Celia Hiorns
Welcome to Madison, freshmen! You’re about to begin the best four years of your life. Use them wisely — it’ll be over before you know it. From lounging on Bascom Hill to passing out after the Mifflin Block Party, we’ve noted some of our favorite things to do and favorite places to see in the best college city in the country.
See it once
Capitol Rotunda
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Henry Vilas Zoo
Monona Terrace
Lost City Forest in the Arboretum
Killing time on a weekend
Shopping at Hilldale Mall
Kick back with a view at Governor Nelson State Park
Play tennis or soccer, or literally any other sport, at Near West fields
Walk the Lakeshore Path
Walk all the way to Picnic Point
Shopping on Willy Street
Hoofers for kayak rentals when it’s warm
Walk or bike the Lake Monona Bike Loop
Hike through the Arboretum
Grab a bite on King Street
Relax at James Madison Park
Use the field at Brittingham Park
Day trips
Devil’s Lake
Milwaukee
Chicago
Must-have experiences
Go to and pass out after the Mifflin Street Block Party
Participate in the Bascom Hill Snowball Fight
Go to concerts at the Sylvee, High Noon Saloon, Orpheum or Majestic
Buy fresh produce at the Dane County Farmers Market
Slip and fall on your face at Lily’s Classic
Journey to the middle of Mendota in the winter
Join in a completely inappropriate chant at UW hockey games
Jump around with your classmates at a UW football game
Regular study spots
Grab a bite, sit by the water or see a concert or movie at the Memorial Union Terrace
Feel the sun and see the city from Bascom Hill
Overlook the water on the Education Building rooftop
Check out the plants in the Discovery Building
Buy something from the food trucks on Library Mall
Must-see eats
Paul’s Pel’meni: Russian dumplings
Conrad’s: Tot wraps
Nitty Gritty: Pub food, best cheese curds in town
Chocolate Shoppe: local ice cream!
Ramen Kid: it’s in the name
Memorial Union: Strada pizza, Der Rath pub food, Carte sandwiches and salads, Daily Scoop ice cream, Peet’s coffee
Library Mall food trucks: authentic Asian, South American, European food trucks
Ian’s Pizza: perfect drunk pizza at 2 a.m.
Short Stack Eatery: breakfast!
Camp Trippalindee: pub food on a rooftop
Vintage: pub food with outdoor seating
Whatever you do in college, make sure you take advantage of the freedom you have. Make the best of Madison while you’re here. Have fun and make bad choices.