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Boat Launches

Boat Launch

Boat Launch News

  • Free Fun Weekend - No permit is required!
    • Saturday & Sunday, June 7-8, 2025

Madison Parks maintains boat launches to access both Mendota and Monona lakes to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATVs. A daily or annual permit is required year-round. Piers are available from spring through mid-fall. Installation and removal are dependent on the weather and lake conditions. 

  • 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

PURCHASE PERMIT

  • 2024 permit is valid through March 31, 2025. 
  • 2025 permit is available for purchase starting Nov. 1 and is valid from the time of purchase 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. Dane County Land and Water Resources install channel markers to assist boaters. Boaters may consider launching at alternate sites such as Olin, Tonyawatha or Winnequah. Lake Access permit holders 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. 

Year-Round Piers

  • Yahara River at Cherokee Marsh South and Olin 
  • Lake Mendota at Marshall and Spring Harbor boat launches
  • Brittingham Bay near Brittingham shelter
  • Starkweather Creek kayak launch at Olbrich
  • Lake Monona at Olbrich boat launch

  • Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South - Boat Launch

    Park: Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South
    Location: 5002 School Rd.
    Lake Access Permit Required: No

    Notes: Access to the Yahara River. Best for canoe/kayaks. The Upper Yahara River above Hwy 113 is a designated slow/no-wake at all times.

  • Law Park - Boat Launch

    Park: Law Park
    Location: 410 S. Blair St.
    Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

    Notes: Access Lake Monona. No trailer parking. Limited standard parking.

  • Marshall Park - Boat Launch

    Park: Marshall Park
    Location: 2101 Allen Blvd.
    Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

    Notes: Access Lake Mendota. Three piers, one year-round.

  • Olbrich Park - Boat Launch

    Park: Olbrich Park
    Location: 3401 Atwood Ave.
    Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

    Notes: Access to Lake Monona from the mouth of Starkweather Creek. Boaters are advised to use caution navigating the narrowed channel and may consider using an alternate launch site. Three piers, one year-round.

  • Olin Park - Boat Launch

    Park: Olin Park
    Location: 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.
    Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

    Notes: Access Lake Monona. Four piers.

  • Spring Harbor Park - Boat Launch

    Park: Spring Harbor Park
    Location: 5218 Lake Mendota Dr.
    Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

    Notes: Access to Lake Mendota. Year-round pier.

  • Tenney Park - Boat Launch

    Park: Tenney Park
    Location: 1601 Sherman Ave.
    Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

    Notes: Access Lake Mendota

  • Vilas (Henry) Park - Boat Launch

    Park: Vilas (Henry) Park
    Location: 1602 Vilas Park Dr.
    Lake Access Permit Required: No

    Notes: Access Lake Wingra. No trailer parking.

  • Warner Park - Boat Launch

    Park: Warner Park
    Location: 1201 Woodward Drive
    Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

    Notes: Access Lake Mendota. Three piers.

  • Wingra Park and Boat Livery - Boat Launch

    Park: Wingra Park and Boat Livery
    Location: 824 Knickerbocker St.
    Lake Access Permit Required: No

    Notes: Access Lake Wingra. No trailer parking available.

Purchase Permit

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.

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