Middleton is a special place.
Not only does the city share a border with Lake Mendota and the state capital, but it’s home to an award-winning golf course, 519-acres of conservancy land, multiple parks, nearly 70 dining spots, 55 shopping spots and trails and more trails for biking and hiking.
Come stay and play in Middleton!
eats & treats: something for everyone
Many of your favorite Middleton restaurants are offering delivery, carry-out or curbside pickup, so there’s no shortage of food options to choose from. Here’s a look at downtown Middleton’s dining spots or search for Middleton restaurants by name or by category. Check in to see what they all offer!
Not in the mood for a whole meal? Pick up some snacks from the National Mustard Museum & Gourmet Gift Shop and pair it with a craft beer from Capital Brewery or a hard cider from Hidden Cave Cidery, both of which are sold at grocery stores and convenience stores in the area.
End the day with ice cream from Chocolate Shoppe, Cold Stone Creamery, Culver’s, Hubbard Avenue Diner, and Villa Dolce, just to name a few!
beer, wine & cocktails
Looking for something to drink at your picnic? In addition to Capital Brewery and Hidden Cave Cidery, a must-see stop is Longtable Beer Cafe, which showcases more than 300 kinds of beer in its self-serve cooler, so it’s easy to build your own six-pack.
World of Beer also offers more than 500 kinds of beer on tap or by bottle, located near Greenway Station, this pub is also a fun place to take in a game.
Wine lovers shouldn’t miss Grape Water Wine Bar, which is open for serving, as well as offers sidewalk seating. Grape Water also offers carryout specials, check out their site for details.
If you’re looking for a bottle of wine (or spirits, coffee or beer, too), stop by Barriques in downtown Middleton.
Be sure to check with your favorite restaurant as well, as many are offering to-go options for beer, cocktails and wine.
pretty enough for a picnic
Middleton has lots of beautiful places to enjoy a picnic, including dozens of parks and vast nature areas like Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
You can even “Pick Your Picnic” , in downtown Middleton! Look for the signs and scan the QR code to see all downtown restaurants, then go to their sites, order carryout and enjoy at the picnic spaces in Stone Horse Green (near Middleton Center by The Village Green), or by City Hall, or over at the Terrace Avenue Pavilion!
If you’re looking to enjoy an adult beverage at your picnic, you’re in luck—as long as you don’t bring glassware, you can sip cocktails, beer and wine at Lakeview Park, Firemen’s Park and Stone Horse Green.
OUTDOORS – BY LAND OR BY SEA
Every Thursday this summer (through Aug. 26, 2021), the city hosts live music and kids’ crafts on Stone Horse Green. Come out and enjoy Downtown Middleton Summer Fun — order carryout and have a meal at the picnic tables!
Get out on the water at Marshall Boats, located in Marshall Park by Lake Mendota. Marshall rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and pontoon boats! Marshall Boats is open (summer hours) from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fall hours are: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday-Sunday only, Sept. 7-Sept. 26, 2021.
Have your own boat? No problem — check out the Lake Street Boat Launch has street parking for your trailer and the pier is ADA-accessible.
Looking to get a little playtime in before or after your picnic? There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Middleton, from pet-friendly spots like the MRD Dog Exercise Area to scenic recreation options like Pleasant View Golf Course.
Here are a few more outdoor spots to explore:
- Pheasant Branch Conservancy
- Marshall Boats (boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals)
- Firefighters Memorial Park
- Harvey John & Lucille Taylor Memorial Park
- Firemen’s Park Trail
- Lake Street Boat Launch
- Lakeview Park
- Middleton Community Dog Park
- Middleton Bike Park
- Orchid Heights Park
- Penni Klein Park
- Quarry Skate Park
- Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center
Learn more about Middleton’s outdoor recreation options here.
Cozy places to stay
Middleton is home to eight (soon to be NINE) hotel properties! Check out our locations — many are offering deals! Special hotel packages are also available.
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