Beer Lovers

Craft beer lovers will discover outstanding options in Middleton.

Middleton’s award-winning German-style craft brewery, Capital Brewery, is conveniently located downtown near many restaurants and free parking. Pull up to the bar in the Bier Stube (“beer hall”) for a beer or seltzer on tap. Winter hours are Sundays: noon-6 p.m.; closed on Mondays; Tuesdays-Thursdays: 4-9 p.m.; Fridays: 3-10 p.m.; and Saturdays: noon-9 p.m.

Visit Longtable Beer Cafe in downtown Middleton to find a charming café-bottle shop-tasting room that boasts more than 300 bottles for purchase (to take away or drink on-site) and a dozen rotating taps. World of Beer near Greenway Station offers an eye-popping selection of more than 500 bottles and dozens of taps from across the state, the country and the world. The Free House Pub, another downtown favorite, has 22 draft lines that rotate regularly. Craftsman Table & Tap on the north side of Middleton features 18 rotating taps, two dozen bottled beers and nine thirst-quenching cocktails with two special New Year’s events planned – Surf & Turf Dinner on New Year’s Eve and a New Year’s Day Brunch.

Hard Ciders Fans

Middleton is home to Hidden Cave Cidery, a locally owned and operated cidery on the northwest side of town. All ciders at Hidden Cave Cidery are made with Wisconsin-grown apples and sweetened with local honey and fresh fruit.  Hidden Cave Cidery’s tap list changes each weekend to feature something fresh, new and often seasonal.

Wine Aficionados

Want to raise a glass of red or white — or something sparkling — instead? Head to Grape Water Wine Bar on Hubbard Avenue in downtown Middleton, where you’ll find more than a dozen wines on tap, including varietals from California, France, Spain and South America. Grape Water also sells sparkling wine, beer and seltzers. Barriques is a combination café and bottle shop in downtown Middleton that offers a wide variety of wine, spirits and beer and is open until 6 p.m. Grace Coffee also has a wine menu available.

Local Favorites

When one of your nicknames is “the Good Neighbor City,” you will discover some friendly local haunts.  Monk’s Bar & Grill has served cold beer and hot cheese curds at its Middleton location near Greenway Station since 2011. The Village Green is an old-fashioned tavern in downtown Middleton known for its traditional pub fare, like hamburgers and homemade chili. Also in downtown Middleton is Louisianne’s ETC. This elegant New Orleans-style restaurant welcomes guests with beautiful French Quarter-style décor, sparkling chandeliers, an old European-style wine cellar, and, often, live jazz music. Mid Town Pub is Middleton’s lakeside neighborhood bar and grill, featuring ten draft lines, over 100 bottled beers, more than 200 spirits, and an award-winning fish fry. You’re in for a historical treat at 1847 at the Stamm House as it was built in 1847 and first served as a service station, and now has been restored into a modern, upscale supper club-like restaurant with two beautiful bars that serve a variety of beer, wine and classic cocktails.

Enjoy a New Game or Puzzle

Accomplishing a new puzzle or bonding over a classic board game is something almost anyone can get behind. Bring the fun home for the holidays with a new game or puzzle from I’M BOARD! Games & Family Fun, a game store that is home to a vast selection of entertainment items. Plus, the store has an “open gaming” area where patrons can play games and test items before purchasing.

Gingerbread House Kits

This time of year, Clasen’s European Bakery transforms into a winter wonderland. Clasen’s is a must-stop spot in December, from the bakery’s child-sized gingerbread house (perfect for photos) to their assortment of homemade, seasonal baked goods and candies. Additionally, Clasen’s sells gingerbread house kits — perfect for those looking to accomplish a classic, seasonal craft. Each kit is filled with everything needed to make a magical mini holiday home, including gingerbread pieces, chocolates, colorful assorted candy and white chocolate glue — all hand-cut and hand-made by Clasen’s master bakers. The gingerbread house kits are available for store pick-up, local delivery, and nationwide shipping.

Golf for Any Weather

We get it — sometimes you need to switch up the scenery and get out of the house, especially during long holiday breaks, X-Golf is the perfect place to do just that. Gather your friends or family and take on a round of indoor golf at X-Golf, located in Middleton’s Greenway Station shopping district. This premier indoor golf and entertainment facility offers state-of-the-art golf simulators that are fun for all ages and levels. X-Golf also provides a full food and bar menu to help fuel your game.

