Memorial Day in Middleton

Summer weekends are made better by an extra day — spend your three-day Memorial Weekend in Middleton.

Whether wanting to get out on the water, have a picnic in a park, explore new trails, or enjoy local fare, Middleton has plenty to discover over an extended weekend. Check out some ways to fill your Memorial Day weekend itinerary below.

Jump, float or cruise in the water

a woman in a kayak paddling on the water.

Looking to enjoy some lake time over Memorial Day weekend? You're in luck, Middleton’s eastern border includes Lake Mendota — a beautiful creek-fed lake that offers activities for every water-enthusiast. With several docks, including Marshall Park, and Mendota County Park in nearby Westport, accessing the lake with your own raft is made easy. No worries if you don't have your own boat, Marshall Boats offers numerous rental options including pontoons, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Marshall Boats is open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. With all of these options, it's hard to say no to jumping into the water.

Have a picnic at one of Middleton's parks or green spaces

a man and a woman sitting on a blanket in a park.

When the sun is shining and the weather is nice, enjoying every moment outdoors is a must, even when mealtime rolls around. Find a perfect picnic spot at one of Middleton's many parks and green spaces, including downtown’s Stone Horse Green (bistro tables available), picnic tables by City Hall, or picnic under the Terrace Avenue Pavilion downtown. Capital Brewery also allows patrons to bring their own food into the bier garten.

Schedule a tee time at Pleasant View Golf Course

a man and a woman playing a game of golf

Pack up your clubs and head to the west side of Middleton where you will find an award-winning golf course with views of the state capitol and a welcoming club house. Check out Pleasant View Golf Course — and book your tee times in advance!

Explore Pheasant Branch Conservancy & Park Trails

a woman running down a dirt road in the woods.

Venture through 549 acres of preserved land at Pheasant Branch Conservancy. More than 300 acres are within Middleton city limits and all of it is accessible from various access points. Bird watchers love the conservancy, as well as photographers and nature lovers of all kinds. The Pheasant Branch Creek flows through the center with paths crossing several scenic bridges.

Walk, hike or bike different trails through the conservancy, as well as trails throughout the city. See more about trails here.

Dine on a patio

a man and a woman sitting at a table with drinks.

Of Middleton's more than 70 restaurants and cafes, many offer patio seating so guests are able to take in the great outdoors with some even greater flavors. Listen to birds singing or watch the sunset all while enjoying Middleton's extensive food scene.

Enjoy a sweet treat

a couple of drinks sitting on top of a table

Searching out a cold, sweet treat is never a bad idea, especially when summer days get warm. Whether looking for a dessert or just a mid-day snack, Middleton has multiple places to enjoy delicious ice cream. Discover where to get your next scoop here.

Honor Memorial Day at a nearby ceremony

a field full of american flags with the sun in the background.

Just a short 15-20 minute drive from downtown Middleton, the Madison Veterans Council is hosting an annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Union Rest in Forest Hills Cemetery. The program will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, May 29, 2023 and will honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military and all of Dane County Veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day. Learn more here.

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Middleton hosts nine hotel properties, all minutes from downtown and accessible to the Beltline (which can take you to downtown Madison in less than 15 minutes). Check out our hotels now!

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