Fourth of July in Middleton

Whether it’s gathering with friends on a pontoon on Lake Mendota, camping with the family at Mendota County Park, or just enjoying the leisure life downtown — Middleton has everything you need for a laid-back holiday weekend.

DINING/SHOPPING

With more than 70 restaurants/cafes and more than 50 places to shop, you will not get bored in Middleton. Dining includes the best cheese curds you’ve ever had to amazing curry. You’ll love the selection of restaurants — there is truly something for everyone!

Don’t forget to stop by The National Mustard Museum for some hilarious and spicy souvenirs, and the award-winning craft beer at Capital Brewery & Bier Garten has to be sampled.

Come stay with us and decide every morning what you want to do when you wake up.

FIREWORKS

The City of Middleton does not host a fireworks show — partly because there are so many places to take in the festivities around us! Follow this link to see the various scheduled fireworks events for Fourth of July weekend!

CAMPING

Mendota County Park is located just off of County Road M in the Town of Westport — which shares a border with Middleton (it’s about 10-15 minutes from Downtown Middleton).

The park has a 30-unit campground and a 5-unit boat camping area. Each site has a 30-amp electrical hook-up. Services include bathroom and shower facilities and a dump station. Mendota County Park also offers two shelter facilities, unsupervised swimming area with an accessible swimming ramp, volleyball courts, play equipment and a shallow launch for small boats, kayaks and canoes. This park, located a few miles southwest of Governor Nelson State Park, is also a designated lake access site from December through March.

Picnic Areas

All of Middleton’s parks have open picnic areas. If looking for a spot to pop up a picnic, check out the City’s Parks & Rec site for more information, as well as reservation info. Most of the park shelters have been reserved for the remainder of the year (we’re so popular!) but it doesn’t hurt to check.

LAKE LIFE

There are several ways to get onto the water in Middleton at Lake Mendota and we even have a rental shop in case you can’t bring your own boat!

Open docks: Middleton Boat Ramp at the end of Lake Street, Marshall Park, and Mendota County Park in nearby Westport.

Rentals: Marshall Boats rents pontoon boats, kayaks (singles and tandem), paddleboards (singles and doubles), and canoes. Marshall Boats also offers events, group rentals and private parties at its rooftop patio.

SPLASH PADS & POOLS

One of Middleton’s most beloved family attractions in the summer time is the free Splash Pad at Lakeview Park. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Labor Day and located in the beautiful Lakeview Park.

Another great way to get in the water is the Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center, which will be open on July 4 from 1-6 p.m.!

HIT THE TRAILS

Sometimes you just need an excuse to head outdoors and Pheasant Branch Conservancy is the perfect one. More than 500 acres of protected prairie with well-kept trails, accessible from various access points. The Pheasant Branch Creek flows through the center and eventually meeting Lake Mendota. Find trails — for both hiking and biking — and scenic views of the creek, bridges, birds and more.

Need a trail-friendly wheel chair? There is one available for free at Orchid Heights Park — just reserve it in advance.

FIND LODGING

Middleton hosts nine hotel properties, all minutes from downtown and accessible to the Beltline (which can take you to downtown Madison in less than 15 minutes). Check out our hotels now!

Make Middleton your home base

Middleton is conveniently located within an hour of multiple area attractions. Check out our custom illustrated regional map! Explore the area and come home to us!