Pheasant Branch Conservancy Wetlands and Ponds – At the center of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, a 549-acre protected natural area, one can find a creek and multiple ponds and wetlands, which attract birds of many types, particularly wading birds and waterfowl. Beautiful paved nature trails circle the marshes, giving birdwatchers opportunities to see visiting cranes, ducks, herons and geese. Jet off the main path onto boardwalks for a better chance to spot birds waiting in the water or feasting in the fields. The conservancy provides a quiet refuge for bird watchers to enjoy serene beauty. View more information on the birds of Pheasant Branch Conservancy here.

Tiedeman Pond Conservancy Area – Located just a few minutes out of downtown Middleton is Tiedeman Pond Conservancy Area, a 25-acre glacial kettle pond and restored wetland. Take a short walk around the pond’s ADA-accessible boardwalk, and you’re sure to spot various wildlife. On the west side of the pond, there is a wildlife-viewing platform that gives birdwatches an even more fantastic opportunity to spot feathered creatures. When at Tiedman Pond, it is common to encounter blue-winged teal, great blue herons, wood ducks, green herons, mallard ducks, Canada geese, cattle egrets, black-crowned night herons and double-crested cormorants.

Esser Pond – Located near Greenway Station, Esser Pond is another great place to see waterfowl. Despite its proximity to U.S. Highway 12 and a busy shopping area, birds love this open water and wetlands complex. A trail along the northern edge of the wetlands leads to and from downtown Middleton making it an ideal nature escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.   

Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail – Streaming through the heart of Middleton is Pheasant Branch Creek, which flows adjacent to a scenic, paved, mixed-use trail. The Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail is 1.4 miles long and can be accessed from multiple points; enter from the west off Parmenter Street, east off Century Avenue or mid-trail at Parisi Park. The woods that line the creek are perfect for seeing migrating songbirds.

Even on days when there aren’t many birds to be found, the fall scenery is ample compensation. This fall, make plans to catch a glimpse of migrating birds and beautiful fall colors in Middleton.

In Wisconsin, most migratory birds will have flown south by the end of November. Here is a great site to check year-round if you are an avid birder! And for tracking seasonal bird traffic, check out this site.

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.

• Looking for a fall road ride with some company? Regular group rides depart Capital Brewery. The rides take place weekday evenings and include options for riders of all abilities. The rides range from 5 to 25 miles.
• Seeking thrills? Some of the best off-road riding around can be found at the Middleton Bike Park. You’ll find some fantastic, challenging riding, including a pump track, jump line and a single-track loop, all surrounded by beautiful trees.
• Taking the kids along? Riders of all ages will appreciate Middleton’s smooth paved paths. The terrain is gentle and the trailside fall scenery is unforgettable.
• Looking for scenic views and fall leaves? Pheasant Branch Conservancy has many bike-friendly paths. Click here for several map options.
• Does a good ride for you involve coffee? Riders who like to navigate town by bike will find a lot to love about Middleton, including warm fall lattes from Barriques and Hubbard Avenue Diner (all downtown), or Prairie Cafe & Bakery, Starbucks and Scooter’s Coffee. Off street trails are located throughout the city.

Cross-County Ski Trails

• The CXC Outdoor Recreation and Sports Center (CXC Center) near Pleasant View Golf Course is a great place to get out and take in the scenery via cross-country skis. Trails are groomed for both cross-country skiing and diagonal striding; and, with an artificial snow maker, trails are open throughout winter. Cross-Country ski gear can be rented here. Facilities are open Dec. 1, 2023 through March 14, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Use of the cross-country ski trail system requires the purchase of a trail pass (December-March only), which can be done online or at the CXC office. City of Middleton residents receive a 50 percent discount by purchasing tickets at City Hall or online. Only cross-country skiing is allowed on the cross-country ski trail system. View or download a printable cross-country ski map here. Mountain biking can also be done on the trails at CXC Center and is free.
• Blackhawk Ski Area is a private club with classic and skate trails, ski jumps, downhill runs, and snowmaking. West of Madison, 10118 and 10222 Blackhawk Road, Middleton.
• In the winter, more thank five miles of Governor Nelson State Park’s trails are tracked for diagonal skiers and groomed for skate skiers. Most of the trails are easy to moderate in difficulty, and some have hills with challenging turns; view specific routes here.

