Lake Mendota -- Memorial Union boat launch
Lake Mendota -- Memorial Union
Lake Mendota is the largest of the four lakes in Madison, Wisconsin and covers an area of 9,842 acres. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities. The boat ramp at Memorial Union provides easy access to the lake for boaters and anglers.
According to the latest information available, the boat ramp at Lake Mendota - Memorial Union is open from April 15th to October 31st each year. The ramp is free to use, but boaters must purchase a permit to park in the designated parking lot. The permits can be purchased online or at the Memorial Union Terrace office.
In terms of regulations, all watercraft must comply with Wisconsin boating laws and regulations, including safety equipment requirements and operating regulations. Additionally, the lake has specific speed limits and no-wake zones that must be observed by all boaters.
Overall, the boat ramp at Lake Mendota - Memorial Union is a well-maintained facility that provides easy access to a beautiful and popular recreational lake in Madison, Wisconsin.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Lake Mendota -- Memorial Union -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Yahara River At East Main Street At Madison | 125 cfs | → |
| Spring Creek Near Waunakee | 6 cfs | → |
| Yahara River At State Hwy 113 At Madison | 72 cfs | → |
| Pheasant Branch At Middleton | 4 cfs | → |
| Yahara River At Mc Farland | 122 cfs | → |
| Pheasant Branch At Airport Road Nr Middleton | 3 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Lake Mendota -- Memorial Union as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Lake Mendota -- Memorial Union
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Lake Mendota -- Memorial Union.