One of the best parts of picnics is how low maintenance they can be. A successful picnic only requires two significant decisions – location and food. Below are a few recommendations for hosting a picnic in Middleton.

Step 1: Pick a Location

Depending on the size of your party, multiple parks in Middleton offer covered shelter spaces that can be reserved up to a year in advance. View a complete list of parks that offer shelter reservations below. More information on shelter reservations can be found here.

• Lakeview Park: 6300 Mendota Avenue

From three playgrounds and a free splash pad, to a scenic pond with ADA-accessible piers for fishing, to multiple walking trails and plenty of picnic space, as well as a baseball diamond, tennis courts and soccer fields, this 80-acre park offers something fun for all ages to enjoy. Lakeview Park has multiple rental space options suited for all party types, including a larger pavilion shelter (with open public restrooms) with both indoor and outdoor facilities as well as a small shelter. There is also a gazebo, perfect for a small group to grab some shade and enjoy lunch, and plenty of picnic tables.

• Orchid Heights: 3960 Valley Ridge Road

This park is located on Middleton’s far north side and offers easy access to Pheasant Branch Conservancy’s trail system. Orchid Heights features excellent outdoor recreation areas, including a playground, baseball diamond, soccer fields, and basketball, softball, volleyball, and tennis courts. There are paved walkways that weave their way throughout the park, including Orchid Heights Conservancy Area and John C. Bock Community Forest. One covered shelter is available to reserve and multiple picnic tables for smaller groups.

• Parisi Park: 2405 Park Street

Parisi Park is adjacent to the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor, making it easy to hop on and off the conservancy’s trail system. The park offers a baseball/softball diamond, a playground for children ages 5 to 12, a rain garden and an ADA-accessible, porous asphalt trail that runs through the park. Reservations can be made for the park’s covered shelters. There are also multiple picnic tables available to use at any time.

• Harvey John & Lucille Taylor Memorial Park: 5280 Bishops Bay Parkway

This 10.2-acre park was named after two generous benefactors who donated their entire estate to allow the park to be built. This park is filled with an abundant amount of outdoor recreation facilities and equipment, including the largest Playworld System® playground as well as three full-size football fields, lacrosse fields, a basketball court, eight pickleball courts, walking paths, picnic areas and a shelter that is available to reserve. The playground, picnic areas, paths, parking and football areas are all ADA-accessible.

Pick a Table

On top of the multiple parks that offer shelters reservations, there are also plenty of picnic tables placed throughout Middleton at the following parks and green spaces:

• Middleton Hills Park, North, 6840 Ramsey Road
• Middleton Hills Park, South, 6805 Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue
• Middleton Ridge, 7100 Belle Fontaine Boulevard
• Parkside Heights, 3206 Ravine Drive
• Pheasant Branch Ridge Park, 6810 Whittlesey Road
• Stonefield Park, 6528 Clovernook Road
• Woodside Heights Park, 7202 Voss Parkway

Downtown

• Stone Horse Green, 7550 Hubbard Avenue (bistro tables and picnic tables)
• Terrace Avenue Pavilion, 7733 Terrace Ave (covered picnic tables)
• Outside Middleton City Hall, 7426 Hubbard Ave (uncovered picnic tables)

Step 2: Pick a Meal

Picking out the right food for a picnic is almost as important as picking out a location. Whether your group prefers takeout from a local restaurant or a large spread from a local grocery store, meat market or farmers market, Middleton has plenty of great food options.

Here are some picnic food options to consider:

• Order takeout from one of Middleton’s local restaurants or cafés

Middleton is home to more than 70 restaurants and cafés, many offering great takeout options for a picnic. No matter what side of town you plan to have your picnic, there’s sure to be a restaurant ready to serve up some delicious takeout food, such as Gino’s Italian Deli if you’re in the mood for subs or Longtable Beer Cafe or Poke Bar if you’re hitting up some live music at Stone Horse Green.

• Greenway Station Farmers Market

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday starting early May through the first week in October, the Greenway Station Farmers Market offers farm-fresh produce and local goodies, including veggies, fruits, nuts and honey, cheese, baked goods and more. This market offers various local food options that will make your picnic experience spectacular.

• UW Provision –The Meat Market

Whether you’re looking to grill out or build a charcuterie board with local meats and cheeses, The UW Provision Meat Market has you covered. The Meat Market is stocked daily with a variety of products, including fresh and frozen meat, cheese products, pasta and potato salads, hamburger and hot dog buns, desserts, chips, soda, alcoholic beverages and condiments—what else could you need for the perfect cookout?

• Gino’s Italian Deli

This family-owned deli offers fresh, gourmet and specialty deli and grocery items that are perfect for adding to any picnic—especially if you’re going for an Italian charcuterie board theme. This deli also offers a large selection of made-to-order salads and sandwiches, pre-cooked meatballs and trays of frozen lasagna.

There are also multiple local groceries to stop at in Middleton to pick up your picnic essentials, including Willy Street Co-op and Metro Market; both markets have deli bars and plenty of to-go options including rotisserie chicken, freshly-made salads and sandwiches, and a variety of meats, cheeses and baked breads to build a charcuterie board.

Here are just some of the events happening in Middleton this summer (2023). Check out our calendar of events page for more.

Reoccurring/On-Going Events

Greenway Station Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Thursday, now through Oct. 5

Get your share of farm-fresh produce and local goodies at Middleton’s Greenway Station Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday. From in-season produce, beautiful flowers, squeaky cheese curds, fresh meat and poultry products, homemade baked goods, and local honey, jam and maple syrup — this market has a little bit of everything to purchase and enjoy locally.

Live Music at Capital Brewery & Bier Garten, 6 to 10 p.m., every Friday through Oct. 6

On Friday nights, head to Capital Brewery for a refreshing brew and live music in the Bier Garten. Music starts at 6 p.m., but patrons are welcome to grab a beer and one of the many picnic tables in front of the performance stage beforehand. Guests are also encouraged to bring food in from one of Middleton’s many restaurants or enjoy vendors and food trucks when available on-site.

View the 2023 Capital Brewery Bier Garten music lineup here.

Summer StoryWalk®, June 10 through Aug. 27

Enjoy a story outdoors and downtown with the Middleton Public Library’s summer StoryWalk®, “Jabari Jumps.” Running through Aug. 27, this free activity takes children on a 22-stop reading adventure through downtown Middleton. Maps can be picked up at the Middleton Public Library or downloaded online.

Trivia Night at Stone Horse Green, 7 p.m. every Thursday in June

Put your knowledge to the test by competing in Outdoor Trivia Night at Stone Horse Green at 7 p.m. every Thursday in June at Stone Horse Green in downtown Middleton, an outdoor green space. This free trivia event encourages teams of all sizes to participate. The winning teams for first, second and third place receive gift cards from downtown Middleton businesses.

Live Music at Stone Horse Green

Starting mid-July on Thursday and occasionally Saturday nights, including July 29 and Aug 19, visitors and community members are invited to Stone Horse Green for live music performances. Guests can enjoy downtown Middleton’s beautiful green space while listening to live music. Various music genres are scheduled to perform this summer; visit Stone Horse Green’s event calendar for the most up-to-date music schedule.

June

Prairie Chase Run/Walk & A Celebration of Trails, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 24

The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, the City of Middleton Parks & Recreation and the Dane County Parks are putting on an all-day, trail-centric celebration at Peasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton. There will be a 10K/5K run/walk starting at 8 a.m. and family-friendly activities to celebrate National Trails Day in the afternoon. Learn more here.