Snowshoeing

• The 549-acre Pheasant Branch Conservancy welcomes snowshoeing on all trails. Even in winter, the wildlife here is abundant and the variety of terrain makes for a great hike. In order to protect the conservancy’s revitalized prairie landscape, snowshoeing is not allowed off trails and cross-country skiing is prohibited.
• Governor Nelson State Park has a 2.4-mile loop trail that ventures through restored prairies in the northern portion of the park. This is a multi-use trail, also open to skiers.

Ice Skating

Several of Middleton’s community parks have ice skating facilities:

• Parkside Heights Park (3300 Northbrook Drive), City of Middleton maintained ice rink, open weather dependent
• Meadows Park (6415 South Avenue), City of Middleton maintained ice rink, open weather dependent
• Stricker Pond (7605 Voss Parkway), neighborhood maintained, use at your own risk
• Tiedeman Pond (1500 N Gammon Road), neighborhood maintained, use at your own risk
• Middleton Hills Pond (6867 Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue), neighborhood maintained, use at your own risk
• Esser Pond (corner of John Q Hammons Drive and Deming Way), neighborhood maintained, use at your own risk

Additionally, there are open skate times at Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena, home to the Madison Capitols as well as Madison Capitols AAA Youth program, Middleton Cardinals High School hockey team and the Middleton Wings youth program. The ice arena has two full sheets of ice, eight public locker rooms and six public bathrooms. Specific open skate times can be found here. The entrance fee for open skating is $10 and skates can be rented for $5.

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)

fall in love with the outdoors

The 549-acre Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a perfect place for a winter hike. Take in tranquil woodland trails or take a trek up Frederick’s Hill. The view is expansive — you can even see the state capitol.

You’ll find some of the area’s best cross-country skiing around Pleasant View Golf Course at CXC Outdoor Recreation and Sports Center (CXC Center). There is skating and diagonal striding. Facilities are open Dec. 1, 2022 through March 13, 2023, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Use of the cross-country ski trail system requires the purchase of a trail pass (December-March only). City of Middleton residents receive a 50 percent discount by purchasing tickets at City Hall or via online. Only cross-country skiing is allowed on the cross-country ski trail system.

Mountain bike trails will remain free on the CXC trails.

Click here to view a map of the cross-country ski trails; also available here.

you deserve something special

Middleton is filled with unique local shops and stores as well as popular national retailers. Head to Greenway Station and explore 51 acres of stores and restaurants, linked by covered walkways. Venture to Middleton’s beautiful downtown filled with old and new shops to explore, including many located in charming historic buildings.

food lovers rejoice

You have a lot of delicious options in Middleton. With more than 70 restaurants, Middleton is a great place to eat. Sample a dazzling variety of cuisines, including Indian, Cajun, Mexican, Italian, Korean, Japanese and Mediterranean. All restaurants offer carryout and many have curbside pickup and delivery, with some limited indoor seating available. Explore your options here.

Looking for Valentine’s — or Galentine’s — Day specials? Check out the fun gift boxes from Grape Water Wine Bar, as well as their ongoing specials any time of year; The Regal Find curates special (and hilarious) gifts and gift bundles; and many Middleton restaurants are offering special Valentine’s Day meals for carryout! Here is a list of some of those restaurants with links to their Valentine’s menus:

• Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano 
• Free House Pub
• Longtable Beer Cafe
• Louisianne’s Etc.
• Sofra Family Bistro
• Villa Dolce Café

develop a passion for condiments

Spice up your life with America’s favorite condiment. The National Mustard Museum is a shrine to all things sweet and spicy. The museum is one of Wisconsin’s most popular tourist attractions, holding more than 6,000 mustards from around the world. The museum and retail shop are open for visitors, offer curbside pickup and delivery. Learn more about the museum.

