Boat Launches
Boat Launch News
As of Wednesday, April 10, boat launch piers returned at Marshall, Olbrich, Olin, Tenney, Warner and Wingra parks. Piers remain at Cherokee Marsh - South, Marshall, Olbrich and Spring Harbor.
Accessing the Lakes
A daily or annual permit is required year-round at designated sites to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV (see locations below). Piers are available from spring through fall. Installation and removal are dependent on the weather and lake conditions.
LAKE ACCESS PERMIT (Ordinance 8.215): See Purchase Permit
- A daily or annual permit is required year-round to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV.
- Purchase permit ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours. Onsite kiosks are not available.
- 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
- LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin
- LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner
2024 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 (New!) | $25 |
Duplicate/Replacement | $20 |
2024 permit is available Nov. 1 and is valid from the time of purchase through March 31, 2025.
Olbrich Boat Launch, Boaters Advised to Use Caution
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.
Permit Free Days
In partnership with Dane County Parks, a Lake Access Permit is NOT required on the following days:
- Saturday - Sunday, January 21-22, 2023
- Saturday - Sunday, June 3-4, 2023
-
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
- Lacrosse
- Open Field
- Parking Lot
- Pickleball
- Playground
- Pool
- Recreation Center
- Restroom
- Scenic Overlook
- Shelters & Pavilions
- Skate Park
- Sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Splash Park
- Tennis
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball