If you've never spent time in Madison, you might not know that the University of Wisconsin in Madison has its very own dairy. And that dairy produces the very best ice cream you've ever tasted, along with milk, cheese and tea. Maybe it's that it feels like a rare treat. Maybe it's that the ice cream is as fresh as can be from milk that's just as fresh. I don't know why Babcock Dairy ice cream just tastes so much better than all the others - I just know that it does.

There's something so nostalgic and also a bit silly about getting ice cream from a university dairy - especially since UW-Madison's Dairy dates back to the 1800s. It's certainly unique. And helps us live up to our Dairy State moniker.

The Babcock Hall Dairy store first opened in 1951 and ever since, those in the know in Madison have been partaking in the delicious treats they put out. Aside from the Babcock Hall store, you can nab the sweet treats from the stand in Memorial Union or even at the Kohl Center.

Babcock Hall is named for Dr. Steven Babcock, who in 1890 created the first ever reliable butterfat test. His work in agricultural chemistry laid the pieces for Wisconsin's food science program.

Though not exactly modern, it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that the largest university in America's Dairyland has a running farm. In fact, the UW-Madison dairy barn was built in 1897 and is still used today. In 2005 it became a National Historic Landmark and remains the only barn to ever achieve this honor.

Now the Babcock Dairy Plant is a world-class research and educational facility that just so happens to produce the tastiest ice cream you've ever enjoyed. The store in Babcock Hall has all the available flavors as well as milk, tea, cheese, breakfast and lunch. It employs 25 students and provides a hands-on experience to round out the food science program.

With an ever-rotating and innovating list of flavors, everyone will find something to love at the Babcock Diary Store.

You can stop in their store on Linden Drive, or nab a dish from the small store in Memorial Union or when you're at a UW sporting event.

If you're lucky enough to live in the area, you can also find Babcock products in the grocery store.

The dairy obviously produces milk and they actually supply it to local Starbucks. In fact, more than 93 million gallons of Babcock milk gets added to Starbucks lattes every year.

There's more than a bit of nostalgia that goes into enjoying Babcock ice cream. Plus, it just feels like a special Wisconsin treat - how many other states get to sample the best, freshest ice cream right on campus?

Once you've discovered Babcock ice cream, you'll find yourself craving it whenever you're in and around Madison. The creamy, flavorful, delicious ice cream is a special treat no matter the weather.

What's your favorite Babcock Hall Ice Cream flavor? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for more Wisconsin frozen treats? Check out 15 Best Places To Get Wisconsin’s Iconic Frozen Custard