Middleton is conveniently located within an hour of many regional attractions. We welcome you to stay at one of our nine hotels, all minutes from downtown Middleton and Madison, and EXPLORE.

Make us your home base as you embark on day trips all around and discover all that Middleton has to offer.

Right here in Middleton, enjoy 70 restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops, and 55 places to shop between the Downtown district and Greenway Station. And don’t forget our amazing outdoors spaces, from the award-winning Pleasant View Golf Course, to 519 acres of protected land at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, and getting on the water at Lake Mendota.

Speaking of award-winning, Capital Brewery & Bier Garten, and Hidden Cave Cidery, are local gems, along with the super relaxing Grape Water Wine Bar.

Check out our free 2022 visitor guide, download, view or order one by mail HERE. This illustrated map appears on pages 40-41.

Here are just some of the places you’ll find less than an hour away!

This map may not be reproduced or resold and is the sole property of Visit Middleton

• Your success is everyone’s success. The actions of each business are critical to the entire area’s recovery. It is imperative that whatever practices you put in place for reopening are followed consistently by your employees. If they are not, the ramifications to your business’s reputation (and the area’s) can be harsh and long lasting. Social media makes it possible for someone’s poor impressions or unpleasant experiences to travel quickly. Do not promise cleaning or social distancing practices you will not complete or enforce. Exercise patience to the greatest extent possible while emotions are running high, as squabbles with or among customers can be harmful to your (and Middleton’s) reputation.
• Choose your words carefully. The words you choose to use for your website and social posts can be interpreted politically in the current climate. It’s important to consider unintended meaning before you post or go live. Review your language to try to envision how someone on either side of the reopening debate might interpret what you’re saying and adapt your message accordingly.
• Use social media wisely. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on what people are saying about your business on social media, so have a plan to frequently check for any fan comments, direct messages and reviews. When a response is warranted, do so promptly, politely and not defensively. Apologize if you need to but avoid online arguments. Wherever possible, deescalate the situation and take it offline to discuss. Be as honest and genuine as possible.
• Ensure your contact information is up to date. Check the details of your social channels, as well as on your website, to avoid confusion among potential customers.
• Be clear with customers. However you choose to move forward with your business, make your plans clear in your social posts and be honest about your expectations for customers, as well as forthcoming about any new standards you are abiding by, in order to reassure customers of their safety. Do not promise things you aren’t actually doing. Be mindful that customers will make decisions based on the expectations you set. Customers have the opportunity to judge you — quickly and easily — online.
• Keep an eye on review sites. Experiences shared on social media will make their way to other review-based platforms as well, like Yelp, TripAdvisor and Google Reviews. Keep an eye on what’s coming in, and as previously suggested, respond promptly and genuinely without escalating any situations. Leave a simple thank you for those who leave positive reviews. Remember, 90 percent of consumers say their decisions are influenced by online reviews, so you want to present your business as helpful and responsive.
• Get help from your customers. Word of mouth and testimonials are still the most trusted and used forms of marketing. Through mindful messaging and managing expectations, your customers can be your strongest advertisers. Don’t be afraid to ask them to share their positive experiences at your business. Their review, comment and post can be a powerful tool in your business recovery.

Visit Middleton has created a list of resources to help Middleton businesses and residents navigate COVID-19 resources and information on a city, county and state level. This list was last updated April 19, 2022.

With the lifting of the mandatory indoor mask order (which expired March 1, 2022), Dane County no longer requires the use of masks indoors with the exception of some events. The City of Middleton is still strongly encouraging mask wearing indoors. Businesses and event planners may require masks worn, at their discretion. Please be mindful of and respect entrance policies (usually posted on their websites and/or front door).

TSA Ends Face Mask Requirements

Due to a recent court ruling, effective immediately, TSA will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs.  CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.

Public Health Madison & Dane County
There are no longer mask mandates for Dane County. The final order expired March 1, 2022. Public Health Madison and Dane County does provide a list of recommendations and guidance for the following:

• Travel
• Vaccinations, testing, masking and gathering
• Considerations for Parents
• Guidance for Businesses/Workplace
• Guidance for Schools, Childcare and Youth Activities

CDC recommendations
Follow this link to review the Center for Disease Control’s current updates and orders.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Where to Get Vaccinated

Follow this link to review when you are eligible for the vaccine in Wisconsin and where you can get vaccinated.

Middleton Chamber of Commerce resource page
Obtain updated business relief information.

The depot is also a historic landmark built in 1895. It served as an active passenger station until 1960 and a freight depot until 1975. The building, now on the National Register of Historic Places, is beautifully refurbished and home to the Middleton Visitor Center and Visit Middleton offices, as well as a small curation of historic depot and train photographs and artifacts, provided by the Middleton Area Historical Society.

Can’t get enough history? Check out the Middleton Historical Museum, just a short walk from the depot. 

The Middleton Visitor Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Wednesday and Friday. Closed Thursdays, weekends and city-observed holidays. If in the area on the weekend and in need of Middleton materials, just stop by the National Mustard Museum (four doors down)!