Nightlife options are plentiful- comedy clubs, sports bars, brewpubs, dance clubs, and jazz and country music venues. The fourth-largest university in the country, its campus is frequently named one of the nation's most beautiful. Because of its military use, it was designed to resemble a military fortress with massive walls, limited entrances and a stairway wide enough to accommodate a battalion marching in a column of fours. Tour information is available here. Stop at Babcock Hall Dairy Store to watch the dairy production plant in action, and sample some famous Babcock Hall ice cream.
Regulars tout the orange custard chocolate chip.
And now it's time for lunch. Head over to the Memorial Union, where, weather permitting, you can dine at Memorial Union Terrace while you watch sailboats and sailboarders on Lake Mendota. Everything from cafeteria food to brats and beer is available. While you are on campus, explore the Allen Centennial Gardens, a 2.5-acre plot containing more than 1,400 different plants labeled by their scientific and common names. The gardens are a popular site for weddings and receptions.