Living in Southcentral Kentucky
The campus is located on more than 200 partially wooded acres on a hilltop in Columbia, which is in Southcentral Kentucky – a region synonymous with outdoor recreation, camping, boating and hiking. Lindsey Wilson is located near several major tourist attractions: Lake Cumberland, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world; Mammoth Cave, one of the Seven Wonders of the World; and Cumberland Falls, Kentucky’s highest waterfall and the only spot in the Western Hemisphere that produces a “moonbow.”
Columbia has a population of 4,500, and it is the center of government for Adair County, Ky. (Kentucky is made up of 120 counties.) Columbia offers students a variety of shops and located on its downtown square, all within walking distance from campus. Columbia has an appealing small-town charm, yet is only a one-hour drive from Bowling Green, Ky.; a two-hour drive from Louisville or Lexington, Ky.; or a two-hour drive from Nashville, Tenn.
Shopping
Columbia is a typical small rural town in America’s Upper South. It is populated by friendly people and an informal way of life. Shopping opportunities are limited (there are no malls), but it is easy to travel to one of the nearby larger cities. Local shops – such as grocery stores and restaurants – are within walking distance from campus. Lindsey Wilson offers a free shuttle service three times a day from campus to Walmart. Most people drive personal vehicles; students without vehicles usually have little trouble getting a ride to a larger city.Food
Most students eat in the award-winning Roberta D. Cranmer Dining and Conference Center. The dining center’s menu reflects local cuisine. There are several well-known fast food options available in Columbia as well as locally owned restaurants.Climate
Southcentral Kentucky experiences four distinct seasons. The average winter temperature ranges from a daily low of about 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius) to a daily high of about 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius). Total winter snowfall is usually less than 15 cumulative inches (less than 400 centimeters). If you arrive in August, plan for hot, humid weather until late September. All residence halls have heating and air conditioning.
