Madison Activities & Restaurants
The following activities and restaurants have been visited and reviewed by current Edgewood College students. Check out some of the exciting places you’ll be able to visit as a student at Edgewood College. Hopefully you’ll find yourself enjoying these and other great Madison activities while you’re a student here. Going away to college is about gaining an education as well as enjoying the community around you.
Babcock Hall Dairy Plant – Babcock Hall was built in 1950 to house the dairy plant for UW-Madison. It is now a facility for teaching, research, and consumerism. Visitors are encouraged to check out how the ice cream is made, while of course trying some along the way. The tour is free and self-guided but with cow spots directing you from place to place. This is a definite stop for any dairy lover!
Camp Randall Ice Skating – For only $6 you can skate at the home of the Wisconsin Badgers football team at Camp Randall stadium. Times are limited to Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. It is a great way to burn some calories while skating with your friends.
Chocolate House – Located a little farther away in Mount Horeb at 219 E. Main Street, you’ll find the Chocolate House with a cute small town atmosphere. It is a great place to catch up with a friend and feed your chocolate craving. It’s worth the commute. Don’t miss the caramel truffles!
The Mustard Museum – Visit the home to more than 4,800 jars, tubes, and bottles of mustard in Mount Horeb, WI only 20 miles from Edgewood. Barry Levenson began collecting in 1985 and now houses root beer flavored mustard. Visiting is free if you’d like to visit on your own, or you can sign up for a personal tour and movie session for only $10 (it includes a goody bag!)
Olbrich Botanical Gardens – Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a free family-friendly opportunity to escape the city and experience nature on a whole new level. There are a total of 11 gardens, each with their own unique theme. The Thai Garden features a Thai Pavilion and is the only one in the United States! Olbrich Gardens can be found at 3330 Atwood Avenue. For more information please visit their website, www.olbrich.org.
WESLI (Wisconsin English Second Language Institute) – WESLI is located at 19 N. Pinckney Street. It is traditionally a place to take English classes as a second language but has grown to much more than that. You’ll find a comfortable lounge area open for anyone to come and get together with friends. So whether you’re learning English as a second language or another language as you prepare for a study abroad trip, WESLI will be a great place to get in touch with people from around the world.
Wingra Canoe and Sailing Center – It’s FREE for Edgewood College students…just remember your ID card! Your family and non-Edgewood friends can also enjoy Lake Wingra for a very reasonable cost. It is a great way to enjoy the weather and scenery, and even get in some exercise. They offer canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddle boats that can accommodate all levels or water experience. Wingra Canoe and Sailing Center is located just down the road from Edgewood at 824 Knickerbocker Street.
Bluephies – Located just walking distance from Edgewood down Monroe Street, Bluephies offers daily lunch and dinner, with brunch offered on the weekends. Their desserts are a favorite, especially for cookie dough lovers, offering chocolate chip cookie dough egg rolls with a scoop of vanilla custard along the side. Bluephies is a comfortable, yet contemporary restaurant for all ages.
Ella’s Deli – Ella’s Deli is a restaurant you must experience, especially if you are a child at heart. Voted Madison’s “Best Place to Take Kids” for over 20 years, you are sure to have a great dining experience at Madison's Award Winning Kosher-Style Deli and Ice Cream Parlor. You can stay busy looking at the circus themed scenery or even play a game that is stored in your glass table, while waiting for a casual lunch or a treat from their 12 page dessert menu. On your way out, be sure to enjoy a ride on the carousel. For more information please visit www.ellas-deli.com.
Fair Trade Coffeehouse – Fair Trade Coffeehouse is popular with students studying on stressful school days. You’ll experience natural light, the scent of fresh brewed coffee, complimentary magazines, newspapers, and Wi-Fi all while you’re enjoying a treat or quenching your thirst. The $2-5 price range makes it very affordable for everyone. Check it at 418 State Street for a new study spot.
Gino’s Italian Deli – They have a wide variety of Italian food ranging from sandwiches, soups, salads, breads, and desserts. Stepping into this deli at 4606 Verona Road is like stepping into Italy itself.
Ginza of Tokyo – Ginza of Tokyo offers a unique dining experience because your meal is prepared right in front of you to your exactly liking. Trying their Crazy Roll is a must! It is a bit pricier, ranging from $18-33 for a meal, but it is a small cost for the experience of a cultural cuisine from Japan. Get this experience at 6734 Odana Road.
The Great Dane – The Great Dane in located at 123 Doty Street in the heart of Madison. They provide a setting for all ages and occasions, with a billiard lounge as well as an outdoor patio. Any true Wisconsinite or those visiting the Cheese State must try their mouth-watering cheese curds. For those a little older, The Great Dane offers award winning ales and lagers in their upper and lower bars.
Supreme Pizza – Located at 912 E. Johnson Street, Supreme Pizza offers an Italian variety for all. The restaurant is Italian themed with red and white checkered table clothes to complete the ambiance. While you’re waiting for your order you even have the option to play a quick game of checkers, chess, or other board games.
