Pontoon

• Locations and times vary, please review descriptions below for Rentals, Drop-Ins and Specialty Trips.
  Each boat has a maximum capacity of 17 individuals or 2,900lbs, whichever comes first. Crew count in max capacity, therefore each boat can hold up to 15 participants. The crew has final say on loading limits based on conditions during the trip. Heavy coolers or other equipment will also factor into the overall weight and may require further adjustments to the passenger count.
• 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. There is a maximum of 3 wheelchairs per boat. Each person using a wheelchair is counted as two passengers due to the additional space and weight of the chair.
• Youth weighing less than 20lbs may not board boats due to US Coast Guard Recommendations. We provide life jackets for children 20lbs or over or they may wear their own coast guard approved life jackets. Participants 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket for the duration of the trip.
• Pets are not permitted on boats or inside the boatyard, including comfort animals. Animals who have specialized training to perform specific 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.
• We do not run programming on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July, Labor Day
• Boats are equipped with safety equipment, flotation devices and deck chairs.

Season: May–September | Availability: 7 days/week | Boats: 3 pontoons

Capacity: 15 passengers/boat | Crew: Volunteer driver & first mate

How to Reserve

1. Check the rental calendar (shows booked times only).
2. Submit a Pontoon Rental Request Form.
3. Requests open March 2, 2026.
   • Minimum 2 weeks’ notice required
   • 1 month in advance recommended

Calendar Key

🔵 Boat 1 | 🟢 Boat 2 | 🟡 Boat 3

Rental Time Options

Rates & Residency Policy

• Rates are per boat.
• Non-residents (outside MMSD) pay 50% more.

Crew Availability

• Trips rely on volunteer crew.
• If a crew cannot be secured, you will be notified within 5 business days prior and receive a full refund.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancel 7+ days prior → Full refund
• Cancel within 7 days → No refund

We offer drop in rides at four locations (Tenney, Olbrich, Olin 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, Juneteenth, 4th of July, Labor Day)

Tenney Park, 1615 Sherman Ave

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)
  

Olin Park, 302 E. Lakeside S

Boat trips on Lake Monona from Olin Park, located at 302 E Lakeside St. Registration begins 30 minutes prior to posted starting times.

Wednesdays

• 1:30pm-2:30pm
• 2:45pm-3:45pm

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

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, 1201 Woodward Dr

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. Some of our specialty trips include: 

• Narrated Lake Tours – Learn more about Madison from a perspective on the water, join to learn from local community experts.
• 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.
• Youth Specialty Trips – We offer a variety of themed youth outings. 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.