Pontoon

• Locations and times vary, please review descriptions below for Rentals, Drop-Ins and Specialty Trips.

• Boats are wheelchair accessible however, Tenney Park is our only accessible loading/unloading site. All other locations are not wheelchair accessible and we cannot guarantee accessibility at any other location.

• Pets are not permitted on boats or inside the boatyard, including comfort animals. Animals who have specialized training to perform a specific task or tasks for individuals with a disability, also known as Service Animals, are welcome.

• Smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, consuming alcohol and weapons are prohibited inside the boatyard and on the boats.

• Boats are equipped with safety equipment, flotation devices and deck chairs.

Reserve a pontoon boat for your own outing; your reservation includes volunteer drivers and first mates to crew the boats for your trip. Three boats are available with a 15 passenger maximum per boat. We accept applications for rentals beginning in March each year, requests must be made at least 2 weeks in advance of your trip date and up to a month in advance is highly recommended.

Pontoon Rental Request Form

The typical season is May through September, 7 days a week.

3 hour rentals available: 9:30am-12:30pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm, 5:00pm-8:00pm

90 Minute rentals available weekdays only: 10:00am-11:30am, 1:00pm-2:30pm

Rates are per boat:

Standard 3 hour rate: $150

90 minute trips: $100

Non-MMSD Resident Policy: A resident resides at an address within the Madison Metropolitan School District. If the primary renter is not a resident of MMSD rental cost is 50% more.

Please note: All of our crew are volunteers. Therefore, there is the possibility we cannot secure a crew for your reservation. If we are unable to fulfill your crew needs, we will contact you seven (7) business days prior to your reservation to cancel your trip and you will receive a full refund. In order to qualify for a refund due to a cancellation on your part, you must cancel your contract at least seven (7) days prior to your scheduled trip. Cancellations made after the 7 day cut-off will result in the loss of your entire rental fee, including day of the program.

We offer drop in rides at four locations (Tenney, Goodspeed, Olbrich and Warner Parks) June 1 to September 30. All trips are first come-first served with no reservations available.

Rides from all locations are $5 per person. Ages 3 and under are free. We accept only cash and checks on-site (no credit cards). Free Ride tickets are available at all Madison Public Library locations if the fee is a barrier. (Please note: The tickets at the library are not available until May.) Groups of 6 or more should contact us to set up a private rental, as we cannot guarantee accommodation for large groups at drop in rides. All trips are first come, first served and riders must be present to sign a liability waiver. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who will sign the waiver on their behalf.

All drop in rides are subject to cancellation due to high water levels or weather. Please call the MSCR weather line for the most current program information: 608-204-3044 (ext. 4) We recommend calling before attending any drop-in to get program updates.

Please note: No pontoon rides on holidays. (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day)

2024 Schedule is below and may change. 

Tenney Park:

Boat trips to either Monona or Mendota (dependent on lake accessibility) from our Tenney Park Boat House. Registration begins 45 minutes prior to posted starting times.

Sundays
1:30pm-3:00pm
3:15pm-4:45pm

Tuesdays and Thursdays
5:30pm-7:00pm
7:15pm-8:45pm (7:15pm does not run in September)

Goodspeed:

Boat trips on Lake Mendota from Goodspeed Pier next to the Memorial Union on UW Campus. Registration begins 30 minutes prior to posted starting times and fees are collected by MSCR crew on board the boat.

Thursdays
1:30pm-2:30pm
2:45pm-3:45pm

Olbrich:

Boat trips on Lake Monona from Olbrich Park pier located off Atwood Ave, across from the entrance to Olbrich Gardens. Registration begins 30 minutes prior to posted starting times.

Mondays
1:30pm-2:30pm
2:45pm-3:45pm

Warner Park:

Boat trips on Lake Mendota from Warner Park Boat Launch at 1201 Woodward Dr. Registration begins 30 minutes prior to posted starting times.

Fridays
1:30pm-2:30pm
2:45pm-3:45pm

We offer a wide range of specialty pontoon boat trips for both youth and adults. Typically, we offer:

• •  Narrated Lake Tours – Interested in learning more about Madison from a perspective on the water? Join to learn from local community members.
• •  Meal Trips – Take a boat ride for a meal! We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner options. All food is at your own fee.
• •  Recreational Trips – Enjoy getting out on the boats with opportunities to fish, enjoy a sunset, or other recreational activities.
• •  Event Trips – Enjoy Madison area events from an MSCR Pontoon Boat.
• •  Children’s Specialty Trips – We offer a variety of themed youth outings and each youth participant receives a toy or token based on the trip theme. Costumes are welcome but not necessary.

Register Now

Drivers and First Mates on MSCR Pontoon Boats are volunteers and they represent a long-standing community of trained and dedicated members. Please thank them for their hard work.

Interested in joining our dedicated volunteer crew? Complete the Pontoon Volunteer Interest Form. If you would like more information or contact the program supervisor Emily Peffer at eapeffer@madison.k12.wi.us or 608-204-4580.