July

Drums on Parade 2023, 7 to 10 p.m., July 1

Enjoy live music over the Fourth of July weekend with stellar marching music performances at Middleton High School’s Otto Breitenbach Stadium. From 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, the Drum Corps International regional members will compete at Drums on Parade, the group’s annual regional competition. Learn more here.

Fourth of July at the Pool, 1 to 4 p.m., July 4

If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off in between your Fourth of July celebrations, from 1 to 4 p.m., head on over to Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center for its Fourth of July Pool Party. This family-friendly event features fun games, contests and concession specials that are sure to make a splash with the whole family.

EAA Pancake Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. to noon, July 9

Drive or fly in for the EAA Chapter 93 Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, July 9, for the annual pancake breakfast at Morey Airport. On top of all-you-can-eat pancakes, attendees can also enjoy eggs, sausage, cinnamon rolls, coffee, milk and orange juice. There will also be planes and first responders’ vehicles on display. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Bogey Boogie -Annual Golf Outing, July 19

The Middleton Chamber’s Bogey Boogie Golf Outing is an annual event held at Pleasant View Golf Course every July. This event begins at 10 a.m. and will welcome more than 300 golf enthusiasts to compete in 18 holes of golf. Registration for this event is full, but those interested can put their name on a waiting list. 

Summer Shop & Stroll, July 20-23

Get your shopping shoes on and head to downtown Middleton for a weekend of sidewalk sales, trunk shows and food and drink specials. There will also be programming throughout the weekend at Stone Horse Green. Enjoy live music at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, and a 15-minute “shopping-style” yoga class at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 23. Learn more here.

Rock the Ramp, 5 to 10 p.m., July 21

Come Rock the Ramp at Capital Flight from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 21. This free event takes place at Morey Field in Middleton and is the world’s largest pre-OSH (Oshkosh Air Show) fly-in bash. There will be planes, food trucks, an aerobatic airshow, live music, silent auctions, raffles, family-friendly activities and a surprise evening close-out event. All proceeds from the auction benefit the Badger Honor Flight.

August

National Mustard Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 5

The National Mustard Museum in downtown Middleton paints the town YELLOW every year on National Mustard Day (always the first Saturday in August). They have planned many fun activities, games and live music this year. This quirky festival is family-friendly and lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cruise-in, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 12

Enjoy an auto show like no other at Capital Flight’s third Cruise-In. This event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Middleton Municipal Airport; all proceeds are given to Cars Curing Kids, a pediatric research fund at the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison. There will be food trucks, live music, family-friendly activities, judged awards, a silent auction and plenty of planes and cars to view.

Roll & Stroll for Pancreas Cancer, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 13

Grab your running shoes, walking sticks, set of wheels, or whatever you’d like – Roll & Stroll is back for its 10th annual fundraising event for Pancreas Cancer. To register and participate, choose your course type (walk, run or bike) and create a fundraising goal. There will be a post-event celebration with live music, food, raffles and games.

Good Neighbor Festival, Aug. 25-27

Middleton’s longest-running festival, Good Neighbor Festival, is back for its 60th year. This two-day celebration features a carnival, 5K run/walk, parade, art fair, live music, food and more. Each year, this festival raises money to fund programs in the area and is 100 percent organized and run by volunteers. This year’s theme is “Diamond Jubilee.”

FESTIVITIES AND FIREWORKS

If you enjoy celebrating the U.S. by getting on your feet and dancing to the beat, then from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, head on over to Middleton High School’s Otto Breitenbach Stadium for Drums on Parade, a stellar marching music performance and regional competition put on by Drum Corps International.

You’ll be in for a good time if you decide to spend part of your Fourth of July weekend at Pleasant View Golf Course. For the entire weekend, Pleasant View has fun activities and specials planned. Whether you want to get out with the whole family, enjoy a fish fry before or after hitting up the par 3 course or tee up 18 holes with a cart included for only $29.95, there’s something for all to enjoy on the course over the Fourth.

The City of Middleton does not host a fireworks show — partly because there are so many places to take in the festivities around us! Follow this link to see the various scheduled festivals and fireworks events happening over the Fourth of July weekend just a short drive away!

LAKE LIFE

There are several ways to get onto Lake Mendota in Middleton, we even have a rental shop in case you don’t have or can’t bring your own boat!

Open docks: Marshall Park and Mendota County Park in nearby Westport.

Rentals: Marshall Boats rents pontoon boats, kayaks (singles and tandem), paddleboards (singles and doubles), and canoes. Marshall Boats also offers events, group rentals and private parties at its rooftop patio.

CAMPING

Mendota County Park is located just off of County Road M in the Town of Westport — which shares a border with Middleton (it’s about 10-15 minutes from Downtown Middleton).

The park has a 30-unit campground and a 5-unit boat camping area. Each site has a 30-amp electrical hook-up. Services include bathroom and shower facilities and a dump station. Mendota County Park also offers two shelter facilities, unsupervised swimming area with an accessible swimming ramp, volleyball courts, play equipment and a shallow launch for small boats, kayaks and canoes. This park, located a few miles southwest of Governor Nelson State Park, is also a designated lake access site from December through March.

SPLASH PADS & POOLS

One of Middleton’s most beloved family attractions in the summertime is the free Splash Pad at Lakeview Park. The Splash Pad is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and is located in the beautiful Lakeview Park.

Another great way to get in the water is the Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center, which features a zero-depth pool, eight-lane competition pool, a diving well, waterslides, interactive water play equipment, a sand playground and a concession stand. From 1-4 p.m. on July 4, the aquatic center will be hosting a special Fourth of July Pool Party that will include fun games, contests and concession specials, learn more here.

PICNIC AREAS

All of Middleton’s parks have open picnic areas. If looking for a spot to set up a picnic, check out the City’s Parks & Rec site for more information, as well as reservation information for larger groups. Book your reservation before it’s too late! 

HIT THE TRAILS

Sometimes you just need an excuse to slow down during the busy holiday weekend and enjoy nature, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is the perfect excuse. The conservancy offers more than 500 acres of protected prairie land with well-kept trails that can be accessed from various points throughout Middleton. Find trails — for both hiking and biking — and scenic views of the creek, bridges, birds and more.

DINING/SHOPPING

With more than 70 restaurants and cafes and more than 50 places to shop, you will not get bored in Middleton. Dining in Middleton is made up of a variety of cuisines including Indian, Cajun, Mexican, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Mediterranean and more — there is truly something for everyone! Discover our delicious dining scene here.

Don’t forget to stop by The National Mustard Museum, home to nearly 6,000 mustards from around the world. Sample some of the most popular mustard brands at the tasting bar and shop around the gift shop for quirky souvenirs.

You won’t want to miss out on visiting Middleton’s award-winning craft brewery, Capital Brewery & Bier Garten. On Friday nights during the summer, the Bier Garten hosts live music on its performance stage, view the 2023 Bier Garten music lineup here.

FIND LODGING

Middleton is home to nine hotel properties, all minutes from downtown and accessible from the Beltline (which can take you to downtown Madison in less than 15 minutes). Check out our hotels and book your stay today!

MAKE MIDDLETON YOUR HOME BASE

Middleton is conveniently located within an hour of multiple area attractions. Check out our custom illustrated regional map! Explore the area and come home to us!

Whether it’s gathering with friends on a pontoon on Lake Mendota, camping with family at Mendota County Park, or just enjoying the leisure life downtown — Middleton has everything you need for a fun and relaxing holiday weekend.

MIDDLETON, Wis. – Enjoy the weather, a walk and a wonderful story while visiting Middleton’s charming downtown.

