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Boat Launches

Boat Launch

OLIN BOAT LAUNCH TEMPORARY CLOSURE 

The boat launch at Olin Park will be closed Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14, due to a permitted event. 

Spring Harbor Boat Launch Closure - Starting October 2022

Improvements are coming for the boat launch at Spring Harbor Park. City of Madison Engineering Division will be dredging the area starting in October 2022 and the launch will be closed. We anticipate completion by the end of December 2022. For updates and to learn more about the project, visit Spring Harbor Dredge. 

CAUTION: OLBRICH BOAT LAUNCH ADVISORY

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. READ MORE

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 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 15 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
DESIGNATED CITY OF MADISON LAUNCH LOCATIONS BY LAKE
  • LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin 
  • LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner

2022 Fees

Daily $8
Dane County Resident Annual $40
Nonresident Annual $50
Dane County Senior (65+) $21
Nonresident Senior (65+) $28
Disabled $21
Duplicate/Replacement $18

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
    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
    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
    Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

  • Spring Harbor Park - Boat Launch

    Park: Spring Harbor Park
    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
    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
    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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