Glide through the peaceful waters of Lake Wingra before enjoying an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. This members-only paddle offers a perfect blend of nature, community, and comfort.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for paddlers of all fitness levels; light to moderate physical effort required for a leisurely paddle.
Wildlife
History
Lake Wingra is part of the Yahara River watershed and has long been a favored recreational spot for locals, with conservation efforts dating back to the mid-20th century.
Conservation
Madison Boats supports environmental stewardship by promoting Leave No Trace principles and maintaining clean waterways through community clean-up events.
Madison Boats
Glide through the peaceful waters of Lake Wingra before enjoying an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. This members-only paddle offers a perfect blend of nature, community, and comfort.
Madison Boats is a boat rental and guided-experience provider based in Middleton, Wisconsin. The company operates pontoon rentals, captained pontoon charters, and paddleboard and kayak rentals that serve Lake Mendota, Lake Wingra, and local launch points including Marshall Boats and The Edgewater. Madison Boats offers a range of trip types to suit anglers, families, groups, and paddlers: fishing-ready pontoons equipped for up to eight anglers, captained pontoons departing from Marshall Boats and The Edgewater, a spacious 12-passenger pontoon for larger gatherings, and short hourly or multi-hour paddle and member rental options.
Each offering includes clear trip descriptions, available durations, and suggested destinations such as Picnic Point, Downtown Madison, Monona Bay, Spring Harbor, and Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Fishing pontoons come with rod holders, storage, and fish finder equipment to support a productive day on the water. Captained charters provide a licensed captain for a relaxed, stress-free experience. Paddle rentals are suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers and include staff guidance when requested.
Madison Boats focuses on safe, local lake experiences with options for private groups and casual outings. Reservations and scheduling are managed through established local launch partners. The company’s presence in Middleton positions it to serve residents and visitors seeking accessible access to Madison’s lakes and waterfront attractions. Madison Boats offers flexible booking windows, seasonal availability, and routine equipment maintenance; it operates within local boating and safety regulations and coordinates with launch partners to confirm reservation details, ensuring clarity about start times, return policies, and required member or tax-exempt documentation.
Location
Middleton, WI
Serving Middleton and Lake Mendota area
Boat Types
Pontoon & Paddle
Pontoon rentals and paddle options
Capacity
Up to 12
Options for small to large groups
Trip Options
Hourly & Captained
One-hour to multi-hour, captained available
Select a captained cruise, fishing pontoon, or hourly paddle rental from Madison Boats and confirm availability with local launch partners.
Arrive Early to Get Ready
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start to receive your kayak and safety briefing.
Dress in Layers
Mornings on Lake Wingra can be cool; wear moisture-wicking layers to stay warm and dry.
Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated before and after the paddle, especially if the weather warms up quickly.
Respect the Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from birds and aquatic animals to avoid disturbing their habitat.
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Protects against morning chill and possible spring drizzle during the paddle.
spring
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important, especially during physical activity.
Sun Hat and Sunglasses
Protect your eyes and skin from the summer sun while on the water.
summer
Insulating Layers
Keep warm during cooler fall mornings, especially before the sun rises high.
fall