The Middleton Public Library and Downtown Middleton Business Association have selected their summer StoryWalk®, “Jabari Jumps,” by Gaia Cornwall, starting June 10 and running through Aug. 27. All are invited to venture from stop to stop, while following along with Jabari as he overcomes his fears and makes the big jump.

Middleton has hosted StoryWalks® since 2020, allowing families to follow along with a story, page by page, by visiting 22 stops throughout Downtown Middleton. The stops will have an illustrated poster and can be viewable on a numbered map. Pick up a StoryWalk® map at the Middleton Public Library or download one online at www.downtownmiddleton.com/summerstorywalk.  

Some children will even receive their own copy of the book, while supplies last.

“Thanks to the Friends of the Middleton Public Library, we are able to offer a free book to the first 500 kids who stop by the Middleton Public Library and pick up their StoryWalk® map,” said Katie Ganser, head of youth services at Middleton Public Library.

If interested in donating toward the next StoryWalk® in Middleton, reach out to the Middleton Public Library at jsansing@midlibrary.org – not all StoryWalks® can afford to provide free books to children and donations to the program help make this possible.

​StoryWalk® is presented by Middleton Public Library, Downtown Middleton Business Association and Friends of the Middleton Public Library. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt., and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. ​StoryWalk® is a registered service mark.

For more information about Middleton’s StoryWalk®, please visit www.DowntownMiddleton.com.

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CONTACT: Andrea Van Nest, DMBA President, downtownmiddleton@gmail.com

CONTACT : Jocelyne Sansing, Library Director, Middleton Public Library, jsansing@midlibrary.org, 608-827-7425

Here are four reasons why we’re greener:

Middleton loves the outdoors

It’s our lush green spaces, extensive trails and blue waters that make it easy to want to be outdoors. In fact, more than 25 percent of the City of Middleton’s land is dedicated to outdoor, open spaces. Middleton is a place where bikers can spend the day, adventure seekers can traverse through 549 acres of protected conservancy land, water lovers can easily jump into Lake Mendota, golfers can play on an award-winning course with breathtaking view, and so much more.

Breath in the fresh air while visiting Greenway Station—a 41-acre open air shopping center, and spend some time in the completely walkable downtown shopping district of Middleton. Find shopping, restaurants and several stops on the Middleton Outdoor Art Trail or take a trip back in time to experience Middleton’s historic past by embarking on one of the Middleton Area Historical Society‘s walking or landmark tours.

And lastly, after your day of outdoor activity, we highly encourage finding a spot to kick back and enjoy an iced cold beverage and mouth-watering food while listening to live music and/or sitting on a patio.

No need to bring your car, we’ve got you connected

Middleton is also well connected via trail. With more than 27 miles of trails, it’s easy to take it all in without having to use a vehicle. Middleton’s community trails lead to playgrounds, recreation areas and pavilions, as well as nearby places to eat and shop. Explore an updated map of Middleton’s trails here.

If you do travel to Middleton with a vehicle, there are several electric vehicle public charging stations. Find a charging station that works for you:

• Downtown: 7428 Terrace Ave and 7428 Terrace Ave
• Greenway Station: 1611 Aspen Commons
• East Middleton: 6825 University Ave
• North Middleton: 8000 Airport Rd, 7185 High Rd and 6829 Co Rd K
  

We emphasize local produce

On top of our extensive food scene of more than 70-plus restaurants, we love eating food that is sourced locally. Whether that be by picking up produce at the Greenway Station Farmers Market for a homemade meal, or stopping at a local restaurant that features menu items made with locally-sourced ingredients, Middleton offers farm-fresh goodness.

Our community is committed

Much of Middleton’s ability to be a green city can be contributed to our community members strong dedication and desire to preserve and protect the environment and the city’s natural beauty. The City of Middleton has pledged to establish goals to meet 100% of their energy needs with renewable energy by 2040 and 100 percent of community-wide energy needs with renewable energy by 2050. From the leadership of the City of Middleton’s Sustainability Committee, to the Morey Field five-megawatt solar project that hosts 1.5 megawatts of solar power for the City of Middleton and the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, to Middleton’s Municipal Airpot, Morey Field, offering a fully unleaded aviation fuel option, all the way to local businesses and individual community members who are passionate about supporting climate change, Middleton is leading the way on becoming a greener city.

StoryWalk® adventures are back in Downtown Middleton.

Middleton Public Library and Downtown Middleton Business Association are teaming up once again to bring stories to life through an outdoor, interactive storytelling experience.

This spring’s StoryWalk® will feature the book “The Cars and Trucks Book,” by Todd Parr, which brings his trademark bright colors and bold lines in this book about cars, trucks, and occasionally buses.  This is Middleton’s ninth StoryWalk® and will take place March 24 through May 28.

“We wanted to find a way to include children and families in the excitement downtown with the new construction of Stone Horse Green — the downtown community space that is being built on Hubbard Avenue,” said Andrea Van Nest, DMBA president and co-owner of the Longtable Beer Cafe. “Using construction as our StoryWalk® theme and pairing it with a Hard Hat Club sounded like the perfect way to reach kids who love construction trucks and machinery and generate some excitement for the project.”

What is a StoryWalk®?

A StoryWalk® allows families to follow the book, page by page, by visiting 26 stops throughout Downtown Middleton. The stops will have an illustrated poster and can be viewable on a numbered map.

Pick up a StoryWalk® map at the Middleton Public Library or download one online here. A free copy of the book will be available to the first 500 kids.

And this spring, some children will even receive their own copy of the book.

“Thanks to the Friends of the Middleton Public Library, we are able to offer a free book to the first 500 kids who stop by the Middleton Public Library and pick up their StoryWalk® map,” said Katie Ganser, head of youth services at Middleton Public Library.

Want to support the library’s next StoryWalk®?

If interested in donating to the next StoryWalk®’s activities and book giveaways, please reach out to the Middleton Public Library at jsansing@midlibrary.org. Not all StoryWalks® can afford to provide free books to children; donations to the program help make this possible.

StoryWalk® is presented by Middleton Public Library and Downtown Middleton Business Association. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt., and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Not only does the city share a border with Lake Mendota and the state capital, but it’s home to an award-winning golf course, 519-acres of conservancy land, multiple parks, 70 dining spots, 55 shops and 27 miles of trails for biking and hiking.

Come stay and play in Middleton!

Villa Dolce Cafe

eats & treats: something for everyone

If Middleton had a best-kept secret it would be its food scene. There are 70 restaurants, cafes and ice cream spots in Middleton with specialties ranging from Wisconsin fare to international cuisine.

Here’s a look Middleton restaurants by name or by category. Check in to see what they all offer!

Not in the mood for a whole meal? Pick up some snacks from the National Mustard Museum & Gourmet Gift Shop and pair it with a craft beer from Capital Brewery or a hard cider from Hidden Cave Cidery, both of which are sold at grocery stores and convenience stores in the area.

End the day with ice cream from Chocolate Shoppe, Cold Stone Creamery, Culver’s, Hubbard Avenue Diner, and Villa Dolce, just to name a few!

Longtable Beer Cafe

beer, wine & cocktails

Looking for something to drink at your picnic? In addition to Capital Brewery and Hidden Cave Cidery, a must-see stop is Longtable Beer Cafe, which showcases more than 300 kinds of beer in its self-serve cooler, so it’s easy to build your own six-pack.

World of Beer also offers more than 500 kinds of beer on tap or by bottle, located near Greenway Station, this pub is also a fun place to take in a game.

Wine lovers shouldn’t miss Grape Water Wine Bar, which is open for serving, as well as offers sidewalk seating.

