Stay and play in Middleton

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, 70 dining spots, 55 shops and 27 miles of trails for biking and hiking.

Come stay and play in Middleton!

eats & treats: something for everyone

If Middleton had a best-kept secret it would be its food scene. There are 70 restaurants, cafes and ice cream spots in Middleton with specialties ranging from Wisconsin fare to international cuisine.

Here’s a look 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.

If you’re looking for a bottle of wine (or spirits, coffee or beer), stop by Barriques in downtown Middleton. Make sure to check out their local/area section.

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.

If 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 (opening in late September).

OUTDOORS – BY LAND

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.

OUTDOORS – or BY SEA

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 weekend. Fall hours will be  11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, beginning Sept. 5 (2023).

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.

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.