Beautifully situated between a conservancy, a lake and farmland, Middleton, Wisconsin, embraces the outdoors while offering all the amenities of a big city, only with small-town charm.
On the Trails
Winding throughout Middleton — a city of 23,000, next door to the state’s capital — are 30 miles of trails, including those connecting Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail to Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
More than 300 acres of the conservancy are within city limits, offering a unique opportunity for walkers, hikers, bikers and birders to experience protected prairieland, woodlands and creeks with vast views.
On the Water
The creek spills into Lake Mendota, the largest of the four area glacial lakes. Paddleboard, kayak, canoe, pontoon and fishing boat rentals are available at Marshall Boats, which has a public boat launch. There is also a boat launch at Mendota County Park and Campground, and a kayak/canoe launch at Lake Street Park’s ramp.
Outdoor Sports
Minutes from Middleton’s outdoor shopping center — Greenway Station — is the award-winning Pleasant View Golf Course, as well as the trailhead for the Middleton Bike Park and Pump Track. The Pump Track shares a parking lot with the Cross-Country Ski Trails, as well, which have snow-making November through March.
Speaking of winter sports, snowshoeing is popular on the Middleton Bike Park trails and in Pheasant Branch Conservancy; and several of the ponds are open to the public for ice skating. Bob Suter’s Legacy20 ice arena also has open rink times for indoor skating.
Outdoor Dining & Libations
At the end of the day, pull up for a pint at the award-winning Capital Brewery & Bier Garten, the longest-running micro craft brewery in the state. Enjoy German-style lagers, IPAs and sours, and there is usually live bands in the bier garten on the weekends during warm-weather months. The brewery also supports a weekly bicycle club and e-bike club, and offers guided tours by advance appointment. Mark your calendar for its winter outdoor festival, Bockfest.
Another local brewer has made a name for himself using Wisconsin-grown apples and unique ingredients to produce hard apple ciders that are turning heads. The Hidden Cave Cidery’s patio is open in warm weather and its tasting room is open year-round, weekends only. Find live music, classes, tastings and food trucks on its calendar. It’s a perfect stop along the paved Hidden Oaks Trail, which begins at Hinrich’s Family Farm Park and connects with North Fork Trail and Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail.
And speaking of patios, there are multiple locations throughout Middleton that offer outdoor dining, from sidewalk bistro tables to enclosed patios.
Finally, the community all gathers in the heart of downtown on summer nights for live music, kids’ activities, or just to enjoy a drink or meal outside in the public green space, Stone Horse Green — named such because it was once the location of one of the city’s first livery stations. There is an electric fireplace, a real fire pit, bistro tables, a charging station, a stage and multiple art installations.
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