Urban Outdoors in Middleton

Beautifully situated between a conservancy, a lake and farmland, Middleton, Wisconsin — a city of 23,000, next door to the state’s capital of Madison —

Beautifully situated between a conservancy, a lake and farmland, Middleton, Wisconsin — a city of 23,000, next door to the state’s capital of Madison — embraces the outdoors while offering all the amenities of a city, and with small-town charm.

Winding throughout Middleton are 30 miles of trails, including those connecting the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail to Pheasant Branch Conservancy — more than 600 acres of protected woodlands and prairie. The creek spills into Lake Mendota, which is the largest of the four area glacial lakes. Paddle board, kayak, canoe, pontoon and fishing boat rentals are available at Marshall Boats, which also has a public boat launch. There is also a boat launch at Mendota County Park and Campground.

Minutes from Middleton’s outdoor shopping center, Greenway Station, is the award-winning Pleasant View Golf Course, as well as the entrance to the Middleton Bike Park with the brand new Pump Track. The Pump Track shares a parking lot with the Cross-Country Ski Trails, as well, which has a mile-plus-long trail with snow-making November through March.

Speaking of winter sports, snowshoeing is popular in Middleton on the Bike Park trails and in Pheasant Branch Conservancy; and several of the ponds are open to the public for ice skating. Bob Suter’s Legacy20 also has open rink times for indoor skating.

At the end of the day, pull up for a pint at the award-winning Capital Brewery & Bier Garten, the longest-running micro craft brewery in the state. Enjoy German-style lagers, IPAs and sours, and there is usually live music on Friday or Saturday nights in the bier garten during warm-weather months. The brewery also supports a weekly bicycle club and e-bike club. Capital Brewery offers guided tours by advance appointment, and hosts an annual winter outdoor festival, Bockfest.

a group of people sitting at a picnic table.
Hidden Cave Cidery, outdoor patio

Another local brewer has made a name for himself using Wisconsin-grown apples and unique ingredients to produce hard apple ciders that are turning heads. The Hidden Cave Cidery’s patio is open in warm weather and its tasting room is open year-round, weekends only. Find live music, classes, tastings and food trucks on their calendar. It’s a perfect stop along the paved Hidden Oaks Trail which begins at Hinrich’s Family Farm Park and connects with North Fork Trail and Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail.

a group of people sitting on top of a bench.
Stone Horse Green, downtown Middleton (barn light installation & seating)

Finally, the community all gathers in the heart of downtown on summer nights for live music, kids’ activities, or just to enjoy a drink or meal outside in the public green space, Stone Horse Green — named such because it was once the location of one of the city’s first livery stations. There is an electric fire place, a real fire pit, bistro tables, a charging station, stage and multiple art installations.

Speaking of art and history, visitors can pick up or download the Middleton Outdoor Art Trail map, Historic Walking Tour map (downtown), or Middleton Landmark map (locations throughout city) and take a self-guided tours on their own time.

Modified January 22, 2025