If you’re looking for a bottle of wine (or spirits, coffee or beer), stop by Barriques in downtown Middleton. Make sure to check out their local/area section.

Lakeview Park

pretty enough for a picnic

Middleton has lots of beautiful places to enjoy a picnic, including dozens of parks and vast nature areas like Pheasant Branch Conservancy.

If looking to enjoy an adult beverage at your picnic, you’re in luck—as long as you don’t bring glassware, you can sip cocktails, beer and wine at Lakeview Park, Firemen’s Park and Stone Horse Green (opening in late September).

Pheasant Branch Conservancy trails

OUTDOORS – BY LAND

Looking to get a little playtime in before or after your picnic? There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Middleton, from pet-friendly spots like the MRD Dog Exercise Area to scenic recreation options like Pleasant View Golf Course.

Here are a few more outdoor spots to explore:

• Pheasant Branch Conservancy
• Marshall Boats (boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals)
• Firefighters Memorial Park
• Harvey John & Lucille Taylor Memorial Park
• Firemen’s Park Trail
• Lake Street Boat Launch
• Lakeview Park
• Middleton Community Dog Park
• Middleton Bike Park
• Orchid Heights Park
• Penni Klein Park
• Quarry Skate Park
• Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center

Learn more about Middleton’s outdoor recreation options here.

Paddle-boarders on Lake Mendota/Marshall Boat Rentals

OUTDOORS – or BY SEA

Get out on the water at Marshall Boats, located in Marshall Park by Lake Mendota. Marshall rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and pontoon boats! Marshall Boats is open (summer hours) from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Fall hours will be  11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, beginning Sept. 5 (2023).

Have your own boat? No problem — check out  the Lake Street Boat Launch has street parking for your trailer and the pier is ADA-accessible.

Cozy places to stay

Middleton is home to eight (soon to be NINE) hotel properties! Check out our locations — many are offering deals! Special hotel packages are also available.

ANCHO & AGAVE

Enjoy one of their many house-made signature salsas and 12 kinds of margaritas indoors or on their lovely patio. This fairly new restaurant to Middleton is located in Greenway Station, with ample parking and all the classics on their menu. Reservations not necessary but can be made online.

1847 AT THE STAMM HOUSE

The Stamm House, built in 1847, has served the Middleton community as a service station, hotel and tavern, speakeasy during the prohibition, supper club, and now a staple Middleton restaurant.

Barriques

Enjoy breakfast or lunch at Barriques in downtown Middleton. Located on the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Cayuga Street, Barriques has a wrap-around sidewalk café to begin your day off right. Serving a wide variety of drinks from coffee, tea, non-alcoholic, alcoholic and blended. Hours are Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

BIAGGI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO

Casual Italian restaurant offering affordable house-made and imported pastas, soups & salads, pizza, seafood, steaks and desserts, as well as an extensive wine list and full bar.

BRISTLED BOAR SALOON & GRILL

The Bristled Boar features numerous large televisions with satellite TV, two pool tables, two dart boards and a full sand volleyball court.

Capital Brewery & Bier Garten

Capital Brewery & Bier Garten in downtown Middleton is a not-so-secret treasure. Middleton residents flock to the large outdoor space during good weather and cozy up to the bar in the winter. There is usually live music Friday nights and folks are encouraged to sit down at one of the picnic tables, enjoy a fresh pint of Cap-Brew and you’re welcome to carry or order in! Summer hours include: Sunday: noon-5 p.m.; Monday: closed; Tuesday-Thursday: 4-9 p.m.; Friday: 3-10 p.m.; Saturday: noon-9 p.m.

C’S RESTAURANT & BAKERY

C’s Restaurant & Bakery serves a full breakfast and lunch, as well as a great bakery.

Compadre’s Mexican Restaurant

Compadre’s Mexican Restaurant moved to a new location in 2022 and now has covered outdoor seating available.

CRAFTSMAN TABLE & TAP

Craftsman Table and Tap is a friendly neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Middleton. Its private patio is a comfortable place to enjoy a meal, or book an event!

CULVER’S

Culver’s is a Wisconsin chain offering famous Butter Burgers, sandwiches, fries, frozen custard, and more!

DHABA INDIAN BISTRO

Dhaba Indian Bistro offers fine & classic Indian food at competitive prices. The lunch and dinner menus offer excellent options, as well as a daily lunch buffet, that reflects the best features in Indian cuisine.

THE FREE HOUSE PUB

Cozy gastropub offering sandwiches, burgers & bites. Also boasts a large beer, wine, cocktail, and whiskey menu, within a cozy setting and an outdoor patio. Open for lunch and dinner.

FUJI SUSHI & HIBACHI

High energy and entertaining hibachi dining experience, with unmatched seafood, steak and other Japanese cuisine options.

GINO’S ITALIAN DELI

Classic Italian deli offering salads, submarine sandwiches, pasta sauces, lasagna, meatballs and Italian sausage, all made in-house daily.

Grace Coffee Co.

Located on the corner of Parmenter Street and Hubbard Avenue, Grace Coffee Co. serves up specialty coffees and teas and craft cocktails, along with delicious bakery items and a breakfast and lunch menu. Enjoy your meal outdoors on their sidewalk café which wraps around the corner. Hours are Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Grape Water Wine Bar

Grape Water Wine Bar invites customers to enjoy a glass of wine in or outside their establishment. Enjoy their sidewalk café all summer and into the fall!

HIDDEN CAVE CIDERY

Hidden Cave Cidery is a brand new business opened in Middleton in summer 2021. The cidery offers ciders entirely made from Wisconsin-grown apples. The outdoor patio is open to enjoy a glass of hard cider and one of their signature cheese boards. Guests are also allowed to bring their own food in (to the patio) to enjoy.

HUBBARD AVENUE DINER

The ultimate classic diner, serving classics like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, as well as innovative sandwiches, salads and entrees. Famous for their delicious pies!

JOHNNY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE

Italian Steakhouse, specializing in quality steaks, chops, seafood, and many other Italian specialties.

Longtable Beer Cafe

Longtable Beer Cafe serves beer on tap and has a cooler of more than 300 kinds to choose from, and that’s not all! Enjoy a craft burger, frites or charcuterie board at one of their custom long tables or outdoors on the patio. You can reserve firepits, as well.

LUPE’S TAQUERIA

Casual counter service taqueria, offering burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more, all made with fresh ingredients and fast and friendly service.

MID TOWN PUB

Middleton’s lakeside neighborhood bar and grill. American grub with vegetarian options and weekly lunch and dinner specials, including an award-winning fish fry.

MIDDLETON SPORT BOWL

Sports bar and bowling alley with 10 bowling lanes and bumper bowling for kids! A multi-level sports bar, with many HDTVs and four big screens, so you can enjoy the big game!

MONK’S BAR & GRILL

A neighborhood bar and grill offering a full menu with daily food and drink specials, all within a family-friendly environment.

NITTY GRITTY

A family and group-friendly restaurant and bar, known as the “Official Birthday Place and Home of the Famous Gritty Burger.”

NOODLES & COMPANY

A fast, casual restaurant, specializing in noodle dishes, soups, and salads inspired from around the world.

PAUL’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & RESTAURANT

Local, neighborhood bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as daily food and drink specials. Happy Hour offered Monday-Friday, 4 -7 p.m.

PRAIRIE CAFE & BAKERY

A local café and bakery, offering breakfast, lunch, and daily bakery specials. Everything, from the soups to the salads to the fresh bakery items, are made in-house daily!

Scooter’s

Scooter’s Coffee is a dine-in and drive-thru coffee shop on University Avenue. Stop by and take advantage of one of its outdoor tables.

