Winter Weekend
There’s no need to slow down in winter. Here’s how you can fill 48 hours in Middleton with recreational activities, great food, and good times.
Take advantage of the quiet calm of winter, the crunch of snow beneath your feet, and the comfort of your favorite foods. Start your relaxing, rejuvenating weekend away.
First things first, start your day with a coffee and a quick bite at Grace Coffee Co. or see for yourselves why everyone loves the local Hubbard Avenue Diner. If you can, get an early check-in to your hotel and get settled before heading out for some outdoor adventures—we’ve got plenty to choose from.
Hit the Trails
If you're looking to do a little hiking and snowshoeing, there’s no shortage of trails at Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Its 682 acres contain miles of trails with stunning views no matter the season. But in order to continue to protect the restored prairie land, please keep only to the trails.
The CXC Outdoor Center includes cross-country ski trails and bike trails. From December to March, visitors can get a trail pass (available online), rent skis, enjoy groomed trails, and take part in events hosted by the center. While you’re there, take a spin on some fat tire bikes right next door at the Middleton Bike Park.
Governor Nelson State Park
Click into your skis at Governor Nelson State Park (less than 15 minutes from Middleton). With four groomed trails that vary from easy to moderate difficulty, you can ski from one to the next. The Morningside Trail, which is their longest trail at 2.4 miles, can also be used for snowshoeing.
Lace Up
Ready to get out on the ice? We’ve got you covered.
You have your options when it comes to ice skating in Middleton. There are a couple of outdoor rinks with outdoor flood lighting that are cleared as the weather permits. Always look for warnings of thin ice and use caution when skating over any depth of water.
If you’re looking for an indoor rink complete with facilities and beverages, check out the open skating at Bob Suter’s Legacy20 Arena. You might even be able to catch a hockey game while you’re there.
Put the Skis Down, and Pick Up a Beverage
Warm up with a post-trail happy hour, or just enjoy some indoor activities to wind down the afternoon. Practice your swing year-round at X-Golf Middleton, break high scores at The Kickback Bar, take it easy at Grape Water Wine Bar, and if you’re still not sure where to go, take a look at the Beer Lover’s Guide to Middleton.
Get Cozy
Winter calls for getting cozy, ordering some comfort food, and enjoying everyone’s company. Head downtown to gather around the firepits at Stone Horse Green (check their event calendar; you might be in store for some live music and entertainment). We hope all the outdoor activities worked up an appetite because there are plenty of delicious food options to choose from in Middleton. Get a taste of New Orleans at Louisiannes Etc., take your pick at the historic 1847 at the Stamm House, or dine on delicious homemade ramen at Trio Ramen.
Pack in the Classics
Before you head home, make sure you leave time to experience some of the classic Middleton experiences. It’s not a trip to Middleton without a visit to the National Mustard Museum for tastings and souvenir shopping—they’ve got over 6,700 jars, pots, and tubes of mustard to explore. Speaking of tastings, sample some local beer at our famous Capital Brewery & Bier Garten. Take a scenic drive and journey through Middleton’s Outdoor Art Trail discovering art of all kinds from stained glass to colorful murals and sidewalk art.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during our annual winter festival, Bockfest, you’ll get to celebrate a love of beer, live music, and discover quirky traditions like the tossing of the fish.
And that’s how you spend a winter weekend in and outdoors in Middleton. There are plenty more of the middle things to do during your next visit. We’ll see you soon!
Start planning your visit to Middleton!
Modified February 14, 2025