Little Ranch Guidebook
Good Eats
Eat like a local. Monona & Madison have so many locally-owned, delicious places to grab a bite; here are some of our favorites!
Their smoothies & bluebird sandwich are delicious.
For an extra fun experience, place your Crema order for pick up and drive across the street to Monona's newly acquired San Damiano Monona. This breath-taking, nearly 10 acre green-space has over 1,000 feet of Lake Monona shoreline. This land has been largely untouched for over 100 years. It's the perfect quiet picnic spot to reconnect with nature.
28 locals recommend
Crema Cafe
4124 Monona DrTheir smoothies & bluebird sandwich are delicious.
For an extra fun experience, place your Crema order for pick up and drive across the street to Monona's newly acquired San Damiano Monona. This breath-taking, nearly 10 acre green-space has over 1,000 feet of Lake Monona shoreline. This land has been largely untouched for over 100 years. It's the perfect quiet picnic spot to reconnect with nature.
Do you want healthy food? This is the place for you! Fresh ingredients & clean food options.
10 locals recommend
Forage Kitchen
665 State StDo you want healthy food? This is the place for you! Fresh ingredients & clean food options.
Mac & cheese pizza and spicy ice cream. So unique & so good!
Beautifully redone Garver Feed Mill is a sight to see too.
16 locals recommend
Ian's Pizza Garver
3241 Garver GreenMac & cheese pizza and spicy ice cream. So unique & so good!
Beautifully redone Garver Feed Mill is a sight to see too.
Swad
6007 Monona DrVisit this sweet, kitchy, iconic, local, Monona favorite. Where else can you get ice cream, dime store candy, a hamburger or sandwich and. . . worms for fishing in Lake Monona.
7 locals recommend
Monona Bait & Ice Cream Shop
4516 Winnequah RdVisit this sweet, kitchy, iconic, local, Monona favorite. Where else can you get ice cream, dime store candy, a hamburger or sandwich and. . . worms for fishing in Lake Monona.
Madison Sourdough
916 Williamson StPark in the lot and walk down the sidewalk on the right side of high-rise and you will find yourself at Waypoints’ doors. The salmon sandwich is tasty!
13 locals recommend
Waypoint Public House
320 W BroadwayPark in the lot and walk down the sidewalk on the right side of high-rise and you will find yourself at Waypoints’ doors. The salmon sandwich is tasty!
This deli knows Italian. The aroma of savory spices delights me every time I walk through their doors. Some of our favorites include the Otto sub, the four bean salad, and their daily hot specials you can get to-do. They have a few tables outside so you can enjoy your food there OR you can pick up dinner then serve it up at the Little Ranch. Yum. Writing this makes me want to go there now.
Fraboni's Italian Specialties & Delicatessen-East
108 Owen RdThis deli knows Italian. The aroma of savory spices delights me every time I walk through their doors. Some of our favorites include the Otto sub, the four bean salad, and their daily hot specials you can get to-do. They have a few tables outside so you can enjoy your food there OR you can pick up dinner then serve it up at the Little Ranch. Yum. Writing this makes me want to go there now.
Classic hometown deli.
We recommend the rice pudding, croissant chicken salad sandwich and picking up a freshly baked pie from the Elegant Farmer.
Ken's Meats & Deli
5725 Monona DrClassic hometown deli.
We recommend the rice pudding, croissant chicken salad sandwich and picking up a freshly baked pie from the Elegant Farmer.
Visit their "salsa bar"! We love the atmosphere, the food is tasty and the margaritas are yummy!
26 locals recommend
Tex Tubb's Taco Palace
2009 Atwood AveVisit their "salsa bar"! We love the atmosphere, the food is tasty and the margaritas are yummy!
This is the place is iconically Wisconsin. Fresh, local flavors and the best-fried cheese curds and dipping sauce! Their brandy Old Fashioned is top-notch too.
86 locals recommend
The Old Fashioned
23 N Pinckney StThis is the place is iconically Wisconsin. Fresh, local flavors and the best-fried cheese curds and dipping sauce! Their brandy Old Fashioned is top-notch too.
Our favorites include The 3PPP Pepperoni, The Ranch, Border–To–Border, Fetalicious, or the classic Margherita. They have great salad options too.
41 locals recommend
Glass Nickel Pizza Co. - Madison East
2916 Atwood AveOur favorites include The 3PPP Pepperoni, The Ranch, Border–To–Border, Fetalicious, or the classic Margherita. They have great salad options too.
Fun
Fun things to do, live like a local.
Monona Community Pool
1013 Nichols RdWonderful place to cool off in the Summer!
PacMan, pizza, & pop! Go to Rossi’s on Monona Dr for a particularly good time.
Rossi's Pizza & Vintage Arcade
4503 Monona DrPacMan, pizza, & pop! Go to Rossi’s on Monona Dr for a particularly good time.
Cigars, leather chairs and good cocktails. This place has ambiance. Definitely unique. If you check it out, let us know what you think.
The Tasting Room
800 W BroadwayCigars, leather chairs and good cocktails. This place has ambiance. Definitely unique. If you check it out, let us know what you think.
