No Boat No Problem, Southern Wisconsin's Lakes Are Home To Over A Dozen Rental Opportunities From Dinner Cruises to Kayaks
With over 120 lakes across our region Summer in Southern Wisconsin brings to mind one thing: getting out on the open water. .Whether a fisherman, outdoor enthusiast, or chilled romantic boundless boating opportunities abound await on our beautiful lakes and rivers.
Each lake has its' own personality too. Lake Mendota, bordering the northern edge of Madison's Isthmus
can kick up white caps in heavy wind, while Lake Monona, the smaller of the two lakes bordering the Capitol city's downtown is much more tranquil on windy days and does not generate much chop. Shallow, smaller lakes are notorious for chaotic chop in heavier winds or after storm, and sometimes buggier as some bodies of water are dammed off marshes.
Choose your Lake Leisure Activity:
Want a romantic getaway at sunset? Betty Lou Cruises departs the Northshore of Lake Mendota for evenings and large private function rentals. Betty Lou season ends Sunday, October 16, 2022. Board Lake Mendota cruises at the Mariner's Inn: 5339 Lighthouse Bay Drive in Madison. Prices range from $37 - 54 depending on the day of the week and include a full meal. Reserve online or over the phone at (608)-246-3138
Seeking a moment of tranquil reflection, or exercising those biceps? There are several places to rent kayaks in the Madison area. Rutabaga in Monona, the premiere destination in the Midwest for all things paddle sports, is a great place to rent a canoe or kayak if you are looking to venture further south on the chain of lakes. Their rental season begins Memorial Day weekend and ends Labor Day weekend. Prices range from $25-30 for the first two hours depending on the size of the boat. You can rent from either their Olbrich Park (3527 Atwood Ave in Madison location or from their store in Monona. Questions call (608)-513-1308.
Perhaps, you are seeking a lake exclusive to silent sports only Lake Wingra, just west of downtown Madison (off Monroe Street) is home to Wingra Boats owned by Madison Boats.. The rentals are located in a city owned building (824 Knickerbocker street. Questions call (608) 233-5332. Madison Boats also rents boats on other Madison area lakes and in Marshall as well.
How about family getaway on the water? Maybe you're not quite ready to skipper a larger lake boat, no problem MSCR (Madison School & Community Recreation) in Madison plies area lakes on a schedule. Just arrive on time to get a choice seat, and let one of MSCR's trained captains take you on a tour of either Lake Mendota or Lake Monona. Pontoon boats depart from their facilities on Lake Mendota at Tenney Park. There are also rental options on Lake Koshkonong. A short trip to Newville from Edgerton finds the Anchor where with your own rental boat captain. Captains are $99/half day or $169 for a full day. Questions call (608) 884-7565
If you are a bit more ambitious and have some basic boat training you can rent pontoon or sport boats on Lake Mendota from Skipper Buds.
Reserve a boat online or call (608)-246-2628
Or Maybe just go with the flow? summer is giving yourself permission to be lazy outdoors in slow motion. The Sugar River is just the right place to just sit back and watch the day float by. Head to S & B Tubing in Albany. A one person inner tube will cost you $20.00. S & B will pick you up at a designated river bank 4 miles downstream on the slow moving Sugar River. This tubing business is very busy it's best to try a weekday if possible.
Questions call (608) 862 3933
