Middleton, Wisconsin

{{About|the city|the adjacent town|Middleton (town), Wisconsin}} {{Use American English|date=June 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Middleton, Wisconsin | settlement_type = [[City]] | nickname = | motto = "The Good Neighbor City" | image_skyline = Middleton Depot.jpg | imagesize = | image_caption = [[Middleton station|Middleton depot]] | image_flag = | image_seal =  | mapframe = yes | mapframe-zoom = 11 | mapframe-point = none | pushpin_map = Wisconsin#USA | pushpin_label = Middleton | pushpin_relief = yes

| subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{flag|United States}} | subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]] | subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Wisconsin}} | subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Wisconsin|County]] | subdivision_name2 = [[Dane County, Wisconsin|Dane]] | government_footnotes = | government_type = City Council/Mayor | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Emily Kuhn<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/Directory/Home/SingleStaff?EID=99 | title=Middleton, WI }}</ref> | leader_title1 = | leader_name1 = | established_title = | established_date =  | unit_pref = Imperial | area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_55.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref> | area_magnitude = | area_total_km2 = 23.49 | area_land_km2 = 23.14 | area_water_km2 = 0.35 | area_total_sq_mi = 9.07 | area_land_sq_mi = 8.94 | area_water_sq_mi = 0.14

| timezone = [[Central Time Zone (Americas)|Central (CST)]] | utc_offset = −6 | timezone_DST = CDT | utc_offset_DST = −5 | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_ft = | coordinates = {{coord|43|03|37|N|89|34|18|W|region:US-WI_type:city|display=inline,title}} | postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s | postal_code = 53562 | area_code = [[Area code 608|608]] | blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]] | blank_info = 55-51575 | blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID | blank1_info = | website = {{URL|https://cityofmiddleton.us}} | footnotes = | pop_est_footnotes = }}

'''Middleton''' is a city in [[Dane County, Wisconsin]], United States. The population was 21,827 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]. A suburb northwest of [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], it is part of the [[Madison metropolitan area]]. Middleton's motto is "The Good Neighbor City."

==History== The first settlers were mostly of [[English people|English]] descent, and they came to Middleton in the 1840s.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-08-16|title=A Brief History of Middleton|url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2512|access-date=2021-07-31|website=Wisconsin Historical Society|language=en}}</ref> It was called Peatville for the large quantities of peat extracted from its soil. The town was renamed Middleton when it was separated from the town of Madison in 1848. Many [[Germany|German]] settlers arrived to Middleton in the 1850s, and after the year 1880, the population was largely of German descent.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|title=Middleton's Roots … – Middleton Area Historical Society|url=https://middletonhistory.org/middleton-stories/middletons-roots|access-date=2021-07-31|website=middletonhistory.org}}</ref> The first [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]] was founded in the area in 1852.<ref name=":10" />

Middleton incorporated as a village in 1905 and it became a city in 1963. At the suggestion of its first postmaster, Harry Barnes, it was named after a community in Vermont.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ci.middleton.wi.us/126/History-of-City |title=History of City |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=February 28, 2018}}</ref>

==Geography==

Middleton is located in Dane County in south-central Wisconsin, approximately 6 miles (10 km) west-northwest of downtown Madison, the state capital.<ref>{{cite web |title=Middleton city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Middleton_city,_Wisconsin |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.12 square miles (23.62 km²), of which 8.98 square miles (23.26 km²) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km²) is water.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Middleton is situated along the western shore of Lake Mendota and includes portions of the Pheasant Branch watershed, which drains into the lake.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pheasant Branch Conservancy |url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/742/Conservancy-Lands |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

