Enjoy a floating burger cookout with live music aboard the Burger Barge in Madison, Wisconsin. Rent a boat or bring your own for a memorable lakeside feast.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
This activity requires minimal physical exertion and is suitable for all fitness levels including children and seniors.
Wildlife
History
Lake Monona has long been a central gathering spot for locals, with boating traditions dating back over a century.
Conservation
Efforts to maintain lake health include water quality monitoring and community cleanups to protect native aquatic life.
Madison Boats
Enjoy a floating burger cookout with live music aboard the Burger Barge in Madison, Wisconsin. Rent a boat or bring your own for a memorable lakeside feast.
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.
Bring Your Own Refreshments
While burgers are provided, consider bringing your favorite drinks to stay refreshed during the cruise.
Arrive Early for the Best Boat Selection
If renting a boat, arrive ahead of time to secure your preferred vessel for the best experience on Lake Monona.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Boat decks can be slippery; wearing shoes with good grip helps maintain balance when moving around.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses as sun exposure on the water can be intense even on cooler days.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from the strong sun reflecting off the water.
summer
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated while on the lake is important, especially on warm days.
summer
Light Jacket
Helps keep you comfortable against cool breezes on the water during spring evenings.
spring
Non-slip Shoes
Provides stability and safety while moving on boat decks.