Starbucks

Middleton has two Starbucks locations — Greenway Boulevard and Allen Boulevard — and they each offer at least a small outdoor patio.

SOFRA FAMILY BISTRO

A family-friendly restaurant, serving authentic Albanian-American cuisine. Here, you will find award-winning homemade Albanian sausages served with eggs for breakfast, in a burger form for lunch and alongside Albanian entrées for dinner.

TAKARA 88

Takara 88 offers delicious Japanese dining and takeout. Takara 88 has been recognized for its outstanding Sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine, while providing excellent service and friendly staff.

TANNER’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & GRILL

Sports bar serving lunch and dinner, featuring specialty burgers, chicken lips, charred chicken wings, Booga Mania, amazing specials and a great view of any TV.

VILLA DOLCE

An artisan pizzeria and gelateria, offering great food in a relaxed environment, all located within downtown Middleton.

THE VILLAGE GREEN

A family-friendly and locally owned, old-fashioned tavern in Middleton. The Village Green has been proudly serving customers throughout Dane County since June of 1976.

WILLY STREET CO-OP WEST

Featuring high-quality natural, organic and locally-produced foods that you can enjoy in-store or grab and go!

1. Rent a Boat at Marshall Boats.

Explore Lake Mendota on a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or pontoon by visiting Marshall Boats on Allen Boulevard. Marshall Boats is open (summer hours) from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you want to get out on the lake with a group, you can rent a pontoon boat that holds up to 12 people. Marshall Boats also offers events, group rentals and private parties at its rooftop patio.

2. Relax in Mendota County Park

Find a tranquil place to enjoy a scenic lake view in Mendota County Park & Campground. The park has a swimming area, a launch for small boats, and picnic facilities. There’s also a campground for people who want to spend more time in the park. The park is located off County Road M, near the intersection of County Roads Q and M on the northern shore of Lake Mendota.

3. Launch an adventure at the Marshall Park

Whether you’ve got a kayak strapped to the roof of your car or hauling a fishing boat on a trailer, Marshall Park (which is in Middleton but under Madison management) is a great place to launch your own boat. There are bathroom facilities and parking available, and a minimal fee.

Other aquatic options

If looking to get in some water time outside of Lake Mendota, Middleton has a few other wonderful places with water to explore. Here are a few other ways to enjoy the water in Middleton:

• Take a hike along the soothing Pheasant Branch Creek at Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
• Cool off at the Splash Pad at Lakeview Park; closed for the 2023 season but will reopen in late May 2024.
• Enjoy the interactive water equipment and waterslides at the Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, open until Aug. 20, 2023.

StoryWalk® adventures are back in Downtown Middleton.

Middleton Public Library and Downtown Middleton Business Association are teaming up once again to bring stories to life through an outdoor, interactive storytelling experience.

This summer’s StoryWalk® will feature the book “Dump Truck Disco,” by Skye Silver, and tells the story of Dump Truck Daisy and friends who are on a secret nighttime mission to build a playground.  This is Middleton’s sixth StoryWalk® and will take place June 1 through Aug. 31.

It will also kick off DMBA’s new children’s Hard Hat Club.

“We wanted to find a way to include children and families in the excitement downtown with the new construction of Stone Horse Green — the downtown community space that is being built on Hubbard Avenue,” said Andrea Van Nest, DMBA president and co-owner of the Longtable Beer Cafe. “Using construction as our StoryWalk® theme and pairing it with a Hard Hat Club sounded like the perfect way to reach kids who love construction trucks and machinery and generate some excitement for the project.”

What is a StoryWalk®?

A StoryWalk® allows families to follow the book, page by page, by visiting 22 stops throughout Downtown Middleton. The stops will have an illustrated poster and can be viewable on a numbered map. Pick up a StoryWalk® map at the Middleton Public Library or download one online at midlibrary.org/children and www.downtownmiddleton.com/storywalk.

And this summer, some children will even receive their own copy of the book.

“Thanks to the Friends of the Middleton Public Library, this summer we are able to offer a free book to the first 425 kids who stop by the Middleton Public Library and pick up their StoryWalk® map,” said Katie Ganser, head of youth services at Middleton Public Library.

How to become a member of the DMBA children’s Hard Hat Club:

The first 100 children to register for the Hard Hat Club will receive a membership card, hard hat and goody bag donated by Daniel’s Construction. Members will receive exclusive offers, construction-themed stickers, activity sheets, and other items, as well as advance notice of special events throughout the summer from DMBA and municipal partners. To register, parents and caregivers can text HARDHATCLUB to 22828. Membership kits can also be picked up at several locations downtown. Click here for full details. There is no cost to join.

Want to support the library’s next StoryWalk®?

If interested in donating toward the next StoryWalk®’s activities and book giveaways, please reach out to the Middleton Public Library at kaganser@midlibrary.org. Not all StoryWalks® can afford to provide free books to children and donations to the program help make this possible.

Safety guidelines: Please practice social distancing during your StoryWalk®, giving others six feet of space, and follow Dane County Public Health guidelines regarding COVID-19, including staying home if sick or presenting symptoms.

StoryWalk® is presented by Middleton Public Library and Downtown Middleton Business Association. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt., and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

The course is located just seven minutes from downtown Middleton, five minutes from Greenway Station, and about 20 minutes from downtown Madison. Pleasant View is open to residents and visitors — just make sure to book your tee time in advance. At this time, the course isn’t accepting walk-ups.

Follow Pleasant View Golf Course on Facebook and Instagram

Pleasant View Golf Course

The course

Pleasant View Golf Course provides a complete golfing experience. Enjoy 27 holes of well-maintained, championship golf, a nine-hole scenic par 3 course and an outstanding practice range. The course was awarded Gold in Madison Magazine’s Best of Golf Courses for 2018, 2019 and 2020 and Silver in 2021.

The scenery

Mature trees and prairies line much of the course with native wildflowers framing some of the fairways.

The view

The golf course gets its name for a reason. Situated about 300 feet above Lake Mendota, higher points of the course offer views going on for miles, including the state capitol building in downtown Madison.

Pleasant View Golf Course

The patio

Relax with friends on a newly remodeled patio with two fire pits, just off the clubhouse. The patios feature comfortable gathering spaces and WiFi.

The Goat Hill Grill

The Goat Hill Grill is open for outdoor seating — weather permitting — and there is a full-service bar. The grill offers Wisconsin bar fare such as cheese curds, fried pickle spears, burgers, sandwiches, and more. The Grill also serves light breakfast options — like English muffins and bagels — and the heartier Hole-N-One breakfast, all before 11 a.m. See a menu here.

With Pheasant Branch Conservancy to the north, Pleasant View Golf Course to the west, Lake Mendota to the east, and sharing its southwestern borders with the city of Madison, Middleton has something to offer every traveler while also providing nearly 70 dining and 55 shopping opportunities and more than 1,150 hotel rooms, as well as the area’s largest convention center hotel.

Click here to view all our parks and trails and here to view Middleton’s newest map of trails!

In summer 2020, Middleton partnered with the cities of Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie and Verona to create Explore Outdoor Madison — an interactive one-stop shop to see the best the area has to offer in outdoor experiences.

Click here to explore Middleton’s Pheasant Branch Conservancy and to see all the outdoor spaces in the Middleton/Madison area!