Free Museum and Activities

You can’t let your friends or family leave town without a visit to the world’s mustard mecca — The National Mustard Museum. This quirky  — and free — museum is home to more than 6,700 jars, pots, and tubes of mustard, more than 200 of which are available for sale at the upstairs gift shop. The museum features the Mustardpiece Theatre, interactive displays and plenty of photo opportunities. All patrons can sample mustard before buying at The National Mustard Museum’s tasting bar. And if mustard isn’t your thing, the gift shop also sells other delicious food items, like barbeque sauce, chocolate toppings, jams, maple syrup, and hilarious gift items and Wisconsin-themed souvenirs.

Burn off Energy at PlayN Wisconsin

If you’re a parent with young kiddos, you’ll thank us later for this suggestion. PlayN Wisconsin is the place to go when your children need to burn off a little extra energy when the weather isn’t warm enough to be at one of Middleton’s many parks. Known for being a retailer of superior outdoor play equipment, PlayN Wisconsin also offers an on-site, indoor play facility where kids and parents can test equipment before purchasing. All ages are welcome to play — including toddlers, tweens and grandparents. The play facility is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday and Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Children’s Art Kits and Classes

If you need an activity for the young artists in your life, check out Rock Paper Scissors art studio. Children can discover the little things that make their imaginations soar in this dreamy crafting space. The studio frequently offers in-person art classes and events, as well as the option to craft at home with their take-home art kits, which include everything from birdhouse decorating to weaving and so much more.

Warm up with a drink

It’s simply not the holiday season without a peppermint mocha or a steaming cup of hot chocolate. No matter what you like filling your mug with, multiple spots in Middleton sell seasonal beverages that’ll make your taste buds pop and warm you up.  Check out Grace Coffee Co. downtown and its seasonal drinks, including gingerbread-flavored cold brew, lattes and chai tea, as well as Barriques Coffee Roasters, where you’ll find yourself an eggnog, gingerbread or peppermint latte. When on the northeast side of town, stop into Prairie Café & Bakery to order a seasonal hot drink and a warm breakfast. Swing by the drive-thru at Starbucks, MOKA or Scooters Coffee for various holiday-themed drink options.  

Treat Yourself to a Holiday Goodie

Who can say “No” to a sweet treat? Exploring Middleton’s bakeries is a fun outing for the whole family. Check out a variety of delicious, made-from-scratch loaves of bread, cakes, pastries, confections and more at Middleton’s longest-standing bakery, Clasen’s European Bakery. Each year, Clasen’s goes into full winter holiday mode, with seasonal treats galore and, most notably, a child-size gingerbread house in the back of the shop.

A stop at Miggy’s Bakes puts a smile on anyone’s face. This pretty, pink bakery has a dessert case filled with unique-flavored cookies, cookie cups, cakes, brownies and bars. During the holidays, you’ll find the cutest winter-themed cut-out sugar cookies. Plus, on Saturdays and Sundays, the bakery serves fresh cinnamon rolls.

Longtable Beer Cafe has added a holiday “dessert board” which includes eggnog, peppermint chocolate cake, and cookies.

And do not forget Hubbard Avenue Diner’s bakery counter filled with pies, cakes, cookies, brownies and seasonally decorated sugar cookies. Hubbard also carries Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, perfect for a sundae or milkshake.

Delight in Downtown’s Winter Window Stroll

Stroll through downtown Middleton and see windows decorated with adorable, hand-painted gnome winter scenes. Local artist Anne Bamberg intricately hand-painted festive gnomes on 14 windows across downtown Middleton with sweet nods to the stores they adorn — for example, the gnomes are decorating a tree at The National Mustard Museum using pretzels and mustard! You’ll be amazed by the beauty of these charming window paintings.

Enjoy Capital Brewery’s Keg Tree

Stacked 18 feet high with 287 half-barrels, Capital Brewery and Bier Garten’s “keg tree” is a sight to see. Admire this tree while enjoying one of their award-winning beers inside the cozy Bier Stube. This brewery has been around since 1986, brewing German-style lager, and now also offering a variety of American-style ales, barrel-aged beers and IPAs.

Find the Unexpected at The National Mustard Museum

This is a fun place to bring visiting family for an afternoon. The museum is free and full of memorabilia and more than 6,700 jars and tubes of mustard to look at. The shop upstairs contains more than 200 kinds of mustard for sale and other delicious food items, like barbeque sauce, chocolate toppings, jams, maple syrup and more, as well as hilarious gift items and Wisconsin-themed gifts.

