Midland, Wis. – Residents of Dane County gained a new winter‑sports hub on Thursday with the grand opening of the Middleton Nordic Lodge at the CXC Outdoor Center on Schwartz Road. The facility fulfills a decade‑long vision to provide four‑season outdoor access for both elite athletes and everyday families.
Community partnership brings land and vision to life
The 80‑acre property was donated to the City of Middleton in 2021 by local benefactors Dan and Natalie Erdman. Their goal was to create a permanent, publicly‑accessible recreation venue that neighbors could enjoy in their own backyard. “I couldn’t be more excited to finally see this vision become reality,” Dan Erdman said in a statement. “Natalie and I are proud that the public will now have the same opportunity to experience this beautiful piece of land year‑round.”
Facilities designed for all skill levels
Central Cross‑Country Skiing (CXC) Director Yuriy Gusev explained that the lodge was intentionally built to serve a wide range of users. “It’s finding that balance where it’s suitable for someone who comes and skis for the first time, or someone trying to compete at the highest level,” he said. The center now features roughly eight miles of groomed trails, including two miles equipped with dedicated snow‑making infrastructure. “With mild winters, we make snow. Regardless of natural snow, we will have snow so people can count on it. That’s what makes it the destination,” Gusev added.
Indoor amenities expand community use
Beyond trail access, the lodge offers an event space capable of hosting weddings, retreats and private parties. Interior amenities such as a Nordic rental shop, a high‑performance gym and physical‑therapy offices are slated for completion by the end of the year, providing additional resources for athletes and health‑focused residents.
Mayor and officials praise the project
Midland Mayor Lisa Janairo praised the public‑private partnership, noting the community’s gratitude to the Erdmans for preserving the land for future generations. “This project reflects our shared commitment to outdoor recreation, healthy living and family‑friendly activities,” Janairo said.
The opening of the Middleton Nordic Lodge underscores the city’s dedication to expanding quality of life options for families, faith‑based groups and individual citizens alike. With reliable snow‑making, year‑round trail access and versatile indoor spaces, the center is poised to become a cornerstone of Midland’s outdoor culture.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
