Beat the heat in Middleton

Grab your flip flops: The warmest days of summer are here, but Middleton has everything you need to cool off and have fun. Get on (or in) the water or relax shoreside with a delicious frozen treat. Here’s where to go and what do to beat the heat.

Get on (or in) the water

Middleton is located on the shore of Lake Mendota, one of Wisconsin’s most iconic lakes. It’s a lake that offers spectacular views of the Wisconsin State Capitol, and it’s been the playground of the University of Wisconsin students since the 1800s.

The gateway to good times on Lake Mendota is Marshall Boats. Explore the lake your own way: Marshall rents paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats. They’re open (summer hours) from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fall hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday only, Sept. 5 – Oct. 1, 2023.

A great place for families to cool off is the Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center. The center features a zero-depth pool entrance, an eight-lane competition pool and two 134-foot run waterslides. The aquatic center is open from June 9 – Aug. 20, 2023. See the latest updates here.

Scream for some ice cream

Go ahead, order a second scoop. Middleton has plenty of frozen treats for you to sample. Here’s a look at a few of them:

• Chocolate Shoppe: This Madison-area ice cream shop has a “serious” following. You’ll see why when you order a flavor with that word in the name.
• Cold Stone Creamery: Is there anything better than fresh ice cream with your choice of toppings hand-mixed on a frozen granite stone? You’d better stop by to find out.
• Culver’s: This Wisconsin-based restaurant chain serves some pretty great food, but the real star is the custard. They offer a different tasty flavor every day—find the “flavor of the day” listed on their website. Whatever it is will be delicious.
• Villa Dolce: Take time to savor the artisan house-made gelato at this popular pizzeria and gelateria, located in downtown Middleton. Delizioso!