Join the Fun at These Middleton Events

• Hidden Cave Cidery Drag Brunch: On Dec. 16, Mr.Gay Wisconsin, Michael Lynn, will host a drag brunch at Hidden Cave Cidery. There will be performances by three dancers and a full breakfast buffet featuring food from Vessel Café. The doors open at 10 a.m., brunch will be served at 10:30 a.m., and the show will begin at 11:15 a.m.
• Gingerbread House Workshop: Children aged 5 and older are invited to celebrate the holidays with a crafting workshop from 2-4 p.m., Dec. 17, at Rock Paper Scissors. Children will decorate paper gingerbread houses and ornaments.
• Middleton Community Orchestra Holiday Concert: Enjoy Middleton Community Orchestra’s Holiday Concert at Hamel Music Center. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 20 and will feature two soloists, Lindsay Flowers on oboe and David Perry on violin. Tickets can be purchased at Willy Street Co-op West and at the door on the night of the show.  
• Make Music Winter: Celebrate the shortest day of the year, Dec. 21, with music in Stone Horse Green and a parade around downtown Middleton. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. All are welcome to join the parade to play instruments and sing carols.
• Fleet Feet New Year’s Day Dash: The 19th Annual Fleet Feet New Year’s Day Dash will begin at 10 a.m., Jan. 1, 2024, at KEVA Sports Center in Middleton. This event is a 5-mile chip-timed run and a 2-mile walk, followed by a party, great prizes, complementary beverage tokens, and giveaways.

American-style Dining

If looking to host a gathering at an American-style eatery, there are several places in Middleton to do so. Whether coming together in a historic building, at a long table or in a party room, there’s an option fit for every party.

1847 at the Stamm House

An elegant American restaurant that’s located in a 19th-century historic building and serves a variety of unique seasonal fare and cocktails.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Private upstairs dining space – capacity 26
  • “1847 Chef’s Cave” – capacity 12
  • Large groups may rent the entire restaurant upon request
  • Food: upscale American dining
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Craftsman Table & Tap

This restaurant features a wide variety of craft beer and American favorites inspired by local and seasonal ingredients.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Upper-level private dining room and patio – capacity 80
  • Food: hearty, rustic pub fare
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Longtable Beer Cafe

A combination cafe and bottle shop that offers more than 300 brew options and a menu inspired and made with fresh and local ingredients.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Tasting room – capacity 8-15
  • Larger groups can rent out the entire cafe during non-peak dining times (typically weekday afternoons)
  • Food: craft beer and local American food
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Nitty Gritty

This family and group-friendly restaurant and bar is known as the “Official Birthday Place” and is home to traditional American favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, shakes, craft beer and cocktails.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Upper-level private room – capacity 75
  • Food: family-friendly American bar and grill
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Tanners Bar and Grill

This bar and grill chain serves traditional pub grub, burgers, sandwiches and wings in a casual space.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Three private room options, each with differing capacity levels (12, 40 or 60)
  • Food: family-friendly American bar and grill
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Upscale/Fine Dining

Say that you’re more in the mood for something elegant that serves warm, comforting foods such as pasta, steak or handmade pizza; look no further than these Middleton spaces.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

A casual Italian restaurant offering an extensive selection of house-made and imported pasta and various soups, salads, pizza, seafood, steaks and desserts.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Small private dining room – capacity 12
  • Food: Italian fare, family-friendly
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

This steakhouse specializes in quality steaks, chops, seafood and many other Italian specialties.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Boardroom – capacity 36
  • The Sammy – capacity 50 total, 40 eating
  • Food: upscale meat, seafood and Italian dining
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

This elegant steakhouse chain is known for its sizzling, butter-topped premium steaks.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Harvest Room – capacity 16
  • Middleton Room – capacity 16
  • Sizzle Room – capacity 16
  • Silo Room – capacity 24
  • (Harvest, Middleton, and Sizzle can be combined for up to 80)
  • Food: premium steakhouse
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Alcoholic Drink Spots

If your group likes to celebrate by raising a glass or two, check out Capital Brewery or Grape Water Wine Bar, which offers party rooms and spaces to rent.

