Boat Launches
Madison Parks maintains fishing, sightseeing and boat launch piers throughout the city's lakefront parks. Piers are typically installed each spring and removed in the fall.
A Lake Access Permit is required year-round at:
- Lake Monona: Law, Olbrich, Olin
- Lake Mendota: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner
Additional launch locations are available for canoes and kayaks.
Locations
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South Boat Launch
Wingra Park and Boat Livery Boat Launch
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Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South Boat Launch
Access the Yahara River. Best for canoes and kayaks. The Upper Yahara River above Hwy 113 is a designated slow/no-wake at all times.
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Law Park Boat Launch
Access Lake Monona. No trailer parking. Limited standard parking.
A Lake Access Permit is required.
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Marshall Park Boat Launch
Access Lake Mendota. Three piers, one year-round.
A Lake Access Permit is required.
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Olbrich Park Boat Launch
Access to Lake Monona from the mouth of Starkweather Creek.
A Lake Access Permit is required.
Boaters are advised to use caution when navigating the narrowed channel and may consider using an alternate launch site. Boaters may consider launching at alternate sites such as Olin, Tonyawatha or Winnequah.
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Olin Park Boat Launch
Access Lake Monona. Four piers.
A Lake Access Permit is required.
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Spring Harbor Park Boat Launch
Access to Lake Mendota. Year-round pier.
A Lake Access Permit is required.
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Tenney Park Boat Launch
Access Lake Mendota.
A Lake Access Permit is required.
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Vilas (Henry) Park Boat Launch
Access Lake Wingra. No trailer parking.
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Warner Park Boat Launch
Access Lake Mendota. Three piers.
A Lake Access Permit is required.
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Wingra Park and Boat Livery Boat Launch
Access Lake Wingra. No trailer parking available.
Year-Round Piers
The following piers are available year-round:
- 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
Launch Area Parking Rules and Tips
- 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.
See Madison General Ordinance 8.16 for more information.