===Climate=== {{Weather box |location = Middleton, Wisconsin |single line = Y |Jan high F = 23 |Feb high F = 29 |Mar high F = 41 |Apr high F = 54 |May high F = 67 |Jun high F = 77 |Jul high F = 81 |Aug high F = 78 |Sep high F = 70 |Oct high F = 58 |Nov high F = 42 |Dec high F = 29 |year high F = |Jan low F = 6 |Feb low F = 12 |Mar low F = 23 |Apr low F = 35 |May low F = 46 |Jun low F = 56 |Jul low F = 60 |Aug low F = 58 |Sep low F = 50 |Oct low F = 38 |Nov low F = 25 |Dec low F = 13 |year low F = |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation inch = 1.14 |Feb precipitation inch = 1.14 |Mar precipitation inch = 2.18 |Apr precipitation inch = 3.61 |May precipitation inch = 3.47 |Jun precipitation inch = 4.50 |Jul precipitation inch = 4.03 |Aug precipitation inch = 4.05 |Sep precipitation inch = 3.25 |Oct precipitation inch = 2.42 |Nov precipitation inch = 2.37 |Dec precipitation inch = 1.32 |year precipitation inch = 33.48 |source 1 = The Weather Channel<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USWI0449 |title= Monthly Averages for Middleton, Wisconsin | publisher=Weather.com |year=2010 |access-date=2010-03-31}}</ref> |date=August 2010 }}

Severe flooding occurred in August 2018, including along Pheasant Branch Creek.<ref>{{cite web | title=City of Middleton seeks to address widespread flood damage | website=WMTV: nbc15| date=19 May 2019 | url=https://www.nbc15.com/content/news/City-of-Middleton-seeks-to-address-widespread-flood-damage-510126221.html | access-date=13 May 2023}}</ref>

==Demographics== {{US Census population |1870= 285 |1880= 295 |1910= 679 |1920= 791 |1930= 983 |1940= 1358 |1950= 2110 |1960= 4410 |1970= 8246 |1980= 11851 |1990= 13289 |2000= 15770 |2010= 17442 |2020= 21827 |estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2020">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technical-documentation/research/evaluation-estimates/2020-evaluation-estimates/2010s-counties-total.html/|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2010-2020|access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref> |footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref> | align = right | align-fn = center }}

===2020 census=== As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], Middleton had a population of 21,827. The median age was 39.5 years. 21.0% of residents were under the age of 18, 34.76% were between the ages of 20 and 44, 24.2% were from 45 to 64, and 18.3% were 65 years of age or older. The sex breakdown was 48.0% male and 52.0% female. For every 100 females there were 92.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 89.6 males age 18 and over.<ref name="Census2020DP">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME%2CDP1_0021P%2CDP1_0024P%2CDP1_0025C%2CDP1_0049C%2CDP1_0045C%2CDP1_0069C%2CDP1_0073C%2CDP1_0125P%2CDP1_0126P%2CDP1_0129P%2CDP1_0133P%2CDP1_0137P%2CDP1_0138P%2CDP1_0139P%2CDP1_0141P%2CDP1_0142P%2CDP1_0143P%2CDP1_0145P%2CDP1_0146P%2CDP1_0147C%2CDP1_0148C%2CDP1_0149C%2CDP1_0156C%2CDP1_0157C%2CDP1_0158C%2CDP1_0159P%2CDP1_0160P&for=place%3A51575&in=state%3A55|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=April 16, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref><ref name="Census2020PL"/>

99.2% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.8% lived in rural areas.<ref name="Census2020DHC">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME%2CP2_002N%2CP2_003N&for=place%3A51575&in=state%3A55|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2023|access-date=April 16, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref>

There were 10,104 households in Middleton, of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 41.5% were married-couple households, 7.7% were cohabiting-couple households, 20.8% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 30.0% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals, 27.1% had one or more people aged 65 or older, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

There were 10,509 housing units, of which 3.9% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.6% and the rental vacancy rate was 3.1%.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

{| class="wikitable" |+ Racial composition as of the 2020 census<ref name="Census2020PL">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME%2CP1_001N%2CP1_003N%2CP1_004N%2CP1_005N%2CP1_006N%2CP1_007N%2CP1_008N%2CP1_009N%2CP2_001N%2CP2_002N%2CH1_001N%2CH1_002N&for=place%3A51575&in=state%3A55|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=April 16, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref> ! Race !! Number !! Percent |- | [[White Americans|White]] || 17,280 || 79.2% |- | [[African Americans|Black or African American]] || 792 || 3.6% |- | [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian and Alaska Native]] || 93 || 0.4% |- | [[Asian Americans|Asian]] || 1,522 || 7.0% |- | [[Native Hawaiians|Native Hawaiian]] and [[Pacific Islander|Other Pacific Islander]] || 6 || 0.0% |- | Some other race || 571 || 2.6% |- | [[Multiracial Americans|Two or more races]] || 1,563 || 7.2% |- | ''[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (of any race)'' || 1,488 || 6.8% |}

===2010 census=== As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-11-18}}</ref> of 2010, there were 17,442 people, 8,037 households, and 4,453 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1942.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 8,565 housing units at an average density of {{convert|953.8|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 87.1% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 3.5% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 4.2% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 2.3% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 2.5% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 5.6% of the population.

There were 8,037 households, of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.6% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 39.1 years. 21.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.1% were from 25 to 44; 29.3% were from 45 to 64; and 12.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

===2000 census=== [[File:Middleton, Wisconsin.jpg|thumb|Middleton]]

As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> in 2000, there were 15,770 people living in Middleton. The [[population density]] was 1,953.2 people per square mile (754.5/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 7,397 housing units at an average density of 916.2 per square mile (353.9/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the city was 92.08% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.97% [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.45% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 2.66% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.03% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.27% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.54% from two or more races. 2.82% of the population were [[Hispanic]] or [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latino]] of any race.

According to the census, there were 7,095 households in Middleton, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.9% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.90.

The age of the population of Middleton is fairly diverse. The census states that 22.7% of the citizens there were under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,786, and the median income for a family was $71,514. Males had a median income of $41,070 versus $30,928 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $29,464. About 3.1% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over. ==Economy==

Middleton has a diversified economy that includes manufacturing, life sciences, corporate services, health care, retail, and hospitality.<ref>{{cite web |title=Economic Profile |url=https://www.middletonchamber.com/economic-profile/ |publisher=Middleton Chamber of Commerce |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref> As part of the Madison metropolitan area, the city benefits from its proximity to the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the region's concentration of research- and technology-related employment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Economic Profile |url=https://www.middletonchamber.com/economic-profile/ |publisher=Middleton Chamber of Commerce |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Companies with major operations in Middleton include Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC), a manufacturer of lighting and rigging technology headquartered in the city; Spectrum Brands, whose principal executive offices are in Middleton; and Springs Window Fashions, which maintains its corporate office and plant in Middleton.<ref>{{cite web |title=Contacting ETC |url=https://www.etcconnect.com/Contact-Us.aspx |publisher=Electronic Theatre Controls |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Learn About ETC |url=https://www.etcconnect.com/About/ |publisher=Electronic Theatre Controls |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SPECTRUM BRANDS HOLDINGS, INC. |url=https://investor.spectrumbrands.com/static-files/4148c3c7-e8e-4a53-b97d-c80538714707 |publisher=Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Company History |url=https://www.springswindowfashions.com/company/company-history/ |publisher=Springs Window Fashions |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Life sciences and laboratory services are a significant part of the local economy. Thermo Fisher Scientific operates a clinical research and laboratory services campus in Middleton through its PPD business, and in 2024 announced an expansion of its Middleton laboratory operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Locations |url=https://www.ppd.com/who-we-are/locations/ |publisher=PPD, Thermo Fisher Scientific |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Thermo Fisher Scientific Expands Clinical Research Laboratory in Wisconsin |url=https://www.ppd.com/news-item/thermo-fisher-scientific-expands-clinical-research-laboratory-in-wisconsin/ |publisher=PPD, Thermo Fisher Scientific |date=2024-06-18 |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Retail and hospitality activity is concentrated in downtown Middleton and the Greenway Station district, an open-air shopping area on the city's west side.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Greenway Station |url=https://greenwayshopping.com/about |publisher=Greenway Station |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

===Business=== [[File:Wisconsin trade center.jpg|thumb|[[Wisconsin Trade Center]]]]

Middleton is home to more than 2,000 businesses and has a strong concentration of manufacturing, life sciences, and technology companies within the Madison metropolitan region.

===Top employers=== Major employers in Middleton include the following organizations:

{| class="wikitable" ! Employer !! Industry |- | Thermo Fisher Scientific (PPD clinical research division) | Pharmaceutical research and laboratory services |- | Electronic Theatre Controls | Entertainment and architectural lighting technology manufacturing |- | UW Health / UW Medical Foundation | Health care and medical services |- | Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District | Public education |- | Spectrum Brands | Consumer products and home goods manufacturing |- | Springs Window Fashions | Window coverings manufacturing and corporate services |- | North Central Group | Hospitality management and hotel development |- | Humana | Health insurance and health services |- | Hy Cite Enterprises | Direct sales and cookware products |- | Fiskars | Consumer goods and housewares manufacturing |}

===Tourism and shopping=== [[File:Greenway Station - panoramio (2).jpg|thumb|Greenway Station shopping center]]

Greenway Station is a shopping mall opened in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-10-01|title=Commercial Space Guide - Greenway Station: Perceptions of Struggling Mall Still Linger|url=https://www.ibmadison.com/commercial-space-guide-greenway-station-perceptions-of-struggling-mall-still-linger/|access-date=2021-07-30|website=In Business Madison|language=en-US}}</ref> Downtown Middleton has several shops and restaurants. During the 1960s and early 1970s, the Nitty Gritty restaurant in Middleton featured live blues music, and featured [[B.B. King]], [[Muddy Waters]], [[Charlie Musselwhite]], and [[Cheap Trick]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|date=March 17, 2021|title=12 Best Things to Do in Middleton, Wisconsin|url=https://vacationidea.com/wisconsin/best-things-to-do-in-middleton-wi.html|access-date=2021-07-31|website=VacationIdea|language=en-us}}</ref> In 1985, the Nitty Gritty was re-branded as a birthday destination, and as of 2018, over 725,000 birthdays have been celebrated there.<ref name=":8" />

==Arts and culture==

===Attractions=== [[File:National Mustard Museum 4.jpg|thumb|National Mustard Museum]]

Middleton is the home of the [[National Mustard Museum]]. It is often featured in lists of unusual museums in the United States. It was originally located in the nearby town of [[Mount Horeb, Wisconsin]], but moved to Middleton. The museum and its curator were featured on National Public Radio's ''[[Morning Edition]]'' broadcast of July 29, 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128823724|title=The Mustard Museum: Passion For A Condiment|work=npr.org|access-date=29 October 2016}}</ref> and ''[[Weekend Edition Saturday]]'' on February 18, 1995 (when it was located in Mount Horeb).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1006401|title=Cutaway|work=npr.org|access-date=29 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mustardmuseum.com|title=National Mustard Museum - Learn. Taste. Shop. Laugh!|work=mustardmuseum.com|access-date=29 October 2016}}</ref> Middleton's second museum, Middleton Historical Museum (also known as Rowley House) offers information and donations by early settlers. Middleton Train Depot was built in 1856. It was an active passenger station until 1960 and a freight depot until 1975. It is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] and serves as a visitor center.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-01-19|title=Middleton's Historic Depot, Visitors Center|url=https://visitmiddleton.com/depot-visitor-center/|access-date=2021-07-30|website=Visit Middleton|language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Wisconsin Trade Center]] is a commercial office building made of blue glass windows and it is the tallest building in Middleton. Middleton has a garden and landscaping center called Orchids Garden Centre & Nursery.

Capital Brewery was founded in 1984 to brew German-style [[lager]] beer and has since branched to American-style ales and [[barrel-aged beer]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Info|url=https://www.capitalbrewery.com/info/|access-date=2021-07-30|website=Capital Brewery|language=en-US}}</ref> Capital Brewery has won over 240 awards. The Capital Brewery Bier Garten is open from April to October and it often offers live music and food vendors.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-01-13|title=Capital Brewery|url=https://visitmiddleton.com/capital-brewery/|access-date=2021-07-30|website=Visit Middleton|language=en-US}}</ref> Hidden Cave Cidery, opened in 2021, is a local cidery that makes cider of Wisconsin apples.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-09|title=Hidden Cave Cidery|url=https://visitmiddleton.com/hidden-cave-cidery/|access-date=2021-07-30|website=Visit Middleton|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Events=== [[File:Middleton Good Neighbor Festival Midway - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|Carnival rides at the annual Middleton Good Neighbor Festival]]

Middleton has an annual Middleton Good Neighbor Festival held on the last weekend of August at Firemen's Park in Middleton.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=History {{!}} Middleton Good Neighbor Festival|url=https://goodneighborfestival.com/history/|access-date=2021-07-29|language=en-US}}</ref> The festival has been held since 1964, and "The Good Neighbor Award" has been awarded to a Middleton resident since 1980. The award is given to individuals who have made a difference in the community, and embody what it means to be a Good Neighbor.<ref name=":3" /> The three-day festival has free live music, carnival rides, family activities, entertainment, food, parades and other activities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Middleton Good Neighbor Festival|url=https://www.visitmadison.com/event/middleton-good-neighbor-festival/51810/|access-date=2021-07-29|website=www.visitmadison.com|language=en-us}}</ref>

Downtown Middleton Summer Fun series is typically held from July to August, and it features free music and entertainment on every Thursday.<ref name="Get Out and Play!">{{Cite web|date=2021-06-22|title=Get Out and Play!|url=https://visitmiddleton.com/get-out-and-play-how-to-make-the-most-of-summer-in-middleton/|access-date=2021-07-29|website=Visit Middleton|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, the event included arts and crafts table for children, picnic tables, hula hoops, free beginner [[harmonica]] lessons and other activities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Downtown Middleton Summer Fun|url=https://visitmiddleton.com/events/downtown-middleton-summer-fun/2021-07-15/|access-date=2021-08-27|website=Visit Middleton|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Downtown Middleton Summer Fun {{!}} 7550 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562-3133, United States {{!}} July 29, 2021|url=https://happeningnext.com/event/downtown-middleton-summer-fun-eid3a080athtj|access-date=2021-08-27|website=happeningnext.com|language=en}}</ref>

National Mustard Day<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-01|title=National Mustard Day - August 1|url=https://nationaltoday.com/national-mustard-day/|access-date=2021-08-27|website=National Today|language=en-US}}</ref> is an outdoor [[food festival]] held annually on the first Saturday of August in downtown Middleton.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mustard Day – Mustard Museum|url=https://mustardmuseum.org/mustard-day/|access-date=2021-08-27|website=mustardmuseum.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY - First Saturday in August|url=https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-mustard-day-first-saturday-in-august/|access-date=2021-08-27|website=National Day Calendar|language=en-US}}</ref> The event features live music, face painting, games and entertainment, food and free mustard samplings.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-05|title=National Mustard Day set for Aug. 7|url=https://visitmiddleton.com/national-mustard-day-2021/|access-date=2021-08-27|website=Visit Middleton|language=en-US}}</ref> National Mustard Museum has hosted and sponsored the event since 1991.<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Mustard Day {{!}} National Mustard Museum|url=https://mustardmuseum.com/annual-national-mustard-day/|access-date=2021-08-27|language=en-US}}</ref>

Haunted Hustle is a [[Halloween]]-themed [[marathon]] held in October.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-10-13|title=Halloween Family Fun at the Haunted Hustle|url=https://visitmiddleton.com/halloween-family-fun-haunted-hustle-2/|access-date=2021-07-29|website=Visit Middleton|language=en-US}}</ref> Other events in Middleton include Wine Walk, Greenway Station Farmers' Market and Prairie Chase Run/Walk.<ref name="Get Out and Play!"/> Middleton-Cross Plains Area Performing Arts Center hosts plays and dances.

===Art=== Middleton is dedicated to providing and encouraging outdoor [[public art]], including sculptures, murals and stained glass.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-08|title=Beauty All Around — Discover Middleton's Outdoor Public Art|url=https://visitmiddleton.com/middleton-art/|access-date=2021-07-30|website=Visit Middleton|language=en-US}}</ref> Visit Middleton's website offers a Middleton's Outdoor Public Art Trail map.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=Middleton Outdoor Public Art Map|url=https://visitmiddleton.com/depot/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Middleton-Outdoor-Public-Art-Map.pdf|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=Visit Middleton}}</ref> Middleton Arts Committee and the Middleton Community Development Authority sponsors and supports art in Middleton.<ref name=":7" />

==Parks and recreation== Middleton maintains an extensive system of parks, trails, and conservancy lands. The city's conservancy system includes the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor, which protect natural areas and provide public trail access.<ref>{{cite web |title=Conservancy Lands Plan(s) |url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/810/Conservancy-Lands-Plan |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Conservancy Lands & Trails |url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/742/Conservancy-Lands |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Pope Farm Conservancy, located in the Town of Middleton near the city, is a separate conservancy with walking trails, wildlife viewing areas, educational signage, restored prairie, and oak savanna landscapes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pope Farm Conservancy |url=https://www.popefarmconservancy.org/ |publisher=Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pope Farm Conservancy - South |url=https://town.middleton.wi.us/index.asp?DE=EA815CED-3887-476A-9D24-7D0C5B14EA19&SEC=CA102B3D-5C8E-4FEC-8A29-0C90F2908CC0 |publisher=Town of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

The city also operates Quarry Skate Park, a 10,000-square-foot seasonal skate facility with poured-concrete features for skateboarding and rollerblading.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks, Facilities, & Trails |url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/734/Parks-Facilities-Trails |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Recreation facilities in Middleton include Pleasant View Golf Course, a municipal golf facility with 27 championship holes, a nine-hole par-3 course, and a practice range.<ref>{{cite web |title=Golf Course |url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/806/Pleasant-View-Golf-Course |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref> The course has received Madison Magazine's "Best of Madison" golf-course recognition multiple times, including in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Golf Course |url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/806/Pleasant-View-Golf-Course |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

The city’s public outdoor aquatic facility, formerly known as the Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, was renamed Bauman Community Pool in 2025. The facility includes a zero-depth-entry pool, an eight-lane competition pool, a diving well, two waterslides, interactive water-play features, and a sand playground.<ref>{{cite web |title=Community Pool |url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/713/Community-Pool |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome to the Bauman Community Pool! |url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/256762 |publisher=City of Middleton |date=2025-04-01 |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Middleton is also adjacent to Lake Mendota and near Dane County’s Mendota County Park, which includes camping, a swimming beach, volleyball courts, play equipment, and small-boat access.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mendota County Park |url=https://www.danecountyparks.com/park/mendota |publisher=Dane County Parks |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

==Education==

Public education in Middleton is provided by the [[Middleton-Cross Plains School District]], which serves the City of Middleton, the Village of Cross Plains, and surrounding communities.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the District |url=https://www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us/about-us |publisher=Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Schools located in Middleton include seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Students attend Middleton High School, the district’s comprehensive high school, or Clark Street Community School, an alternative high school program.<ref>{{cite web |title=Schools |url=https://www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us/schools |publisher=Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Middleton High School has been ranked among the top high schools in Wisconsin by ''U.S. News & World Report'', based on factors including graduation rates, college readiness, and performance on Advanced Placement exams.<ref>{{cite web |title=Middleton High School Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/wisconsin/districts/middleton-cross-plains-area-school-district/middleton-high-school-21654 |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

===Elementary schools=== * Elm Lawn Elementary School * Northside Elementary School * Park Elementary School * Pope Farm Elementary School * Sauk Trail Elementary School * Sunset Ridge Elementary School * West Middleton Elementary School

===Middle schools=== * Glacier Creek Middle School * Kromrey Middle School

===High schools=== * [[Middleton High School (Wisconsin)|Middleton High School]] * Clark Street Community School

==Media== Middleton is part of the Madison, Wisconsin media market and is served by regional television, radio, and print outlets based in nearby Madison.<ref>{{cite web |title=Madison DMA Market Profile |url=https://www.nielsen.com/insights/ |publisher=Nielsen |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref> Newspapers covering Middleton include the ''Wisconsin State Journal'' and ''The Capital Times'', both published in Madison.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wisconsin State Journal |url=https://madison.com/ |publisher=Lee Enterprises |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Capital Times |url=https://captimes.com/ |publisher=The Capital Times Company |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Local community coverage is also provided by the ''Middleton Times-Tribune'' a newspaper that serves Middleton and surrounding communities.

