Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Boat Launches

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.
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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. -
-
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. -
-
-
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.
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
B-cycle Station
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch
Boat Mooring
Botanical Garden
Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites
Canoe & Kayak Rental
Canoe & Kayak Storage
Conservation Park
Cricket
Cross-Country Skiing
Disc Golf
Dog Free Park
Dog Off-Leash Park
Fireplace
Football
Forest Hill Cemetery
Golf
Hiking
Historical Feature
Horseshoe/Bocce
Ice Skating
Lacrosse
Open Field
Parking Lot
Pickleball
Picnic Shelter
Playground
Pool
Recreation Center
Restroom
Scenic Overlook
Shelter - Reservable
Skate Park
Slacklining and Hammocking
Sledding
Snowshoeing
Soccer
Softball
Splash Park
Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball