Published

Boat LaunchCity Of Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, United States

Governors Island

Public carry-in (hand-launch) site on Lake Mendota, Dane County, Wisconsin.

0.0 (0) 0 viewsPlaces and POI • Recreation Areas

68°F Mostly cloudy

0 activities

43.1279°, -89.4023°

Overview

Governors Island is a public carry-in (hand-launch) site on Lake Mendota in Dane County, Wisconsin.

It is owned and managed by Mendota Mental Health.

This is a carry-in access designed for canoes, kayaks and other hand-launched small craft rather than trailered powerboats.

Access and Directions

Governors Island is a carry-in / hand-launch access.

It provides public access to Lake Mendota.

Recreation

Lake Mendota is open to public boating, fishing and paddling; this site is one of its public access points.

Safety

Check the weather before launching, carry Coast Guard-required safety gear, and wear your life jacket. Watch for changing water levels and cold water in spring and fall.

Regulations

Wisconsin law requires boaters to remove all aquatic plants and animals, drain all water, and never move live fish away from a waterbody, to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Observe posted launch rules and local watercraft regulations.

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Boat Launch Data7 / 30 fields

Boat Launch Data

7 / 30 fields

Physical

WaterbodyLake Mendota

Waterbody Type— not set

Access & Amenities

Public Boat Launch Yes

Administration

Managing AgencyMendota Mental Health

Ramp

Launch Access TypeShore Drag

Launch Surface Type— not set

Ramp Type— not set

Surface Condition— not set

Location

CountyDane

Capacity

Car-Only Parking Spaces— not set

Lane Count— not set

Max Boat Length(ft)— not set

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Amenities

Has Boat Wash Station— not set

Has Dock— not set

Has Drinking Water— not set

Has Fish Cleaning Station— not set

Has Lighting— not set

Has Restrooms— not set

Access & Oversight

ADA Accessible No

Fee Amount— not set

Fee Required— not set

Invasive Species Check Station— not set

OwnershipState

Permit Required— not set

Staffed— not set

Operation

Operating Hours— not set

Operating Months— not set

Seasonal— not set

Wildlife & Natural Features

No wildlife or natural features documented yet. Know what lives here? Contribute!

Observations

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Nearby Places

Within 25 mi

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Boat Launch1.7 mi

Partners & Businesses

Nearby Partners & Businesses

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External Resources & Links

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Map of Governors Island

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Location

City Of Madison, Wisconsin

Dane County

United StatesUS

43.12794°, -89.40235°

dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/lands/boataccess (Official Website)

Governors Island is a public carry-in (hand-launch) site on Lake Mendota, managed by Mendota Mental Health.

Current Weather

Updated 4:22 PM

68°F

Mostly cloudy

Feels like 76°

Wind

3.9 mph E

Humidity

67%

Visibility

10 mi

UV Index

5

5-Day Forecast

Fri 11%75° 55°

Sat 1%79° 59°

Sun 55%81° 73°

Mon 15%92° 75°

Tue 15%91° 74°

Activities

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Added Jun 26, 2026

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Conditions at outdoor locations change rapidly and without notice. Trail status, road access, facility availability, hours of operation, permit requirements, and fee structures listed on Hang Outdoors represent a snapshot in time and may be outdated by the time you visit. Seasonal closures, wildfire damage, flood damage, washouts, and temporary management actions are not reflected in real time.

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