Mount Vernon Main Street & Cornell College
Discover the charm of Mount Vernon's historic Main Street and the unique academic atmosphere of Cornell College, a walkable gem in Iowa.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beautiful campus scenery
Mount Vernon Main Street & Cornell College
Best Time
Beautiful campus scenery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the charm of Mount Vernon's historic Main Street and the unique academic atmosphere of Cornell College, a walkable gem in Iowa.
"A delightful small college in Iowa, beautiful campus situated on hills in the quaint town of Mt. Vernon."
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Both Main Street and Cornell College are super walkable. Enjoy the charm by exploring on foot.
☕ Support Local Shops
Discover unique boutiques and cafes on Main Street. Great for souvenirs and a local bite.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 99 reviews
Type
College
Website
cornellcollege.eduHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cornell College Campus
Cornell College
Explore historic King Chapel and stroll through a beautiful, safe, and welcoming campus with stunning architecture.
Mount Vernon's Quaint Main Street
Mount Vernon Main Street
Discover charming shops and local businesses lining a picturesque street, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
King Chapel
Cornell College
This iconic tower is a landmark on campus, offering a glimpse into the college's rich history and architectural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Walkability
Cornell's Unique Block Plan
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cornell College in Iowa has a section on their website dissing the real Cornell
>Winters in Ithaca are snowy and cold. Winters in Mount Vernon, on the other hand, are … cold and snowy. LOL PLS WHY DO I FIND THIS SO FUNNY
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Both Main Street and Cornell College are super walkable. Enjoy the charm by exploring on foot.
☕ Support Local Shops
Discover unique boutiques and cafes on Main Street. Great for souvenirs and a local bite.
Not Cornell College low-key throwing shade at Cornell University lmaoo💀
[Just read this💀](https://www.cornellcollege.edu/about-cornell/where-we-are/not-in-ithaca.shtml#:~:text=Cornell%20College%20is%20in%20the,named%20for%20a%20Greek%20island.)
Private colleges in Iowa
My daughter is starting to plan for college. I didn’t grow up here so I only have the vaguest knowledge of private schools in Iowa. She is interested in them, but I know there has to be a major range in quality, price, and culture. Any insight is appreciated!
📚 Check Campus Events
Cornell's Block Plan means events can vary. See what's happening during your visit!
🍽️ Cafeteria Caution
Be aware of cafeteria policies; some visitors report issues with food to-go and variety.
Moving to Cedar Rapids area (Mt Vernon) without a car?
Hi all, I just got a job offer in Mt Vernon for the year, and I'm excited to move to Iowa! My main concern is this: I don't have a car and in fact don't have an American drivers' license. This would seem to be ok in Mt Vernon itself, which looks like a very walkable town, but…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Both Main Street and Cornell College are super walkable. Enjoy the charm by exploring on foot.
☕ Support Local Shops
Discover unique boutiques and cafes on Main Street. Great for souvenirs and a local bite.
📚 Check Campus Events
Cornell's Block Plan means events can vary. See what's happening during your visit!
🍽️ Cafeteria Caution
Be aware of cafeteria policies; some visitors report issues with food to-go and variety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the charming, walkable nature of Mount Vernon's Main Street and the beautiful, historic campus of Cornell College. The unique Block Plan is highlighted as a positive educational feature. However, some reviews express significant dissatisfaction with the college's cafeteria food quality and restrictive policies.
"Back here for Homecoming, and the last year of my 2 terms on the Alumni Board.
King Chapel towers on the horizon., in the photo my husband took on a bike ride."
MLW Mathatas
"I am currently in my last year at Cornell. Despite COVID, these four years have been great. I am pleased with my choice of Cornell College for my education. The Block Plan is very helpful. Not everything has been perfect. Everything is well put together. The faculty, fellow students, and administrators are friendly. The college is very historical and situated in a beautiful, safe, and welcoming location. I recommend Cornell College."
Miles
"When I go to drop off my daughter for College, she pays for me to be able to have a meal in the cafeteria.
Now I see why my daughter has lost so much weight.
The food is drowning in salt to the point where it’s mostly inedible.
Students can’t take anything back to their room. There’s no “to go” cups. I tried to take my coffee to go and they treated me like I was shoplifting! .This food has been paid for out of this very expensive tuition!!!
The attitude needs to change towards feeding the students ."
unethical humans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yes, Mount Vernon is known for being a very walkable town, especially its Main Street and the Cornell College campus. If you're staying in the immediate area, you likely won't need a car for local exploration.
While public transport options directly to Mount Vernon might be limited, driving is the most common method. If you don't have a car, consider ride-sharing services or checking for local shuttle options, though these can be infrequent.
Street parking is generally available on Main Street and around the Cornell College campus. During special events, designated parking areas might be set up.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general access to the Cornell College campus and its grounds is free. You can explore the beautiful architecture and outdoor spaces without purchasing tickets.
Cornell College often offers campus tours, especially for prospective students. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date tour schedules and booking information.
Shop hours can vary, but most businesses on Mount Vernon's Main Street are typically open during standard business hours, often closing around 5 or 6 PM. Weekend hours may differ.
While students pay for cafeteria access through tuition, visitor meal options might be limited or require specific arrangements. Some reviews suggest a less-than-ideal experience for paying guests.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cornell College's unique Block Plan means students focus on one intensive course for about 3.5 weeks at a time. This creates a dynamic campus environment that shifts throughout the academic year.
Mount Vernon's Main Street features a variety of charming local shops, including boutiques, antique stores, bookstores, and cafes, offering a quaint small-town shopping experience.
Cornell College is generally considered a safe and welcoming location, situated in a secure and friendly town environment.
King Chapel is a prominent landmark for photos. The overall campus architecture and the scenic hilltop location also provide beautiful backdrops for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Beyond the Cornell College cafeteria, Mount Vernon offers several local restaurants and cafes on Main Street, providing a range of casual dining experiences.
Yes, the restaurants and cafes along Mount Vernon's Main Street are conveniently located near the college and offer diverse culinary choices.
Reviews for the Cornell College cafeteria are mixed, with some visitors noting issues with excessive salt, limited variety, and strict 'no to-go' policies.
According to some reviews, students are not permitted to take food to go from the Cornell College cafeteria, which has caused frustration among students and parents.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit