bennnie

DD2 was just accepted to Wisconsin but we have never visited. I would like plan a trip for Jan or Feb. My intent is to fly from Boston to Milwaukee on a Thursday, drive to Madison. Tour the school on Friday and see a bit of the city Saturday morning and then head back to Milwaukee for a flight Sat evening.

Any suggestions for a good place to stay, and places to eat near campus? And any Badgers out there that want to tell us about how great the school is?

charsuzan

Madison has an airport. Get some ice cream while there. The campus is in a great location in downtown Madison. The student center is right on the lake. Of course, Jan or Feb might not be the best time to enjoy it but in the spring and summer, it is great.
I think you will love Madison.

charsuzan

The ice cream is at Babcock Hall.

Bitter

I was pretty impressed by the student center or union that looked out on the lake. So if you want your daughter to like the campus, show her that. If not, try to avoid it (not sure that is really possible).

bennnie

Thanks to all for the feedback. I agree that a visit in the spring would be better but because of sports and other school commitments, we have to visit in the winter. I also think she should get a feel for the winters there, as the weather could be a deal breaker. As to flying to Madison, from Boston it requires at least 1, possibly 2 stops. But I'll investigate that option more thoroughly.

WhereAreWe

What is she planning to major in? That could really impact which area you want to tour and where you want to stay.

In general I'd say you want to eat and get a hotel somewhere on or near State Street. Memorial Union is great (thats what Bitter is referring to) but I spent little time there because I lived and went to most of my classes on the other end of campus.

Flying into Milwaukee is fine, I'm sure it is cheaper and quicker to fly there and drive vs.paying extra for another connection to get you into the Madison airport.

With just one day, we would really need to know more about your daughter's plans to say where you should spend your time. If you're at all into sports, try to get tickets for a basketball or hockey game at the Kohls Center if they are playing that weekend. I 'think' you would be able to eat at one of the dorm cafeterias...which may not sound exciting but it would get you all more immersed in the reality of campus life.

bennnie

She is planning on Engineering. A hockey game sounds great. And definitely agree with eating in a dorm cafe.

abram

The drive from Milwaukee to Madison is easy and should take about 90 minutes.

You can also get Babcock ice cream in the Memorial Union at the foot of Langdon St.

Walk along State St from Park St (at the base of Bascom Hill) to the State Capitol. Lots of restaurants and shops.

The Dahlman Campus Inn has a great location.

garyt22

Talk her into NC State for engineering...

JanetKMR

Nope...Va Tech.

bennnie

JanetKMR - you know where I stand when it comes to VT! Got our fingers crossed, prayers sent, and candles lit.

Garyt22 - I tried but failed. Blame her Hokie sister.

She's been accepted to Penn State and Wisc. so far. We're super proud of her.

JanetKMR

You should be....that is terrific!!

BigRuss

<any tips>

At that time of year, 4wd rental vehicle.

jette

4WD should not be necessary, we're not in the mountains and while there could be snow, 94 between Mke and MAD is generally well traveled and salted.

Yep Madison is plenty cold in the winter but the student body is warm and friendly. Agree with suggestions to visit Memorial hall. Take a stroll up Bascom Hill to Abe Lincoln and get a feel for the historic charm. Union South may also be worth a visit. I believe that is closer the the engineering buildings and she might be more likely to hang there. There are modern dorm options and very historic dorm options. Liz Waters (I lived there for a year)is very historic and centrally located. if she's interested in that kind of living experience, perhaps you could check that out.
There's so much to see in Madison and the cultural opportunities for students in and around campus are limitless! have fun!

SusanM

jette, when were you at the UW? I was there from '83-'87. I lived in apartments rather than dorms, but I still remember what they called Liz Waters

jette

Susan, I was there '68-'72. I spent only one year in the dorms, after that it was off to West Wash or Mifflin St. Ahhhhh, those were the years!!

HappyTrvlr

Wisconsin has a beautiful lakefront campus, great town with fun places to eat when you visit. Plus it's an excellent school. I believe Fodors's posters mr_go and ms_go have a daughter who is studying there. Hopefully tney'll see your post.

PalenQ

I have been to U-W campus many many times and IMO it is one of the most beautiful in the U.S. - especially its setting between two lakes - in the winter you will see a lot of tip-ups of ice fishers - one neat place is the Arboretum that if I recall right sticks out into the lake - even on a cold day if sunny it could make a neat stroll.

One time in Feb in Mad City the temps were about -15 F or so - never felt such cold - not usual but bundle up more than you think you will need.

State Street is full of nice restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc.

If into basketball book some ducats to the Badgers top 20 team and see Bucky Badger up close (I think they call it Bucky Badger but could be wrong.

And yes sitting in the cozy Union dining looking out on the frozen lake is so so sweet.

Check out when Spring Break is and avoid going there as the campus will be more a ghost town and not the vibrant place I've always found it to be.

bennnie

Thanks again to all for the great suggestions. Can't wait to visit.

Ozarksbill

Yes, Madison is a neat little city. Can't advise as to particulars. We loved the farmer's market for one thing. Also State St. as mentioned and the student union. Our DS was PhD candidate at UW for some period and so we visited him. You are going Boston to Madison and he went Madison to Boston (with many stops in between)...is now chair African Studies Center at BU). And that's why we moved to the Boston area.