By Nicole Graper
Madison School & Community Recreation

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) pontoon boat rides are a great way to enjoy the Madison lakes. The boats are accessible and MSCR offers three ways to experience this unique program: drop-in rides, specialty trips and boat rentals. Pontoon boats are driven by trained and dedicated volunteers.

Drop-in rides

Drop-in rides take place June 5‒Sept. 29 at the locations listed below. Please arrive early to sign in. First come, first served. Children 3 and younger are free. The fee is $5 per person. Please pay on-site. If the fee is a barrier, donor support allows us to provide a limited number of free tickets. For a free ticket, contact MSCR at pontoon@madison.k12.wi.us or pick up tickets at any Madison Public Library.

Tenney Park: Boat trips to either Monona or Mendota (dependent on lake accessibility) depart from our Tenney Park Boat House. Registration begins 45 minutes before posted starting times. This site is wheelchair accessible. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30‒7 pm and 7:15‒8:45 pm (no evening trips in September); Sundays, 1:30‒3 pm and 3:15‒4:45 pm

Olbrich Park: Boat trips on Lake Monona depart from Olbrich Park pier located at Lakeland and Atwood Avenues. Registration begins 15 minutes before posted starting times. Mondays, 1:30‒2:30 pm and 2:45‒3:45 pm

Goodspeed: Boat trips on Lake Mendota depart from the Wisconsin Alumni Association Goodspeed Family Pier on UW Campus. Registration begins 15 minutes before posted starting times. Thursdays, 1:30‒2:30 pm and 2:45‒3:45 pm

Specialty trips

MSCR offers several specialty trips with themes like Pirate Treasure, Fishing, Harry Potter, Superheroes, Social History Tour, Geology, Sunset Cruise and more. Register at mscr.org.

Rentals

Rentals are perfect for reunions, work outings or celebrations. Large groups may rent up to three boats. Please complete a Pontoon Rental Form at mscr.org.

Visit mscr.org for more information. We look forward to cruising the lakes with you this summer.