Our library is two blocks away from the Little Ranch. It has a wonderful kids area, books galore (of course!) and several kids, tween, teen, adult and family events hosted throughout the year.
One of my favorite things to do is to settle into a comfy chair and read in the front of the windows overlooking the gazebo and lagoon at Winnequah Park.
Monona Public Library
1000 Nichols RoadOur library is two blocks away from the Little Ranch. It has a wonderful kids area, books galore (of course!) and several kids, tween, teen, adult and family events hosted throughout the year.
One of my favorite things to do is to settle into a comfy chair and read in the front of the windows overlooking the gazebo and lagoon at Winnequah Park.
If you enjoy the outdoors, this place is a must see!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens features 16 acres of outdoor display gardens showcasing the beauty of Midwest hardy plants in a setting of prairie style architecture. Olbrich's Thai Pavilion and Garden, the only one in the continental United States, features an innovative tropical garden in the Midwest. In June, 2005 a new Rose Garden opened to the public with mixed borders of Midwest hardy shrub roses and perennials. The Bolz Conservatory, a sunny 50-foot-high glass pyramid, houses a diverse collection of tropical plants, a rushing waterfall, free-flying birds, and blooming orchids year-round. The Botanical Center is complete with a gift shop, horticultural library, and meeting rooms. Educational classes, programs, and events for adults and children are offered year round.
138 locals recommend
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood AveIf you enjoy the outdoors, this place is a must see!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens features 16 acres of outdoor display gardens showcasing the beauty of Midwest hardy plants in a setting of prairie style architecture. Olbrich's Thai Pavilion and Garden, the only one in the continental United States, features an innovative tropical garden in the Midwest. In June, 2005 a new Rose Garden opened to the public with mixed borders of Midwest hardy shrub roses and perennials. The Bolz Conservatory, a sunny 50-foot-high glass pyramid, houses a diverse collection of tropical plants, a rushing waterfall, free-flying birds, and blooming orchids year-round. The Botanical Center is complete with a gift shop, horticultural library, and meeting rooms. Educational classes, programs, and events for adults and children are offered year round.
Getting out on the water has never been so easy. Rent a Stand Up Paddle Board, Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboat or Rowboat.
Visit Wingra Boats on Lake Wingra (no motor boats are allowed on this small lake, so it’s wonderful for families & first time water craft renters)
Brittingham Boats also has yard games along with their water rental options.
Both are wonderful for different reasons. Try them both and let us know your favorite!
18 locals recommend
Brittingham Boats
701 W Brittingham PlGetting out on the water has never been so easy. Rent a Stand Up Paddle Board, Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboat or Rowboat.
Visit Wingra Boats on Lake Wingra (no motor boats are allowed on this small lake, so it’s wonderful for families & first time water craft renters)
Brittingham Boats also has yard games along with their water rental options.
Both are wonderful for different reasons. Try them both and let us know your favorite!
Fired Up Pottery & Glass
4112 Monona DrThis amazing park is directly down the hill from the Little Ranch.
Winnequah Park is the crown jewel of Monona’s parks: a 45-acre swath of green surrounding a meandering lagoon that runs through the very heart of the city. The park includes the Dream Park, Dream Park Shelter, Gazebo, Lagoon, two Softball fields, two Soccer fields and is host to several festivals throughout the year.
Winnequah Park
This amazing park is directly down the hill from the Little Ranch.
Winnequah Park is the crown jewel of Monona’s parks: a 45-acre swath of green surrounding a meandering lagoon that runs through the very heart of the city. The park includes the Dream Park, Dream Park Shelter, Gazebo, Lagoon, two Softball fields, two Soccer fields and is host to several festivals throughout the year.
Henry Vilas Zoo
702 S Randall AveSchluter Beach
4511 Winnequah RdFrost Woods Beach
5800 Winnequah Rd
Grand Crossing Park
6320 Inland WyEnjoy our local lakes by getting out on the water!
Brittingham Boats & Wingra Boats make renting a canoe, kayak, water pad and other water-crafts easy! I highly recommend this activity!
18 locals recommend
Brittingham Boats
701 W Brittingham PlEnjoy our local lakes by getting out on the water!
Brittingham Boats & Wingra Boats make renting a canoe, kayak, water pad and other water-crafts easy! I highly recommend this activity!
Lake Monona
Camp Trippalindee
601 Langdon StGo for the view, food & yummy drinks, stay for the board games!
Sightseeing
Monona has several small parks scattered throughout the city and along the shoreline of Lake Monona.
Wildhaven is tucked in a beautiful residential neighborhood. This park, approximately .25 acres in size, is located at the intersection of Tonyawatha Trail and Wyldhaven Avenue.
Wyldhaven Park provides spectacular views of the State Capitol Building and the Monona Terrace Convention Center on the far side of Lake Monona.
It features a small beach and fishing area with permanent seating, and is often used by ice fishermen during the winter months.
Wyldhaven Park
Monona has several small parks scattered throughout the city and along the shoreline of Lake Monona.