Here are Middleton’s outdoor locations:

• Pheasant Branch Conservancy
• Pleasant View Golf Course
• Firefighters Memorial Park
• Harvey John & Lucille Taylor Memorial Park
• Firemen’s Park Trail
• Lake Mendota: Marshall Boats
• Lake Street Boat Launch
• Lakeview Park (photo shown above)
• Middleton Community Dog Park
• Middleton Bike Park
• Orchid Heights Park
• Penni Klein Park
• Quarry Skate Park
• Walter Bauman Aquatic Center

Walking paths and boardwalks run throughout the property, making it easy to explore the woodlands, wetlands and fields that make up the conservancy.

The birdwatching at Pheasant Branch Conservancy is outstanding. During the spring, hundreds of species of birds visit the conservancy, including Sandhill Cranes, warblers, wading birds, hawks and more.

Accessing the conservancy is easy. You’ll find entrances at regular intervals around the border of the property, with several parking areas as well as convenient street parking.

Don’t let spring pass you by! Get out there and take a walk.

Learn more about the Pheasant Branch Conservancy.

Kevin Bagstad, general manager of Capital Brewery & Bier Garten in downtown Middleton.

Capital Brewery was founded in 1984 in the former Mazo Egg Factory by local businessmen who wanted to bring German-style beer to Middleton. It’s been a fixture in the community since 1986 when it brewed its very first beers, Special Pilsner and Munich Dark.

More than three decades and 240 awards and accolades later, you can still find Capital brewing those same two beers, plus a dozen more canned and bottled and a dozen-plus on tap. The cans and bottles are produced in Stevens Point so the Middleton facility can focus exclusively on draft beer and its new seven-barrel system, which allows them to brew a large variety with some beers being sold exclusively at the brewery.

“We noticed everyone else was trying to play big ball and expand their facilities and expand their distribution and, in our mind, it’s a race to the bottom,” said Kevin Bagstad, general manager of Capital Brewery for the past five years. “We decided to go the other way and play small ball, focusing on our customers here and doing events and selling more beer out of this facility.”

But when the pandemic struck, the brewery made the tough choice to close its bar and indoor spaces for nearly a year, only opening its Bier Garten to a limited capacity (weather permitting) with patrons socially distanced at picnic tables spread out over the facility.

They focused on maintenance projects, direct beer sales, online beer and cheese tasting events, and hiring a new brewmaster, Tanner Brethorst. Brethorst is formerly of Port Huron Brewing Company in Wisconsin Dells, and a staff brewer at Capital Brewery from 2008-2010.

“He’s known as the nicest brewer in Wisconsin. He’s excited to get on the seven-barrel system and try all sorts of new things,” Bagstad said. “When you do small batch stuff, it’s endless what you can do. We make small batch seltzers on it now, and we only sell them here. And with the IPA craze, you can try all kinds of crazy stuff.”

When it was time to reopen the Bier Garten in the late spring of 2021, to say the Middleton community was ready is an understatement.

“They were excited. Really excited … we had brewed a bunch of new beers, so we had 25 beers on tap and seltzers. People were just so excited,” he said. “There’s probably a group of 20-25 that are here on a pretty regular basis, all really good friends. We have a lot of support from the locals. The Middleton community is great.”

Capital’s Bier Garten was a lifesaver for the brewery, allowing people to mix and mingle together again safely outdoors. The summer booked quickly with weddings, rehearsal dinners, and corporate events. It’s a beautiful spot to take in the bands on Friday night or enjoy a beer with friends on a warm Saturday afternoon, but according to Bagstad, the Bier Garten had humble beginnings.

“It used to just be a grass patch out there, with a cooler up against a wall and a tent,” he said. “Next door was a farmhouse, there wasn’t much to downtown back then.”

Now, as they continue sprucing up the building, creating a new, more interactive tour and converting the gift shop into a brand new museum to showcase the brewery’s history, the future is looking brighter than ever for Capital.

“We want it to be the gem of Middleton,” Bagstad said.

They’ll continue to partner with local bars and restaurants to provide their draft beers and in turn, encourage customers to bring in food from those same spots to enjoy in the brewery alongside a cold Capital favorite. They’re also working with local hotels to offer packages that include Capital beer and merch along with an overnight stay.

The Bier Stube inside is open for fall/winter hours and Capital hopes to unveil its new museum and resume tours soon.

Capital Brewery
www.capitalbrewery.com
7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton, WI
608-836-7100
capbrew@capitalbrewery.com

What is Pheasant Branch Conservancy?

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a 549-acre protected natural area in Middleton that’s home to an open-water marsh, springs, prairies, meadows, lowland forest and wooded hills. The conservancy’s wetlands and several springs — as well as Pheasant Branch Creek — provide fresh water for Lake Mendota. It’s also home to a wide variety of animals, including deer, sandhill cranes, songbirds and frogs.

Where is it?

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is located on the northern edge of Middleton, off County Highway M (Century Avenue). Parking is available at two smaller lots along Pheasant Branch Drive on the west side of the conservancy or in the larger lot at Orchid Heights Park, which has easy access to Pheasant Branch’s trail system.

Another alternative is to park in the lot on Branch Street and Century Avenue and take the Pheasant Branch Trail into the conservancy.

When is Pheasant Branch Conservancy open?

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

What can you do there?

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is home to several miles of multi-use and hiking trails, including a 3.3-mile main loop that circles the majority of the property. The multi-use trails feature a mix of paved and unpaved segments and are popular among bikers, who can connect to the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail and Middleton’s other great biking options for a longer ride.

Walk up Frederick’s Hill on the northern edge of the conservancy to reach an observation platform that overlooks the marsh and several Native American effigy mounds. Near the southeastern end of the hill, you’ll find another observation platform that offers a view of Frederick Springs, one of two large sets of springs at the property—every day, these springs send more than 2.6 million gallons of freshwater into the marsh and Lake Mendota.

Birdwatching and wildlife viewing are also popular activities in the conservancy.

When’s the best time of year to visit Pheasant Branch Conservancy?

It all depends on what you want to do. Hiking and biking are great options in spring, summer and fall. Birdwatching opportunities — Pheasant Branch is a fabulous place to see cranes, herons, hawks and songbirds—are abundant during the spring and fall migrations, and summer is a perfect time for a sunset hike. In winter, Pheasant Branch is home to a designated snowshoeing trail.

***Temporary trail closure along the Conservancy’s west side due to bald eagle nest. Please respect the closure and explore alternative routes. Eagles are sensitive to human and canine presence and may abandon the nest if disturbed. (Updated: 12/13/2024)

Here are some reasons why Middleton’s trails are so special:

• Middleton’s Pheasant Branch Conservancy features 549 acres of beautiful woods, prairie and wetlands.
• Community trails lend to activities such as mountain biking, road biking, hiking, bird watching and more. In the winter, hit the trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking!
• Most trails are dog friendly – just make sure to bring a leash for your four-legged friend.
• Middleton’s community trails lead to playgrounds, recreation areas and pavilions. One trail leads to an ADA accessible kayak/canoe port on Middleton’s peaceful Graber Pond.
• There are wayfinding signs on Middleton’s trails that will help you discover nearby places to eat and shop.
• Click here to see an updated map of Middleton’s trails.

Explore Middleton’s trails and conservancies and discover why it’s the middle things that make us special.

Location

The Splash Pad is a part of Lakeview Park on Middleton’s east side. Located at 6300 Mendota Avenue, Lakeview Park is Middleton’s largest community park, a pleasant green space near Lake Mendota. See a video of the splash pad here.

Hours

The Splash Pad is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. On warm summer afternoons, it’s a popular place, but it’s expansive enough to entertain large groups of kids. The Splash Pad is closed for the 2023 season and will reopen in late May 2024.

