Graduation is upon you as you begin to reflect on your 4 (or more) years at the University of Wisconsin Madison. You remember the various parties, exams, and papers you’ve been consumed in. But did you get to do the most important things at the UW Madison? Although important experiences are relative, there are a few things you must partake in before you move onto the next chapter of your life. After all, we all need a little guidance at some point!
1.) Game Day
If there is one thing that is really important at the University of Wisconsin Madison, it’s the love of the game. Game Days are huge ordeals at the UW whether it’s basketball, hockey, or football. But the absolute best Game Days to attend are football games. The whole city of Madison is painted red and white and lawns are adorned with the UW Madison’s mascot, Bucky the Badger.
As you walk through the streets of Madison and make your way to Camp Randall Stadium, you may see a few houses with beer funnels running from the roof to the driveway, not just students houses either! The streets are flocked with painted faces and Badger shirts. The best section to sit in during these games is the Student Section, that is, if you’re looking to have a rowdy and school spirit filled experience. Don’t forget to get your war paint ready!
2.) The Memorial Union Terrace
This is a beautiful haven for clear lakes, great beer, and good music. The Memorial Union Terrace is at its best during the spring and summer seasons, but it is a beautiful sight to see regardless of the time of year. Located on the shores of Lake Mendota there are opportunities for taking a dip into the shimmering lake, indulging in some deliciously grilled brats, and washing it all down with some flavorful local brewed beer.
The best part is the Terrace After Dark portion where films and live music acts the fill up the night sky as you enjoy an evening under the stars. The terrace is also facing west on the lake, and the sunsets are those of stunning beauty.
3.) Ice Skating
The University Bay and Lake Mendota are great places for ice skating. In the winter, where many days reach below 0 degrees, the lakes and bay freeze over providing slip-n-slide fun for everyone. These ice skating trips are not included with supervision, so it truly is skate at your own risk. This is a great way to make the best of the snow and freezing weather!
4.) Williamson (Willy) Street
Few places compare to Madison’s Willy Street. It is the melting pot of the city where many restaurants, bars, and shops are skillfully positioned on every corner. The Willy Street Co-op, opened its doors in 1974, is the first choice of many seasoned UW students, alums, and locals. This place is wonderful because their food is non-GMO and hormone free, all organic, locally grown produce.
You can also become a part owner of the Co-op which is great, because you are putting an investment into an establishment that is all for fair trade and good quality food for its patrons. Mickey’s Tavern is another Willy Street gem, they are known for their Bloody Mary and overall delicious food. The atmosphere is very comfortable, with indoor and outdoor seating and live music. It is definitely on hot-spot on a hot street!
5.) Hippie Christmas
Hippie Christmas isn’t necessarily a place, but more so a tradition. August 14th of every year leases end in Madison, all over the city. In essence if you’re renewing your lease in your rented house you are homeless for one night. The streets flow with beer and your fellow ‘homeless’ mates sleep on their lawns getting ready to move into their new homes the next day.
The best thing about Hippie Christmas is treasure hunting. As having to move a lot of unnecessary things can be time consuming and down right annoying, a lot of people leave various furniture items and knick knacks on their curb for the taking. I have known people to acquire fully functioning grills, televisions, gaming systems, and those awesome vintage looking tin signs with memes about beer and wine.
Madison is a very interesting and unique city in middle-america. It houses eccentric stores, local food, local beer, and a lot of fun activities. Upon your reflection of your experience at the University of Wisconsin Madison I am hopeful you can look back on those crazy game days, almost falling through the ice on University Bay while you were skating, getting down to some great tunes at the Memorial Union Terrace, discovering fun local shops on Willy Street, and picking up some crafty furniture on the curbs of Hippie Christmas. If you can cross these items off of your UW Madison bucket list, you will have had an amazing experience!
Lucas Fisher graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 2010 with a degree in Liberal Arts. Sue Callender graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2011. Receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a specialization in cultural studies and media analysis.