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Boat Launches

Boat Launch

Boat Launch News

  • A year-round pier remains at Olbrich Park. 
  • Free Fun Weekend - No permit is required!
    • Saturday & Sunday, January 18-19, 2025
    • 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 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.

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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