Several broadcast transmitters serving the Madison market are located in Middleton. The city is the community of license for radio station WWQM (106.3 FM), a country music station serving the Madison area.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWQM Facility Record |url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=73922 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref> An FM translator for Catholic radio station WHFA (W247CI, 97.3 FM) also broadcasts from a transmitter located in Middleton.<ref>{{cite web |title=W247CI Facility Record |url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=156298 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Middleton is also served by Madison-based television stations including WISC-TV (CBS), WKOW (ABC), WMTV (NBC), and WHA-TV (PBS), which provide news and regional coverage of the community.<ref>{{cite web |title=Madison Television Stations |url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?mktid=73 |publisher=RabbitEars |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

The City of Middleton also produces municipal programming and broadcasts public meetings and community information through its online video platform.<ref>{{cite web |title=City of Middleton YouTube Channel |url=https://www.youtube.com/@cityofmiddleton |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

[[File:Middleton Emergency Medical Services - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Middleton Emergency Medical Services]] ==Infrastructure and transportation==

Middleton maintains municipal infrastructure, including streets, utilities, parks, and a network of multi-use recreational trails. The city maintains approximately 30 miles of shared-use paths and recreational trails connecting neighborhoods, parks, conservancy lands, and commercial areas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks, Facilities, & Trails |url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/734/Parks-Facilities-Trails |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref> Trails identified on city maps include segments associated with the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor, the Pheasant Branch Conservancy, the North Fork and South Fork trail systems, and other neighborhood trail connections.<ref>{{cite web |title=City Trail Map |url=https://visitmiddleton.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/City-Trail-Map_2025-1.pdf |publisher=Visit Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Middleton Municipal Airport (C29) is a public-use general aviation airport owned by the City of Middleton and located on the city’s west side.<ref>{{cite web |title=Middleton Municipal Airport |url=https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/149/Airport |publisher=City of Middleton |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref> Commercial airline service for the region is provided through Dane County Regional Airport in nearby Madison.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dane County Regional Airport |url=https://msnairport.com/ |publisher=Dane County Regional Airport |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Public transit service is provided by Metro Transit, the Madison-area regional transit system. Metro routes serving Middleton include Route R and Route F, which provide connections between Middleton, the Junction Road Park & Ride, and downtown Madison.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metro Transit System Map |url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/routes-schedules/system-map |publisher=City of Madison Metro Transit |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Freight rail service is provided by the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, which operates through Middleton along its Prairie Subdivision.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prairie Subdivision |url=https://www.wsorrailroad.com/ |publisher=Wisconsin & Southern Railroad |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

Middleton is served by U.S. Route 12 and U.S. Route 14, which pass through the city and connect to the West Beltline Highway (U.S. 12/18) in neighboring Madison.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wisconsin State Highway System |url=https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/road/hwy-maps/default.aspx |publisher=Wisconsin Department of Transportation |access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref>

==Notable people== {{div col}} * [[Matt Blanchard]], NFL Quarterback * [[Gary Close]], basketball coach * [[Casey Cramer]], football player * [[Tracey DeKeyser]], ice hockey coach * [[Jon Erpenbach]], Wisconsin State Senator * [[Russ Feingold]], [[United States Senate|Former United States Senator]] from Wisconsin * [[Frank Gault]], Wisconsin State Representative * [[Ryan Groy]], football player * [[Pauline Kruger Hamilton]], photographer * [[Aaron Hohlbein]], [[Major League Soccer|MLS]] player * [[Ed Janus]], journalist * [[Jill Karofsky]], Justice of the [[Wisconsin Supreme Court]] * [[Jerry Kleczka]], politician * [[Paul Kowert]], double bassist * [[Josh Lambo]], football player * [[Joe Parisi]], Dane County executive * [[Bob Skoronski]], professional football player<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ryman |first1=Richard |title=Bob Skoronski, Packers Hall of Fame tackle, dead at 84 |url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2018/10/31/bob-skoronski-green-bay-packers-hall-fame-tackle-dead-84/1831572002/ |website=Green Bay Press gazette |access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> * [[Rose Schuster Taylor]], writer and naturalist at [[Yosemite]] * [[Otto F. Toepfer]], Wisconsin State Representative * [[Al Toon]], football player * [[Nick Toon]], football player * [[Edo de Waart]], conductor and music director {{div col end}}

==See also== * [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Dane County, Wisconsin]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/ City of Middleton] * [https://www.middletonchamber.com/ Middleton Chamber of Commerce]

[[Category:Middleton, Wisconsin| ]] [[Category:Cities in Wisconsin]] [[Category:Cities in Dane County, Wisconsin]] [[Category:Madison metropolitan area]]