Centered around the eponymous elementary school, Madison’s Elvehjem neighborhood has a lot of history to it. So much history that its neighborhood association has produced an hour-long video about the neighborhood for its 50th anniversary in 2018.
While we won’t get into all of those details, we caught up with Dan Collins to get a taste of what life is like in the East Side neighborhood. Dan is the president of the Elvehjem Neighborhood Association (ENA) and has lived in the neighborhood since 2017. The below conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
What sets Elvehjem apart from the rest of Madison? AKA what makes the neighborhood unique?
We're proud to say that the ENA is the longest active neighborhood association in Madison. There are older NA's that have stopped and started over the years, but Elvehjem is the most continuous. Of course, the ENA's steadfastness is a product of the people who live here — a mix of young and old from varying backgrounds. The crown jewel of our neighborhood is Elvehjem Elementary which attracts young families who want the best for their children. Many of these families stay because of how safe, quiet, and friendly the neighborhood feels.
The three words people often use to describe Elvehjem are friendly, quiet, safe.(Photo courtesy of Dan Collins)
Where can someone get a bite to eat and what are some of the must-do activities in the area?
There are but a couple restaurants in Elvehjem's actual boundary — El Rancho Mexican Grill and Culver’s — both great options for a quick bite! Of course our proximity to Willy Street and the Capitol Square open up hundreds of amazing options. In terms of must-see activities in the area — I personally recommend jumping on the bike trail at Acewood Conservancy and following the Lake Loop around Lake Monona!
Does Elvehjem have any hidden gems or longtime traditions?
We have two conservancy walking trails that make for beautiful contact with nature: Elvehjem Sanctuary and Acewood Sanctuary.
What are three adjectives you'd use to describe the neighborhood?
Don't take my word for it! In a 2023 survey, our neighbors used the following words to tell us what they "like the most about Elvehjem": friendly, quiet, safe. (Some runners-up include: trees, parks, woods).
(Map via City of Madison)