Capital Brewery

This award-winning brewery has been specializing in German-style lagers since 1984. Capital Brewery’s drink menu has grown since its opening to offer American-style ales, barrel-aged beers, and several IPAs.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Grain Room – capacity 75
  • Bier Stube – capacity 80
  • Bier Garten – capacity 500
  • Grain Room and Bier Stube can be combined – capacity 155
  • Food: cater or bring in your own food to complement the brewery’s award-winning beer
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Grape Water Wine Bar

This downtown Middleton wine bar offers a fun and cozy atmosphere and features 15 self-serve wine options.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Full venue rental when wine bar is closed – 49 capacity
  • Back room rental when wine bar is open – 20 capacity
  • Food: light snacks, Salvatore’s pizzas and charcuterie plates. Carry-in food is not allowed.
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Hidden Cave Cidery

This local cidery features new and unique cider flavors on tap each week. Patrons can enjoy a refreshing glass in the indoor tasting room or on the back patio in the summertime.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Tasting room and patio (weather permitting) – 50 capacity
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Additional restaurants unique to Middleton

Middleton is home to 80 restaurants and cafes, many of which are only in this city. Host your holiday party at a restaurant unique to Middleton; check out three options below.

Fajitas, Tapas & Bar

Located in the heart of downtown Middleton, this Mexican restaurant offers authentic dishes including a wide variety of uniquely flavored fajitas.

• Rental space and capacity
  • Entire facility – 140 capacityTop half of restaurant – 100 capacityBottom half of restaurant – 40 capacity
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Imperial Garden

This restaurant offers some of the best traditional Chinese cuisine in an elegant dining space. Imperial Garden has been voted Best of Madison every year since 1984.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Main dining room – 100 capacity
  • Cocktail lounge – 50 capacity
  • Small private dining room – 20 capacity
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Louisianne’s ETC

Located in a beautiful French Quarter-style building, this elegant New Orleans-style restaurant serves delicious Cajun and Creole dishes.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Private upstairs room – 40 capacity
  • Food: Cajun and Creole
  • Rental space and capacity:
  • Private upstairs room – 40 capacity
  • Food: Cajun and Creole
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Sofra Family Bistro

Since 1991, this family-friendly restaurant has served authentic, made-from-scratch Albanian-American breakfast and lunch dishes.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Private party room – 40 capacity
  • Sunday evening, only the entire restaurant can be reserved – 100 capacity
  • Food: Albanian-American
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Sport Facility Rentals

If your group enjoys being active and gathering to compete in a sport, then Middleton has some options for you.

Capital Ice Arena

This Middleton hockey rink is home to the Madison Capitols and many youth and high school hockey programs. The arena is also available for private event rentals.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Two full sheets of ice, seven private suites, Suter Suite Bar, beer garden; contact Capitol Ice for specific capacity information
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Hitters Sportsplex:

This Middleton sports complex offers functional and premier tennis and pickleball court space and multiple batting cages.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Six championship courts, two USTA Quickstart courts and an automated batting cage; contact Capitol Ice for specific capacity information
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Middleton Sports Bowl

This 10-lane bowling alley and multi-level sports bar is the perfect place for groups of up to 50 people to gather. Take in a round of bowling and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner all in one place.

• Rental space:
  • Banquet Room (40 capacity)
  • Upstairs seating and bar (100 capacity)
  • Bowling lanes
  • Outdoor Patio (30 capacity)
• Learn more about party reservations here.

X-Golf

Take your golf game indoors with X-Golf’s state-of-the-art golf simulators with world-renowned courses.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Seven simulators, six players per golfing bay
  • Private events and reservations are available by appointment
  • Food: Full bar and grill
• Learn more about party reservations here.

A few other spaces that may fit your group’s needs.

Willy Street Co-op

This Madison-area health food store offers high-quality natural, organic and locally-produced foods that can be enjoyed in-store or to-go.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Community Room – 30 capacity
  • Food: Bring your own food or prepare food bought in-store (the community room is certified for commercial use)
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Frostwood Farms

Frostwood Farms Kitchen offers individually curated events with locally sourced food and excellent service. Each event is fully customized and tailored to fit the needs of each group.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Harvest room – 30 capacity
  • Kitchen – 100 capacity
  • Food: Locally-sourced chef-curated meals
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Middleton Hotels

Plan a gathering at one of Middleton’s beautiful hotel meeting venues – with 66,000 square feet of conference space and more than 1,150 rooms in nine hotels, Middleton is exactly what you need to plan your next event.

