- Attraction: National Mustard Museum
- Location: 7477 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://mustardmuseum.org
What started as one heartbroken baseball fan’s midnight grocery store epiphany has transformed into Wisconsin’s most delightfully unexpected attraction.
The National Mustard Museum houses over 6,000 mustards from all 50 states and more than 70 countries, making it the world’s largest collection of prepared mustards and mustard memorabilia.
Founded by former Assistant Attorney General Barry Levenson after his beloved Boston Red Sox lost the 1986 World Series, this quirky museum has become one of Wisconsin’s most beloved roadside destinations.
You’ll discover everything from sweet honey mustards to blazing hot pepper varieties, all displayed along the famous “Great Wall of Mustard” that spans the museum’s basement. But here’s the best part: admission is completely free, and you can sample hundreds of different mustards at their legendary tasting bar upstairs.
Mustard Tasting Extravaganza
The Ultimate Tasting Bar: The crown jewel of your visit awaits upstairs in the gift shop, where you can sample from hundreds of different mustard varieties. You’ll find everything from traditional yellow mustard to exotic flavors like praline mustard glaze and pecan honey mustard that work wonderfully for glazing pork chops or dipping chicken tenders.
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Keep Exploring →Sweet & Spicy Adventures: The selection spans every flavor profile imaginable, from fruit-infused mustards to fiery hot pepper blends. Many visitors arrive skeptical and leave as devoted mustard enthusiasts, discovering that this humble condiment offers far more complexity than they ever imagined.
Free Pretzel Pairings: Complimentary pretzels are provided throughout the tasting area, giving you the perfect vehicle to experience each mustard’s unique characteristics. The warm pretzels provide an ideal base for sampling and help reset your taste buds between different varieties.
International Selections: You’ll taste mustards from France, England, Germany, and dozens of other countries, each representing different regional traditions and flavor profiles. The variety is so extensive that even frequent return visitors discover new favorites on every trip.
Museum Highlights & Interactive Fun
The Great Wall of Mustard: Downstairs in the free museum, you’ll encounter an awe-inspiring display of over 6,000 mustard jars, cans, and tubes from around the globe. This colorful collection creates a stunning visual impact that surprises even the most casual visitors.
MustardPiece Theatre: Watch educational videos about mustard’s fascinating history, production methods, and cultural significance. While the videos are charmingly dated from the 1980s, they provide surprisingly engaging information about this ancient condiment.
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Discover MoreInteractive Games: Test your mustard knowledge with the Food Whiz quiz game, or try your luck at the mustard ring toss for a chance to win free mustard samples. These hands-on activities add an element of fun that appeals to visitors of all ages.
Vintage Memorabilia: The collection includes antique mustard pots, vintage advertisements, and unique pieces of mustard-themed art. You’ll see everything from sterling silver mustard containers to quirky promotional items that tell the story of mustard’s evolution in American culture.
World’s Only Mustard Vending Machine: This one-of-a-kind attraction dispenses mustard varieties you won’t find anywhere else, making it a must-see photo opportunity.
Atmosphere & Experience
Quirky Downtown Charm: Located in the heart of downtown Middleton, the museum occupies a charming two-story building where the gift shop and tasting area occupy the main floor, while the museum itself spreads throughout the basement level.
Humorous Touches: The museum doesn’t take itself too seriously, with tongue-in-cheek humor throughout the displays. You’ll find mustard-mustached busts of famous figures and playful signage that keeps the experience lighthearted and entertaining.
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Keep Exploring →Self-Guided Exploration: The museum offers a relaxed, self-paced experience where you can spend anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on your level of interest. Most people find themselves staying longer than expected as they discover the surprising depth of mustard culture.
Educational Value: Beyond the fun factor, you’ll actually learn fascinating facts about mustard production, different regional varieties, and the condiment’s historical significance across various cultures.
Other Considerations
Unbeatable Value: Admission remains completely free, with only a suggested $2-5 donation. Considering the entertainment value and unlimited tastings, this represents exceptional value for families and budget-conscious travelers.
Perfect Parking: Free parking is available directly next to the museum, eliminating any downtown parking hassles. The convenient location makes it an easy stop during Madison-area explorations.
Accessibility Features: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with an elevator connecting floors, accessible restrooms, and plenty of space for mobility aids like walkers and scooters.
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Discover MorePet-Friendly Policy: Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome throughout the museum, making this a rare family attraction where four-legged family members can join the fun.
Shopping Paradise: The gift shop sells more varieties of mustard than anywhere else on Earth, plus unique items like “Poupon U” college shirts that have become cult favorites. They offer shipping services for larger purchases.
Annual Festival: Plan your visit for the first Saturday in August to experience National Mustard Day, when the streets shut down for a festival featuring live music, games, food vendors, and the famous “Duchess of Mustard” greeting visitors.
National Mustard Museum
📍 7477 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
