How much does the observation experience cost?

The observation is free, and a small ice cream is available for a small fee. You may also order lunch for an additional cost per person.

How far in advance must I book?

Observations must be booked at least two weeks minimum in advance. We ask for a pre-order for ice cream and lunch at least two days before your visit.

Do you offer walk-in observation times?

No, all observations must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance using the form below. We cannot offer observations from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. due to a busy lunch rush.

How many people can fit on the observation deck?

Groups larger than 30 will need to be split in smaller groups. Our observation deck is small, but this is also typically better for time management for the group as well since a portion will be on tour while a portion can eat their ice cream, use the restrooms, etc.

How long is the observation experience?

An observation takes 10-15 minutes.

Observation Deck Tours – Babcock Dairy Store

Discover Dairy Delights: Observe, Indulge and Learn at Babcock Dairy

PLEASE NOTE: Large ice cream orders should be placed at least two (2) business days prior to your visit

Enjoy our complimentary observation experience to learn more about Babcock Dairy™ behind the scenes.

We produce signature dairy products for the University of Wisconsin – Madison and the surrounding community. Through this, the Babcock Dairy Plant and Dairy Store help support the University of Wisconsin Food Science Department’s mission of research, teaching and outreach. We offer free guided (for groups of 10 or more), or self-guided (groups of less than 10), tours of our Observation Deck, a glassed-in balcony overlooking our ice cream and cheese production floor offering viewers a birds-eye look at how ice cream and cheese are made at the UW-Madison Babcock Dairy Plant.

Pre-order lunch for your group to savor on-site for a fee, and remember to treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream. Please arrange ice cream and lunch orders at least two business days before your visit.

Book your observation at least two weeks, minimum, in advance, and please note that we cannot offer observations from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. due to the lunch rush. The observation itself takes 10-15 minutes, and groups of over 30 will be divided for optimal time management and space. If on the day of your scheduled tour, the group in attendance is less than 10 people, the tour will unfortunately be canceled.

Relax at our beautiful outdoor patio or the spacious lawn area across the street. In case of cooler months or unfavorable weather, we welcome groups to use our hallways or an available classroom.

We offer tours all day long when the store is open but unfortunately cannot guarantee production will be taking place during all hours of the day or every day of the week. Your best chance of seeing our expert dairy producers in action is from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. We cannot wait to see your smiling faces!

FAQs

Sign up for a tour!

Contact Info

Group / School Name*

Contact Name*

First Last

Email*

Phone*

Date and Time

Date*

Note: Tour dates must be reserved at least two weeks in advance

Time*

:

Note: Tour time slots not available between 11:30am-1pm due to lunch rush

Group Information

Please Note: There is a 10 person group size minimum.

Group Size*

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 10.

Ice Cream

Note: Babcock Dairy will follow up to coordinate payment. Payment must be accepted at least two days in advance of tour date.

Lunch

Note: Babcock Dairy will follow up to coordinate lunch menu order and payment. Payment must be accepted at least two days in advance of tour date.

Lunch Menu & Pre-Orders

View our lunch options here. We will contact you to complete your lunch and ice cream pre-orders.

Order Online