Here are a few spots that might inspire a fun seasonal card idea:

Clasen’s European Bakery — The annual child-size gingerbread house is a must-see. Even if you don’t have kids, this cookie structure is amazing. The entire exterior is baked and decorated by Clasen employees and it makes an adorable photo op.

Greenway Station Tree — Mind the traffic and stay within the sidewalk area and this two-story tree makes an amazing backdrop. One of the best locations for a photo is actually on the main sidewalks running parallel.

Middleton Visitor Center — The historic wagon at the visitor center was just repainted last month and is all decked out with holiday spirit. Be mindful of the swag (held together with zip ties and hope), we at the visitor center welcome families to use the depot as a beautiful backdrop for photos. Check inside, as well, and see the tree and hanging four-foot wreath. The staff tried to maintain a Victorian-like style throughout the visitors center.

Stone Horse Green — the newly dedicated Stone Horse Green in the heart of downtown Middleton has a new light display. The stage is lit up with a fireplace and warm message for all to see.

GETAWAY PACKAGES

Middleton has nine hotels waiting to provide a warm welcome to you and yours. Right now, several hotels are offering specials for Feb. 11-22. Click here to learn more.

SPA DAY

Self-care isn’t a buzz word — it’s a lifestyle to promote personal health and happiness. Book a spa day for one or a group of friends. Gift cards are also available online. Check out Happy Nails & Spa, Le Nails Salon & Spa, ANiU Salon & Spa, and Studio 262 Salon to view services.

CHEERS

Capital Brewery & Bier Garden, Hidden Cave Cidery, Grape Water Wine Bar and Barriques are a few popular spots to try local and regional flavors. Capital Brewery is an award-winning local craft brewery, and Hidden Cave Cidery is an award-winning local cidery which only uses Wisconsin-grown apples, and they are hosting their own Valentine’s Day event, a chocolate hazelnut cider and Origin Bread brownie pairing Feb. 11. World of Beer and Craftsman Table & Tap also offer a wide selection of beers, cocktails and food.

BRUNCH, LUNCH & DINNER OUT

Enjoy more than 70 restaurants, diners, cafes and ice cream shops in Middleton! Whatever you are craving, you will find minutes from your hotel. Here is a one-stop shop for all Middleton’s dining locations, or view individual pages here.

TREAT YOURSELF

Special Valentine-themed treats are available at Hubbard Avenue Diner’s bakery counter — cakes, cookies and pies, oh my! Clasen’s European Bakery’s displays of chocolates, cakes, heart-shaped brownies and candies will delight any sweetheart.

*Banner photo: Hubbard Avenue Diner’s famous sugar cookies

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

The 519-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 through March 31, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with the purchase of a trail pass. 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.

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

CXC bike trails are free and open to the public.

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.

SOMETHING SPICEY

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 and offer mail orders and delivery. Learn more about the museum.

Grape Water Wine Bar

There are so many ways to enjoy Middleton in every season. Middleton in winter is all about setting your own pace and enjoying yourself.

• Capital Brewery & Bier Stube is open to patrons who enjoy award-winning German lagers. Don’t forget to try their seltzers and specialty brews from their seven-barrel system! And don’t forget about Bockfest, their annual outdoor beer festival the last Saturday in February.
• Hidden Cave Cidery opened its tasting room in Middleton in summer 2021 and includes an outdoor patio during warmer days and an indoor space for functions and colder weather.
• Wine and more wine, that’s what you’ll find at the Grape Water Wine Bar downtown. It’s a great spot to meet with friends. On mild days, they set out heat lamps to enjoy a glass outdoors, otherwise cozy up within.
• Learn about the spicy history of one of the world’s most beloved condiments at the National Mustard Museum. Be wowed at the nearly 6,000 varieties on display.
• Explore the Pheasant Branch Conservancy. You can do it on foot while the weather cooperates or, once the snow flies, strap on the snowshoes and get some fresh air. In order to protect the revitalized prairie landscape in the conservancy, snowshoeing is not allowed off trails and cross-country.
• Glide across the ice at the Capitol Ice Arena. Rentals are reasonable and there are lots of open skate times.
• Cross-country skiing and mountain biking at CXC Outdoor Recreation and Sports Center (CXC Center). Ski trail passes are required December-March (mountain bike trails are always free).
• Find your favorite winter comfort food at one of Middleton’s more than 70 delicious restaurants and cafes.
• Shop, shop, shop. Explore the unique, local shops downtown, or head to the Greenway Station retail center for big names and great bargains.

