Daily Scoop in Memorial Union in Madison, WI

Key Highlights

• Legendary Babcock Hall ice cream served up inside Memorial Union 🍦
• Generous scoops at wallet-friendly prices
• Scenic lakeside setting—steps from Lake Mendota
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance & parking options nearby
• Card payments only: credit and debit accepted

Why Visit Daily Scoop at Memorial Union?

Craving a sweet Madison tradition? Daily Scoop at Memorial Union is your go-to for a time-honored collegiate treat—scooping up the famous Babcock Hall ice cream that’s fueled Badgers and sweet-tooths alike for decades. Tucked inside the bustling Memorial Union right off the shores of Lake Mendota, this spot offers more than just dessert: it’s a full-flavor experience with a scoop of campus history on the side.

Amenities & Features

• Indoor ordering counter—perfect for a quick treat year-round
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance makes it easy for everyone to join
• No dedicated parking, but plenty of public lots and street parking nearby
• Card-only payments: bring your debit or credit—no cash accepted
• While there are no built-in “features” per se (like table service), the real draw is the ice cream and the lively Union vibe

Flavor Selection & Portion Sizes

• Rotating Babcock Hall classics: options typically include super-rich chocolate, peanut butter swirl, classic vanilla, and seasonal features
• Hidden gems: orange chocolate chunk and creamy lemon raspberry Italian ice appear from time to time
• Portions: Most guests are wowed by the size of the scoops—one is plenty, but it’s hard to resist doubling up

What Visitors Say

The overall vibe? Simple, nostalgic, and satisfying. People keep coming back for those ultra-creamy, flavorful scoops that never seem to skimp on size. Chocolate, peanut butter, and orange chocolate chunk get big applause for delivering rich taste without going overboard on sweetness. Many note that the value is a steal—big portions for a modest price, especially for a campus hotspot.

The atmosphere is a huge part of the draw: folks love grabbing their cones, then wandering out to the Memorial Union Terrace for lake breezes and prime sunset views—ice cream in hand, of course.

There are a few bumps in the road: Occasionally, visitors mention the ice cream can have an icy texture or melt quickly, especially on warmer days. Some have encountered hiccups with staff mixing up flavors or portions, and the Italian ice receives mixed reactions (don’t expect classic East Coast-style). If you’re banking on samples, note that as of June 2024, they’re not being offered.

Still, the majority of guests leave happy, satisfied, and a bit nostalgic—especially those introducing a friend to Babcock ice cream for the first time.

Lakeside Location & Accessibility

• Steps from Lake Mendota—take your scoop to the Union Terrace for unbeatable views
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance makes rolling in with friends or family a breeze
• Accessible parking available in nearby lots, though the Union itself has no dedicated parking
• Busy times: Expect a short line in afternoons and on sunny weekends, but service tends to be quick and cheerful

Payment & Practicalities

• Cards only: Leave the cash at home—they accept major debit and credit cards
• Nearby ATMs and campus cash options if you’re low on funds
• Heads up: No drive-thru, and no in-house seating; grab your treat and explore the lakeshore or Union common spaces

Quick Tips for Your Visit

• Come early on weekends to avoid lines—late afternoons tend to get busy, especially when the sun’s out
• Mix it up: Order two flavors in one cone or bowl—staff are happy to accommodate when possible
• Explore after: Pair your cone with a stroll on the Union Terrace or a kayak rental from Outdoor UW
• Don’t expect samples—sampling is on pause, so go with your gut (or ask what’s popular that day)

Did you know?

The Babcock Hall Dairy Plant—where Daily Scoop’s signature ice cream is made—has been crafting frozen treats since 1951, using milk from the university’s own dairy cows! That’s about as local as it gets.

Hidden Gem

Many folks miss this: On cool spring nights, there’s nothing like snagging a scoop, then heading outside to the Memorial Union Terrace’s iconic orange chairs—where you’ll find some of the best people-watching (and sunset photo ops) in Madison.

Quick Take: Daily Scoop at Memorial Union serves up giant, creamy portions of Badger tradition—with a killer lakeside view and prices that’ll leave you grinning.

Pro Tip

Skip the hunt for parking and arrive by bike, foot, or bus—then take your ice cream on a leisurely stroll along the lake path for an unbeatable Madison experience. If you’re new to Babcock, chocolate peanut butter is a crowd favorite!