly tales, the story of a place can really resonate with incoming students. Most college campuses are chock-full of interesting history and storytelling. For example, thanks to the rich history of Martha Berry, Berry College has places where you can walk in the steps of an American president or imagine being a college student in the early 1900s. Check out some student favorites below:

House O’ Dreams is many students’ favorite destination. Built by students as a gift for Martha Berry in 1922, it has sweeping views of Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama and large swings to make you feel like a kid again. “It’s supposed to inspire dreaming about life goals and what you want to accomplish,” says Cecily Crow, director of alumni relations.

Oak Hill Estate was Martha Berry’s home and is still decorated with period accuracy. There’s now an attached museum you can visit to learn more about her life. For film lovers, it is also recognized as the mansion in “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Possum Trot Church might be one of the most historically significant locations on campus for alumni. Martha Berry began using it for Sunday school to serve nearby communities that lacked access to both church and school in 1900. “They call it the birthplace of Berry College,” Crow says. Possum Trot is also one of the four chapels on campus.

Roosevelt Cabin, first simply called “the cabin,” used to serve as a guest house in the early days of the school. It’s now preserved as a museum thanks to a visit from former President Theodore Roosevelt himself!

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The Ford Buildings, some of the most recognizable structures on campus, include dining facilities, residence halls and the alumni center. They were also famously a gift from Henry Ford, the automobile maker. More recently, these buildings are known for being featured in television and movies, from the “Stranger Things” series to Remember the Titans.

The Gate of Opportunity may not be the main entrance anymore, but it’s a favorite landmark among students, parents and alumni for both its beauty and significance. Stroll down the tree-lined street, now closed to through traffic, and don't forget to take a few photos.

The Old Mill Waterwheel, rebuilt in 1977 and in working order, is 42 feet in diameter. Crow says it’s common for students to park nearby before hiking to the scenic reservoir.

Frost Chapel sits upon a hill on Berry’s Mountain Campus, across from the elementary school, overlooking a giant field. Nearby a stream babbles, and swans amble across the road. Frost Chapel is a fairytale setting with enchanting stone architecture and definitely worth a visit.

This is not even an exhaustive list! Architecture lovers will encourage you not to miss the historic log cabins, Colonial Revival and Neoclassical buildings in the Beaux-Arts American collegiate tradition, and more. Looking for a ghost story or two? Check out this article from the Berry student multimedia site highlighting ghoulish fun on campus.

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Natural Environment

Some campuses are in the middle of bustling cities. Others are set in tranquil places for learning and reflection. Depending on what you are looking for in a college, the physical environment of a campus may play a key role in your college choice.

For example, Berry College is set outside of Rome, Georgia, about halfway in between Atlanta and Chattanooga. Sitting on the world’s largest contiguous campus, it has its own zip code and police force separate from the town of Rome. On a campus like this one, there’s room not only for lovely buildings, but also an incredible amount of natural beauty for both outdoor enthusiasts and nature observers.

For the Adventure Lover

Berry College Reservoir is a large lake that supplies the school’s water. It’s also a great area for hiking and reading as swinging benches are scattered around the hiking trail and water’s edge.

The Trail Systems at Berry range from wide gravel trails to single-track dirt trails to the Viking Trail, a three-mile stretch perfect for walking, running and biking. Explore the natural surroundings at every level.

Victory Lake Campsite is a great option for students who like to sleep under the stars. It’s easy to reserve with 24-hour advance notice, and it connects to the trail system.

Looking for more adventure, check out the campus outdoor adventure bucket list or the gear catalog available to students.

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For the Nature Observer

For those more excited about plants and animals, there are lots of ways to get involved on campus. Nicknamed the biggest outdoor research lab ever, it is home to wildlife, domesticated animals and different ecosystems. In fact, Dana Professor of Biology Mark Cipollini notes, “In graduate school, I drove hours to get to different research sites. Living and working among a diversity of habitats is such a unique experience.”

Here are a few of the most beloved things to see on campus.

Berry Eagles’ Nest is located on the main campus and is available for viewing in person and online. It is a favorite of birdwatchers and elementary school classrooms alike.

Bluebird boxes and a migratory bird tracking system are also on campus. Students help maintain them, and the data gathered is shared with researchers across the world who are affiliated with this network.

The Longleaf Pine Project is one of the few remaining relict stands of Mountain Longleaf Pine and is partially preserved through prescribed burns, another unique learning opportunity for students.

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Traditions

Beyond the history and beauty of campuses, fun traditions, whether historical or not, can really let the personality of a campus shine. From half marathons to an on-campus fair, Berry traditions like to go BIG.

Back to Berry Bash is a highlight at Berry College. From an absurdly long slip-n-slide on mountain campus to a welcome-back concert and more, this isn’t a weekend to miss!

Mountain Day Weekend is an iconic homecoming celebration honoring Martha Berry’s birthday with reunions, athletic events, a student Olympics, an on-campus fair and the iconic Grand March.

Casino Night is a student favorite. When the student center at Berry College turns into Vegas for a weekend, all bets are off!

Finals Fest is a weekend-long celebration of the end of classes. From hot air balloons to silent discos, you never know what you might find.

The Berry Half-Marathon is a full 13.1-mile race held on campus. What other school can host a half-marathon entirely on campus? Welcoming runners for a half, a 10K, a 5K and a one-mile fun run, water stations are manned by families of Berry College Elementary and Middle School, an on-campus laboratory school supported by the race.

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Berry Vikings have a fantastic fan base. From the beach volleyball court to Valhalla Stadium, Berry students get out and support it all. Check out all the exciting events here.

Innovative Facilities

From cutting-edge research and simulation centers to award-winning performance spaces, the facilities at a school can help students reach new heights and prepare for their futures. When choosing a college, consider the types of support you need and whether that school can support your dreams along the way. Here are a few one-of-a-kind facilities favored by Berry students.

Sisters Theatre is a 9,226-square-foot addition to Blackstone Hall that includes a black-box stage with adjustable seating for up to 276, depending on the needs of a particular production. Recently renovated, it is definitely worth a visit.

Betty Anne Rouse Bell Recital Hall in the Ford Auditorium recently earned global recognition in the Architecture MasterPrize Architectural Design competition in the category of restoration and renovation.

The McAllister Animal Science Building at Berry College is a 23,000-square-foot facility recently built to enhance teaching and research in animal health and production, including genetics, microbiology and physiology.

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Morgan-Bailey Hall, the new health sciences complex constructed in 2025, makes up 36,000-square-feet of academic space including simulation suites, skills and physical assessment labs, active learning classrooms as well as mock operating and exam rooms.

And don’t forget amazing partnerships on campus like the Winshape Foundation, a world-class tennis center, the Spires retirement community and the new Amber Grace facilities.

It’s not a stretch to say few school campuses compare to the one at Berry College. Although there are a lot of unique campuses out there, we are pretty biased. The above features are just a taste of what the Berry College has to offer. A historic and picturesque location to live, learn and grow, students couldn’t ask for a better home away from home. Start exploring your options today at https://berry.edu/admission/.