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Middleton, WI

Frequently asked questions

Middleton, WI

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

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. Middleton is located about 6 miles West/Northwest of Madison, the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin.

The first settlers were mostly of English descent, and they came to Middleton in the 1840s. It was called Peatville for the large quantities of peat extracted from its soil. The village was renamed Middleton when it was separated from the town of Madison in 1848. Many German settlers arrived in Middleton in the 1850s, and after the year 1880, the population was largely of German descent. The first Lutheran Church was founded in the area in 1852. Middleton was 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.

The largest industry sector in Middleton is manufacturing. Other major job sectors are retail trade, technology, educational services, health care, management of companies, finance, and accommodations. In 2019, 17% of workers were employed in the manufacturing sector with 3,037 jobs. As of 2016, over 65% of Middleton residents have associate, bachelor, or advanced degrees, and 44.7% of residents are employed in positions that earn more than $75,000 per year. Over 2,000 companies are located in Middleton, including American Girl's corporate headquarters and one of Electronic Theater Controls' worldwide offices.

Greenway Station is a shopping mall opened in 2003. 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. In 1985, the Nitty Gritty was re-branded as a birthday destination, and as of 2018, over 725,000 birthdays have been celebrated there.

Health and wellness are paramount in Middleton, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The VA Madison Health Care is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Middleton Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Harbor Athletic Club, Trautman Fitness, and Peter Kraus Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Middleton, such as the Owen Conservation Park Loop and Pheasant Branch and Fredrick's Hill Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Middleton, WI, are the National Mustard Museum, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, and Middleton Historical Museum.

Population: 22,328 (2022). Elevation: 928 feet (283 m). Area: 9.14 square miles (23.68 km²). ZIP Code: 53562. Area code: 608.

FAQs

What is the history of Middleton, WI?

Middleton traces its beginnings to an 1832 fur trading post along the northern shore of Lake Mendota near what is now Mendota County Park. The Township of Middleton was created in 1848 and about a decade later, in 1856, the much-coveted railroad arrived, establishing Middleton as a hub of activity for the area. The current depot was built in 1895 and serves as the Visit Middleton Center, located on Parmenter Street downtown.

What state has a town called Middleton, WI?

The Township of Middleton separated from the Township of Madison on March 11, 1848, just months before Wisconsin became a state. Harry Barnes, the first postmaster in the new township, suggested the name Middleton after a community in his home state of Vermont. Mr. Whittlesey was the first chairman of the Township of Middleton. With an influx of settlers, the township grew. 

Is Middleton, WI a good place to live?

Middleton is in Dane County and is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Living in Middleton offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Middleton, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Middleton

VA Madison Health Care

Middleton Parks and Recreation Department 

Harbor Athletic Club

Trautman Fitness 

Peter Kraus Fitness

Owen Conservation Park Loop 

Pheasant Branch and Fredrick's Hill Loop

National Mustard Museum

Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Middleton Historical Museum

Visit Middleton

Niche

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