Wildhaven is tucked in a beautiful residential neighborhood. This park, approximately .25 acres in size, is located at the intersection of Tonyawatha Trail and Wyldhaven Avenue.
Wyldhaven Park provides spectacular views of the State Capitol Building and the Monona Terrace Convention Center on the far side of Lake Monona.
It features a small beach and fishing area with permanent seating, and is often used by ice fishermen during the winter months.
Wisconsin State Capitol
2 E Main StThe Dane Co Farmers' Market is reported to be the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country. All items are produced by the members behind the tables. No re-sale allowed! This means that when you visit the Dane County Farmers' Market, you can truly get to know the people who grow and raise your food.
The Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Square is a Saturday and Wednesday tradition in Madison, Wisconsin. You’ll find the season’s best bounty of vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses, and specialty products from approximately 275 vendors throughout the year. Over 150 members attend every Saturday. All of the items for sale are grown, raised, and produced in Wisconsin by the person behind the stand.
93 locals recommend
Dane County Farmers Market
3241 Martin Luther King Jr BlvdThe Dane Co Farmers' Market is reported to be the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country. All items are produced by the members behind the tables. No re-sale allowed! This means that when you visit the Dane County Farmers' Market, you can truly get to know the people who grow and raise your food.
The Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Square is a Saturday and Wednesday tradition in Madison, Wisconsin. You’ll find the season’s best bounty of vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses, and specialty products from approximately 275 vendors throughout the year. Over 150 members attend every Saturday. All of the items for sale are grown, raised, and produced in Wisconsin by the person behind the stand.
State Street has been a pedestrian mall since the 1970s. The sidewalks are extra wide on both sides, and the street has generous, well-marked bicycle lanes. Wide sidewalks are great for strolling upon, of course, but also for restaurant and cafe outdoor seating.
The street itself is closed to regular traffic, but official city vehicles and those used by some of the State Street businesses can drive on it. And to get you where you want to go, city busses, cabs, trollies, and horse-drawn carriages are allowed.
111 locals recommend
State Street
State StreetState Street has been a pedestrian mall since the 1970s. The sidewalks are extra wide on both sides, and the street has generous, well-marked bicycle lanes. Wide sidewalks are great for strolling upon, of course, but also for restaurant and cafe outdoor seating.
The street itself is closed to regular traffic, but official city vehicles and those used by some of the State Street businesses can drive on it. And to get you where you want to go, city busses, cabs, trollies, and horse-drawn carriages are allowed.
Shopping
Hatch Art House
1248 Williamson StBeautiful local art gallery
The Cozy Home
6330 Monona DrLittle Luxuries
230 State StSassy, quirky, unique, locally-crafted, funny, bossy, surprising, cute, fun gift items & souvenirs for yourself, your friends & your home.
Booth 121
6203 Monona DriveSassy, quirky, unique, locally-crafted, funny, bossy, surprising, cute, fun gift items & souvenirs for yourself, your friends & your home.
Walgreens
4605 Larson Beach RdDo you need medicine or health supplies? This is the place to go.
Food scene
Woodman’s is our largest locally owned grocery store, big box style yet, filled with local items, variety and good prices.
27 locals recommend
Woodman's Food Market
3817 Milwaukee StWoodman’s is our largest locally owned grocery store, big box style yet, filled with local items, variety and good prices.
Trader Joe's
1810 Monroe StFood Co-op. Plenty of healthy, local options. (Also the backdrop to the Chad Vader YouTube series).
77 locals recommend
Willy Street Co-op—East
1221 Williamson StFood Co-op. Plenty of healthy, local options. (Also the backdrop to the Chad Vader YouTube series).
Metcalfe's Market
726 N Midvale BlvdTraveler advice
Getting around
Rent an electric bike to get around and explore Madison
Madison BCycle is an electric bike-share program designed to revolutionize the way you move in Madison. There are over 45 stations (2 in Monona one in each end of the city) with 300 bikes throughout downtown Madison all within close proximity to wherever you need to go. BCycle members will be able to check out a BCycle bike at any station, ride where you need to go, and park it at the closest station to your destination. Need to go somewhere else? Simply check out another BCycle and start a new trip.
Don't miss
Eat fried cheese curds with homemade ranch dipping sauce.
--Top 5 Fried Cheese Curds--
The Old Fashioned - Iconicly good
Next Door Brewing
Craftsmen Table & Tap
Great Dane Brew Pub
Buck & Honey's
Don't miss
See the city by bicycle.
The Little Ranch is located one block off the iconic and well-used Lake Monona Bike Lake Loop, or as locals call it, the “Lake Loop”. The 12-mile ride circles scenic Lake Monona with some street riding and some riding on dedicated bikeways. It’s Dane County's most popular ride! And yes, one block from the Little Ranch. https://www.visitmadison.com/blog/stories/post/lake-monona-bike-loop/
Don't miss
Get out on the water! Rent a kayak, canoe, sup, or boat.
Water crafts can be rented at Olin Park, Monona Bay or Wingra Park.