Middleton History
Middleton traces its beginnings to an 1832 fur trading post along the northern shore of Lake Mendota near what is now Mendota County Park. The Township of Middleton was created in 1848 and about a decade later, in 1856, the much-coveted railroad arrived, establishing Middleton as a hub of activity for the area. The current depot was built in 1895 and serves as the Visit Middleton center, located on Parmenter Street downtown.
Middleton incorporated as a village in 1905 and became a city in 1963. Today the city retains its beautiful historic charm and celebrates its landmarks. For more history and photos of Middleton, check out the Middleton Historical Society and Rowley Museum.
Downtown Historic Walking Trail
Discover the heart of Middleton through the Downtown Historic Walking Trail. Stroll through Middleton’s past through 15 historic locations.
See the list and map below, or view, download and print the full map and descriptions by clicking here. Maps are also available in the visitor center.
- First High School, 1878
- Little White Church on the Hill, 1870
- Pierstorff House, circa 1890
- Schwenn House, 1902
- Railroad Depot, 1895
- The "Friendly" Store, originally 1856
- Opera House, 1903
- Rowley House, 1868
- Wolf House, 1868
- American Hotel, 1867
- Weinberg/Schroeder Building, 1868
- Burmeister Livery Stables, originally 1893
- DuFrenne Building, 1898
- Valecia Milk Company, 1914
- Mazo Egg Factory, 1957
Historic Landmark Trail
See Middleton’s rich history come to life on the Historical Landmark Trail. Visit 22 stops around Middleton for a glimpse into the past of the Good Neighbor City.
See the list and map below, or view, download and print the full map and descriptions by clicking here. Maps are also available in the visitor center.
Stops 1-12 follow the Downtown Middleton Historic Walking Trail
- Tiedeman & Stricker Ponds
- Lemcke House, 1861
- Whittlesey House, 1855
- Heim Effigy Mound, circa 800 A.D.
- Ehrman Lustron House, 1949
- Pheasant Branch School, 1896
- Palmer-Gault House, originally 1847
- Stamm House, 1847
- Blacksmith Shop, originally 1850
- The Boathouse Association, 1897 - 1898
Downtown Middleton Stroll & Tell
Step back in time and explore downtown Middleton’s vibrant past through the Middleton Area Historical Society’s free guided Historic Downtown Middleton Stroll & Tell. All tours start and end at the Rowley House Museum, with a bathroom break halfway at Capital Brewery & Bier Garten. You can expect each tour to be a leisurely stroll that will take an hour and 45 minutes. Preregistration is not required but appreciated.
Check specific tour dates and times through Visit Middleton's events calendar. Or, learn more about the tour and Middleton Area Historical Society here.