Cost

The Splash Pad is completely free! It was constructed with generous grants from the Madison Community Foundation and American Girl Fund for Children.

Near the pad

Lakeview Park has a lot to offer families. There’s an adjacent playground, shelter and picnic area that’s good for families to relax after some time in the water. The park features a variety of other recreational opportunities, including a playing field, three playground areas for children ages 5 to 12, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, soccer fields, LifeTrail Exercise Stations and hiking trails. There are also ADA-accessible piers that can be used for fishing.

Longtable Beer Cafe is named after its expansive communal tables, which were crafted with reclaimed barn wood from New Glarus. The long tables anchor this downtown Middleton establishment, which is a cafe and restaurant, a bottle shop and a tasting room.

It’s a place where people gather to share great food, drinks and laughs, and it’s a place that’s built around community.

“First and foremost, the community is what we are and what we do,” said Andrea Van Nest, who co-owns the cafe with her husband Matt. “It makes us who we are.”

So when the pandemic hit, the cafe faced a challenge: how to keep this community alive?

Both Van Nests have an extensive business background — Andrea has a marketing research consulting business and they also own a successful Madison restaurant, Brasserie V. They found some solutions that not only kept Longtable running through some difficult months, but also helped the greater Middleton community.

First, they launched an online ordering system so customers could easily place carryout orders. When winter approached, they added firepit tables to the patio so people could safely enjoy Longtable’s food outside on cool days.

“Throughout all of it, our customers stayed supportive,” Andrea said. “The firepit tables were busy all winter long, which was awesome.”

Longtable also began holding virtual food and beer tasting events — participants picked up kits at the restaurant, then gathered together online for events that even included a brewmaster presenting live from Belgium.

“We could never have done that beer tasting had it not been for what was going on,” Van Nest said. “We wouldn’t have thought to do it.”

Longtable also launched an effort to help people in need. Partnering with Middleton Outreach Ministry, it created a Community Table Fund to provide free meals to the hungry. Longtable collected donations from the public and worked with its network of purveyors to obtain high-quality proteins to produce meals, using Longtable’s kitchen and staff.

The restaurant has provided assistance to many people in the Middleton area.

“Over 300 people a week,” Van Nest said. “By taking donations, we could, in turn, feed the community and help keep our farm partners going by purchasing food and help keep our staff going by having work for them to do to. Seeing it all come together was great.”

Van Nest said the original concept of the cafe was inspired by places she and her husband encountered during past travels. Matt has a passion for Belgian beer and Andrea once worked in France and “loves all things French.”

The cafe brought these inspirations together when it opened in 2017. The cafe features 12 curated beers on tap as well as an extensive selection of chilled bottles. Its food menu includes burgers and sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients, entrees like buttermilk fried chicken and baked cod, and double-fried Belgian-style frites.

The restaurant is open for in-person dining and on nice days, its expansive doors are open, letting a light breeze drift through the cafe.

On one recent afternoon, customers savored a delicious spring sun with their food and drinks on the Longtable patio. Working inside at the bar, Van Nest said that she and her husband sometimes have to take a moment in their hectic lives to stop and reflect on what they’ve accomplished and learned.

“We’ve learned about our resilience, having a positive attitude, and creativity,” she said. “I think we learned that this notion of community, which is what Longtable is grounded in, is not about a physical place. We were able to find community and stay connected to the community even if we couldn’t be together.”

About Longtable Beer Cafe
7545 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 841-2337
longtablebeercafe.com
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m; Thursday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Middleton has something to offer everyone.

With that in mind, use the following to choose your own Middleton adventure! Here are three OUTDOOR itineraries to mix and match with SHOP-DINE-RELAX options to create your own PERFECT DAY IN MIDDLETON! Hint: There are enough options here to fill a long weekend, if not a week!

A Perfect Day in Middleton — OUTDOORS

HIKING, BIKING, SIGHTSEEING, BIRD WATCHING AT PHEASANT BRANCH CONSERVANCY

MORNING: Fuel up with a cinnamon bun or breakfast skillet from Prairie Café and Bakery, or grab something from Scooter’s drive-through on your way to Pheasant Branch Conservancy.

PHEASANT BRANCH: Hop in the car for a very short drive to any of the access points of Pheasant Branch Conservancy — 549 acres of beautiful, protected conservancy land. All Middleton parks and conservancy lands are free — no permits are required. For a relatively short but beautiful hike, we suggest beginning with parking by the historical marker at 4865 Pheasant Branch Road and hiking up to Frederick’s Hill with beautiful views of the area, including a Native American effigy mound and the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Another easy access point is Orchid Heights Park (3960 Valley Ridge Road), which has public restrooms, seating, tables, grills, and a scenic 3.5-mile loop through the Conservancy. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic! You can pick up supplies at the Metro Market or Willy Street Co-op grocery on your way to the park.

On the south side of the conservancy is a beautiful bridge that is often photographed along the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail.

Bird watching: Are you a birder? Pheasant Branch Conservancy is home to more than 200 different species of birds.

Bike trails: Looking for a bike trail in Middleton? There are trails throughout the conservancy and on the west side of town at 4351 Schwartz Road. Check out more here. See and download a map here.

Looking for a smaller park? Playground equipment? Dog parks? Click here.

FOOD TIME: When it’s time to break for lunch or dinner, there are so many options on the northeast side of Middleton. Choose from breakfast food at C’s Restaurant & Bakery, submarine sandwiches, salads and premade meals at Gino’s Italian Deli, burger and fries at Craftsman Table & Tap, fish fry at Mid Town Pub, Indian food at Amber Indian Cuisine, modern “like” supper club food from the historic 1847 at the Stamm House and Mexican food from Pasqual’s Cantina, Camino Real Mexican restaurant or Taqueria Jalisco. Then, stop into Miggy’s Bakes for delicious baked goods that are almost too cute to eat. Make sure to check out business hours before choosing where to dine, some restaurants are only open for lunch or dinner.

PLEASANT VIEW GOLF COURSE

MORNING: Enjoy breakfast at the Goat Hill Grill at the golf course, or grab a fantastic diner breakfast at Hubbard Avenue Diner or an Albanian-American breakfast spread at Sofra Family Bistro — both in downtown Middleton, about seven minutes from the course.

PLEASANT VIEW GOLF COURSE:  Maybe living your best day includes a combo of outdoors and sport, in that case, Pleasant View Golf Course on the west side of Middleton is the perfect answer. Enjoy 27 holes of well-maintained championship golf, a nine-hole scenic par 3 course and an outstanding practice range. The course was awarded gold in Madison Magazine’s Best of Golf Courses for 2018-2020 and 2022, and silver in 2021 and 2023.

FOOD: No need to even leave the course, you can enjoy The Goat Hill Grill, open for outdoor seating — weather permitting — and there is a full-service bar. The grill offers Wisconsin bar fare such as cheese curds, fried pickle spears, burgers, sandwiches, and more. The Grill also serves light breakfast options, like English muffins and bagels — and the heartier Hole-N-One breakfast, all before 11 a.m.

The golf course is minutes from Greenway Station — an outdoor shopping and dining center — offering multiple great food options. If looking for something quick, make a stop at Freska Mediterranean Grill, Cafe Zupa’s, Noodles & Company, and Jersey Mike’s. If you have time to spare, there are also multiple great dine-in options, from Dhaba Indian Bistro to Ancho & Agave, to Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Fuji Sushi & Hibachi and Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano.

There are multiple great dining options downtown, all of which are unique to Middleton. Downtown dining options include Longtable Beer Cafe, Taigu Chinese Restaurant, Taza Mediterranean Cafe, Villa Dolce, Sofra Family Bistro, The Village Green, Hubbard Avenue Diner, Takara 88 Japanese Restaurant, Compadres Mexican, Free House Pub, Fajitas, Tapas & Bar, Louisianne’s ETC., and just north of downtown off Parmenter Street, you will find Paul’s Neighborhood Bar & Restuarant, Trio Ramen, Jet’s Pizza and Pikkito. Don’t forget dessert from Clasen’s European Bakery or Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.

ON THE WATER

MORNING:  There are so many fun breakfast options in Middleton from hometown diners and cafes like C’s Restaurant & Bakery, Prairie Café & Bakery, Hubbard Avenue Diner, Grace Coffee and Barriques. In a hurry? Hit up the drive-through at MOKA, Scooter’s or one of the two Starbucks locations (one in Greenway Station and one on the way to Marshall Park).

MARSHALL BOATS:  There are boat docks at Marshall Park to drop your own seafaring vessel, but if looking to rent something floatable to enjoy on Lake Mendota, stop by Marshall Boats, Board & Boat Rentals. Marshall Boats rents pontoons, kayaks, tandem kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes. They also offer a lakeside patio that can be enjoyed by any patron or reserved for parties of up to 50. Marshall Boats is 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 (starting Sept. 5, 2023).

LUNCH: After a morning on the water, grab lunch and continue enjoying the outdoors with a picnic in one of Middleton’s parks. Pick up provisions at Metro Market or Willy Street Co-op, or grab a delicious meal to-go from ILike Sushi, Gino’s Italian Deli, Taqueria Jalisco, Amber Indian Cuisine, Jimmy Johns, and more.

DINNER: After a full day on the water, it’s essential to recharge. Middleton has more than 80 dining options and many have outdoor patios — like Craftsman Table & Tap, 1847 at the Stamm House, Longtable Beer Cafe, Free House Pub, Ancho & Agave, Trio Ramen, Tanner’s Bar & Grill, The Village Green and more. Middleton’s restaurant scene offers a world of flavors from Japanese to Mediterranean to Indian to Chinese to Mexican to Italian to Albanian-American to the flavors of New Orleans!

A Perfect Day in Middleton —
SHOP-DINE-RELAX

Shop-Dine-Relax in downtown Middleton and Greenway Station!

MORNING:  Ease into your day and enjoy a leisurely diner breakfast at Hubbard Avenue Diner, the café experience at Grace Coffee or Barriques, or an Albanian-American breakfast spread at Sofra Family Bistro — all in downtown Middleton.

RETAIL THERAPY: With more than 50 shops and boutiques, Middleton is the perfect place to shop the day away. Find well-known brands at Greenway Station’s outdoor shopping center, including World Market, DSW, HomeGoods, J. Jill, LOFT, Marshalls and more.

Stroll through a very walkable downtown to find locally owned boutiques in downtown Middleton, including Chauette Fashion & Home, Cloth & Metal Boutique, Journeyman Co., The Regal Find, John/Christine Designs, Little Pop Color Shop, Diny’s Jewelers, Tradition Women’s Market and Tradition Children’s Market.

RELAX: Looking for a little self-care? Check out Happy Nails and Spa, Ideal Image, Renu Massage Energy and Bodywork, Elements Massage, ANiU Salon & Spa, Massage Envy, Blue October Spa, Studio 262 Salon, and more.

ADULT BEVERAGES: Wisconsin isn’t shy at embracing good food and good drinks. Enjoy a beer at World of Beer, and drinks on the outdoor patios of Longtable Beer Cafe, Craftsman Table & Tap, Free House Pub, and Mid Town Pub. And of course, you cannot visit Middleton without enjoying Capital Brewery & Bier Garten in downtown Middleton. This German-style brewery is located in a historic building and is walkable from multiple restaurants and shops downtown.  Want to relax with a glass of wine in a cozy wine bar or on an outdoor café? Grape Water Wine Bar is the answer! And head to Hidden Cave Cidery for fresh, high-quality, unique hard cider.

ACTIVITIES:  I’m Board! Family Games and Fun — has a vast selection of games for the whole family.

ART LOVERS: Pick up or just appreciate local and regional art, jewelry and gifts at Gary’s Art & Frame Shop, John/Christine Designs, The Regal Find, Cloth & Metal Boutique, Diny’s Jewelers and St. John the Baptist Art Gallery.

The Middleton Public Art Trail is an easy guide to 14 public art installations, from sculpture to stained glass to painted murals. Some of the stops are walkable downtown, while others require transportation to visit. We suggest picking up a delicious coffee or specialty drink from one of our many cafés — Grace Coffee, Barriques, Scooter’s, Starbucks, Hubbard Avenue Diner — and enjoying the trail!

HISTORY LOVERS: Take a leisurely stroll through Middleton’s history with the help of the Middleton Area Historical Society’s free, guided Historic Downtown Middleton Stroll & Tell or a self-guided Historical Walking Tour. You can also jump in the car and visit the stops on the Middleton Landmark Tour.

LUNCH & DINNER: With more than 80 options for dining—the sky is the limit. Check out Middleton’s restaurants here!

DON’T FORGET

NATIONAL MUSTARD MUSEUM: You cannot come to Middleton and not check out the National Mustard Museum — home to 6,000 mustards, a free museum and a quirky shop. Come and enjoy the free museum while finding the perfect souvenirs to take home to friends or enjoy for yourself.

SWEET TREATS: Sometimes after a long day filled with fun, we all feel like a little sweet reward. Find ice cream at Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, Cold Stone Creamery and Culver’s. You can pick up multiple gelato flavors and an assortment of Italian desserts at Villa Dolce. Looking for cakes, candies, truffles and bakery items that would put grandma to shame? Clasen’s European Bakery will surprise and delight. And, head on over to Miggy’s Bakes for the ultimate sweet satisfaction; choose from a case full of unique-flavored cookies, cookie cups, brownies and bars, and, on Saturdays and Sundays, you can treat yourself to cinnamon rolls right out of the oven.

LODGING: Choose from one of NINE hotel properties which are all just minutes from everything mentioned in these lists! Click here to see all nine properties.

ANNUAL EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO: 

Art Walk Middleton is May 18, 2024, and is a free event featuring the works of dozens of fine artists in a variety of media.

Greenway Station Farmers Market is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday, May 4 – Oct. 5, 2023; find homemade and homegrown jams, baked goods, veggies, flowers, honey, Maple syrup, cheese curds, and so much more.

Experience the largest pre-OSH fly-in bash, Rock the Ramp, each July at Capital Flight.

National Mustard Day is Aug. 3, 2024, at the National Mustard Museum. It’s a day of music, fun activities and of course, lots of mustard!

Enjoy an auto show like no other at Capital Flight Cruise-In. This event is a fundraiser for Cars Curing Kids and takes place each August.

Good Neighbor Festival is Aug. 23-25, 2024, and is a community celebration open to all.

Strollin’ Middleton Jazz Festival is Sept. 6-7, 2024, and is free and open to all.

Haunted Hustle is Oct. 21, 2023, is a quirky walk/run through Middleton.

See Stone Horse Green come alive for the winter holiday season with Light The Green from 5-7 p.m. on November 25.

The City of Middleton Parks and Recreation Department hosts a Candy Cane Hunt that is filled with lots of holiday cheer.

Bockfest at Capital Brewery & Bier Garten every February is a winter outdoor festival with live music.

QUICK HITS:

Click here for a full list of events happening in Middleton

Click here to view or order our current visitor guide

Click here to sign up for our free tourism newsletter (twice a month/unsubscribe at any time)