Boat Launches
A daily or annual permit is required year-round at designated sites to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATVs. Piers are available from spring through mid-fall. Installation and removal are dependent on the weather and lake conditions. A year-round pier remains at Olbrich Park.
- LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin
- LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner
2025 Fees
Daily | $8 |
Annual - Dane County Resident | $50 |
Annual - Non-Resident | $60 |
Annual - Dane County Senior (65+) & Disabled | $25 |
Annual - Non-Res Senior (65+) & Disabled | $30 |
Military/Veteran | $25 |
Duplicate/Replacement | $20 |
2024 permit is valid through March 31, 2025.
2025 permit is available for purchase starting Nov. 1 and is valid through March 31, 2026.
Lake Access Permit
- A daily or annual permit is required year-round to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV.
- See Ordinance 8.215 for details.
- Purchase permit ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours.
- Iron rangers are NOT available for onsite cash purchasing.
- The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year.
- Permits for the following year may be purchased starting November 1 of the previous year.
- The permit should be displayed on the inside driver's side windshield.
- The permit is valid at designated launch sites throughout Dane County. MAP
Olbrich Boat Launch, Boaters Advised to Use Caution
Boaters are advised to use caution navigating the narrowed channel where the Starkweather Creek meets Lake Monona due to low lake levels and creek sediment. Channel markers are installed by Dane County Land and Water Resources to assist boaters. Boaters may consider launching at alternate sites such as Olin, Tonyawatha or Winnequah. Lake Access permit holder may use any of the designated launch sites throughout Dane County.
Launch Area Parking Rules and Tips (Ordinance 8.16)
- Long stalls are for parking vehicles with trailers only.
- Regular-size stalls are for parking vehicles with no trailer only.
- Parking on the grass is prohibited.
- When the launch parking lot is full, you must find an alternative launch site
- Violators are subject to a citation.
-
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South - Boat Launch
Park: Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South
Lake Access Permit Required: No
Notes: The Upper Yahara River above Hwy 113 is a designated slow/no-wake at all times. Launch is best for canoe/kayak access. -
Law Park - Boat Launch
Park: Law Park
Location: 410 S. Blair St.
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
Notes: Parking is very limited for this location with no trailer parking available. -
Marshall Park - Boat Launch
Park: Marshall Park
Location: 2101 Allen Blvd.
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
-
Olbrich Park - Boat Launch
Park: Olbrich Park
Location: 3401 Atwood Ave.
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
Notes: Boaters are advised to use caution navigating the narrowed channel a may consider using an alternate park launch site. -
Olin Park - Boat Launch
Park: Olin Park
Location: 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
-
Spring Harbor Park - Boat Launch
Park: Spring Harbor Park
Location: 5218 Lake Mendota Dr.
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
-
Tenney Park - Boat Launch
Park: Tenney Park
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
Notes: 1601 Sherman Ave. -
Vilas (Henry) Park - Boat Launch
Park: Vilas (Henry) Park
Location: 1602 Vilas Park Dr.
Lake Access Permit Required: No
Notes: No trailer parking available. -
Warner Park - Boat Launch
Park: Warner Park
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
Notes: 1201 Woodward Drive -
Wingra Park and Boat Livery - Boat Launch
Park: Wingra Park and Boat Livery
Location: 824 Knickerbocker St.
Lake Access Permit Required: No
Notes: No trailer parking available.
Receipt is emailed and proof of purchase. Annual permit is mailed within 10 business days.
The current year's permit is valid through March of the following year.
Facilities
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Beach
- Biking
- Boat Launch
- Boat Mooring
- Botanical Garden
- Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites
- Canoe & Kayak Rental
- Canoe & Kayak Storage
- Cemetery
- Conservation Park
- Cricket
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Disc Golf
- Dogs in Parks
- Fireplace
- Fishing
- Football
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical Feature
- Horseshoe/Bocce
- Ice Skating
- Multipurpose Field
- Parking Lot
- Pickleball
- Playground
- Pool
- Recreation Center
- Restroom
- Scenic Overlook
- Shelters & Pavilions
- Skate Park
- Sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Splash Park
- Tennis
- Volleyball