Enjoy a serene morning paddle on Lake Wingra followed by an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, exclusively for Madison Boats members. Celebrate community and nature in this unique lakeside event.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires light paddling effort and the ability to get in and out of kayaks or canoes comfortably.
Wildlife
History
Lake Wingra has long been part of Madison's recreational heritage, cherished by locals for its natural beauty and accessibility.
Conservation
Efforts continue to protect Lake Wingra’s water quality, including managing runoff and invasive species to preserve its ecosystem.
Madison Boats
Enjoy a serene morning paddle on Lake Wingra followed by an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, exclusively for Madison Boats members. Celebrate community and nature in this unique lakeside event.
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 Your Kayak
Paddle registration and equipment fitting start 15 minutes before launch; arriving early ensures a smooth start.
Wear Water-Resistant Footwear
Expect to get your feet wet when launching or exiting your kayak; water shoes or sandals are recommended.
Bring a Light Jacket
Early mornings on the lake can be crisp, so layering helps keep comfortable during the paddle.
Mind Wildlife and Respect Quiet
Keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing ducks and other wildlife inhabiting Lake Wingra.
Water Shoes
Protect your feet from wet and slippery launch areas during the paddle.
summer
Light Windbreaker
Keeps you warm during cool, breezy morning paddles.
spring
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during your paddle and breakfast.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure on the water.
summer