Biking

Get out and ride in Middleton. Middleton is home to an outstanding system of paved and unpaved trails, including the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail. See more trails here.

Birdwatching

Middleton—classified as a Bird City Wisconsin—offers some fantastic places to observe some of your feathered friends. Pheasant Branch Conservancy, a 549-acre protected natural area on the northeast side of Middleton, provides great habitat for migrating songbirds, wading birds and waterfowl. In fact, more than 150 species of birds have been observed at Pheasant Branch throughout the years!

Hiking

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is also a good place to take a walk, whether you’re exploring the trails or hiking to the top of Frederick’s Hill for a panoramic view. Don’t forget to check out the Native American mounds you’ll see atop the hill. The conservancy’s main walking loop, which includes a mix of paved and natural trails, is 3.3 miles and takes visitors through mixed woodlands and restored prairies.

National Mustard Museum

If you haven’t been to the world’s one-and-only mustard museum, it’s time to see what you’ve been missing. The National Mustard Museum, located in downtown Middleton, allows visitors to go on a global tour of this condiment, featuring more than 6,000 mustards from across the world. And don’t miss the fun at National Mustard Day, held annually the first Saturday in August.

Food and Drink

With more than 70 places to eat, drink and grab dessert, Middleton is home to countless tasty restaurants. But if you’re looking for the real flavor of Middleton, there are a few things that truly stand out. Here’s just a sampling of some the unique tastes of the city:

• World-famous pies at Hubbard Avenue Diner
• Handmade noodles at Taigu Noodles
• Made-from-scratch favorites at Clasen’s European Bakery
• Albanian-American delights at Sofra Family Bistro

Capital Brewery

Wisconsin has a rich brewing history, and part of that history can be found right here in Middleton. Beer drinkers have been raising a toast to lagers and ales from Capital Brewery since 1986 (the company was founded two years earlier), and Capital has won more than 240 awards at domestic and international competitions.

Getting Outside

A gem for outdoor enthusiasts, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a 549-acre natural space on the north side of Middleton that boasts numerous walking and biking trails.

Esser Pond

Just a stone’s throw away from the Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison West/Middleton and the Hilton Garden Inn Madison West/Middleton is a beautiful little getaway spot known as Esser Pond. This kettle pond is connected to the Pheasant Branch Watershed and is surrounded by a restored prairie wetland and paved walking trail. Catch your breath after an exciting day by spending a little quiet time on the wildlife viewing platform. Cap off your walk with a pint of award-winning beer at Capital Brewery, just northeast of Esser Pond. To get to the brewery, follow the trail along Terrace Avenue, under the beltline and head north on N. High Point Road.

South Fork Trail

Not far from Esser Pond and just steps outside the Residence Inn Madison West/Middleton is the mid-point entrance to the South Fork Trail. This is a great spot for an outdoor workout, thanks to five ENERGI® stations located along the trail. The stations are free to use and combine functional fitness and body-weight training for an invigorating workout. Each has an illustrated sign, but users can also download a smartphone app for video instructions from a virtual trainer. The South Fork Trail is paved and ADA-accessible with benches, restrooms and fountains along the way.

Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail

If you’re staying at the Country Inn and Suites by Carlson, Madison West or the Courtyard Madison West/Middleton, you’ll have easy access to the gorgeous Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail. It follows a lush, wooded creek for just over a mile before leading you into the heart of the stunning jewel of Middleton, the Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Quiet and bustling with nature, it’s a great place to recharge your batteries, right in the middle of the city.

Downtown

For a different kind of stroll, check out the Staybridge Suites Middleton/Madison West. This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Middleton, and near a restaurants, stores and nightlife.

To learn more about Middleton’s award-winning trail system, click here.