Here are some fun ways to celebrate this weekend as you ring in the New Year!

• KEVA’s My Family New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31, 2-8 p.m., KEVA Sports Center, Middleton
• Nothing Bundt Cakes and Hard Cider Pairing: Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., Hidden Cave Cidery, Middleton
• Fleet Feet New Year’s Day Dash: Jan. 1, KEVA Sports Center, Middleton (registration info)
• Check out this blog about Best Spots for Holiday Cheer(s)!
• Get outside with these Winter Trails Tips

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.

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.

GET OUTDOORS

Explore the beautiful Pheasant Branch Conservancy – 519 acres of gorgeous terrain with even better views.  Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Pleasant View Golf Course trails are groomed for both skating and diagonal striding, weather permitting. Trails are free and skiing hours are 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Always check in to ensure that trails are open, here. Fat-bikers are also welcome on designated trails (snow permitting) — and not permitted on ski trails. View a map here.

Several of Middleton’s parks have ice skating facilities, including Penni Klein Park, Meadows Park and Parkside Heights, which are now open. Click here to see the newest updates.

EXPERIENCES INDOORS

Take a tour of the quirky, and very tasty, National Mustard Museum. The museum showcases 6,000 varieties of mustard from all 50 states and 70 countries. The shop is also open for browsers. Check their hours and stop on by! (Masks must be worn and social distancing practiced within all Middleton businesses.)

Find your favorite winter comfort food at one of Middleton’s more than 70 delicious restaurants. Try one of hundreds of beers available at the Longtable Beer Cafe while enjoying a fire pit in the center of downtown Middleton, check out the delicious fish fry and Bloody Mary bar at Mid Town Pub, and dazzle your taste buds with the lamb vindaloo curry from Dhaba Indian Bistro near Greenway Station. All Middleton restaurants offer carryout and curbside pickup, and many offer delivery. There is limited seating within places so please check ahead!

Looking for a little retail therapy? Explore the unique, local shops downtown, all of which are open to the public (just make sure to check for store hours ahead of time), or head to our Greenway Station retail center for big names and great bargains.

We hope you enjoy your time in Middleton as much as we do!

Looking for lodging? Middleton hotels offer great deals and practice Covid-safety precautions to keep you safe. Click here.

Middleton Outreach Ministry volunteers accept donations from this year’s Middleton Tourism Big Bundle Up winter clothing drive last month. Volunteers shown include Sara Shea, of Middleton, eight-year volunteer; Letitia Moore, of Madison, three-year volunteer; and Jeanne Topel, of Madison, 22-year volunteer. This year’s drive, which concluded Jan. 4, collected 1,673 items that were donated to four local organizations.

Hundreds of families will benefit from more than a thousand donations to Middleton Tourism’s Big Bundle Up clothing drive this winter.

In its fifth year in Middleton, the Big Bundle Up clothing drive set a personal record bringing in 1,673 items, including winter coats, jackets, snow pants, hats, gloves and scarves.

“The number of donations this year is humbling, and we thank our community for coming together – during a pandemic – to help support their neighbors,” said Julie Peterman, Middleton Tourism director. “In fact, the response this year was so overwhelming, we were able to donate to four separate organizations. On behalf of these groups, we thank all those who donated and all of our partner locations.”

Laura Portz, convention and events services manager with Middleton Tourism, drops off a load of donations to Middleton Outreach Ministry last month. Middleton Tourism’s Big Bundle Up clothing drive, which concluded Jan. 4, collected 1,673 items that were donated to four local organizations.

The drive was held Nov. 16, 2020 – Jan. 4, 2021 at drop-off locations at Keva Sports Center, The Little Gym, Willy Street Co-op-West, and Middleton City Hall. The Big Bundle Up is a statewide clothing drive organized by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and is in its 10th year. Middleton Tourism has partnered with the state agency for five years and this year’s drive surpassed Middleton’s previous record of 818 items in 2017.

Each week, Middleton Tourism staff collected the items and Lake Mills Cleaners & Dryers donated cleaning services for many of the donations before distribution.

The donations were spread out among Middleton Outreach Ministry, Joining Forces for Families, the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District, and the Salvation Army of Dane County.