MADISON RENTALS FIELD GUIDE

An Hour on Monona: Paddle Past the Capitol and Monona Terrace

One Hour Rentals launches from Brittingham on calm Monona Bay and lets paddlers take in downtown Madison shoreline views at their own pace.

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An Hour on Monona: Paddle Past the Capitol and Monona Terrace.

Duration

1 Hour

Location

Madison

Operator

Madison Boats

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

A flexible one‑hour paddle in Monona Bay

In sixty minutes you can trace the shoreline of Monona Bay or make a relaxed round trip to Monona Terrace, choosing a short, scenic outing that fits your schedule.

THE SIGHTS

Capitol and Monona Terrace from the water

The downtown approach frames the State Capitol and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace in a way that’s best appreciated from a kayak or paddleboard—quiet, close, and unobstructed.

THE OPTIONS

Extend the day: beaches, creeks, or a full circumnavigation

If you’ve got more time, options expand: mid‑length trips to BB Clarke Beach, creek runs on windier days, or a full circumnavigation of Lake Monona for a longer paddling day.

What the day feels like

What the hour feels like

Set off from the calm launch and settle into a relaxed rhythm as the downtown skyline opens up. The water is protected in Monona Bay, making for stable paddling and uninterrupted views—an hour is enough to notch a shoreline circuit or linger beneath Monona Terrace.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this fits — and who should ask first.

Active Day‑trippersIdeal for people who want a short, scenic paddle with easy access and flexible routing—the one‑hour option is designed for a compact on‑water experience.

Families with kidsWell suited to families: the operation lists the activity as all‑ages and offers boats sized for a range of body types, making short loops around the bay manageable with children.

Beginner paddlers & solo explorersGood for first‑timers and solo paddlers looking for calm water and clear sightlines—staff can point out easy routes and local highlights.

Guests with mobility or adaptive needsThe operator can often accommodate a wide range of body types and mobility questions if you speak with crew in advance, but they currently do not offer formal adaptive paddling options on site.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Meeting Point

Meet at 701 W Brittingham Pl, Madison, WI 53715 for launches on Monona Bay.

What to Bring

Towels, dry bag or plastic bag for your phone, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and snacks, and good energy.

Duration Options

The core offering is a one‑hour rental; additional options include 2‑hour, 3–4‑hour (creek runs on windy days), and 4.5–5‑hour circumnavigation trips for extended paddling.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the One Hour Rental?

The standard rental is one hour, intended for a shoreline circuit of Monona Bay or a round trip to Monona Terrace.

Where do I meet for the launch?

Meet at 701 W Brittingham Pl in Madison for launches on Monona Bay.

What should I bring on the water?

Helpful items include towels, a dry bag or plastic bag for your phone, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks and positive energy.

Are there age or size restrictions?

This is an all‑ages activity; the fleet includes boats sized for a wide range of body types and the staff can help find appropriate options.

Do you offer adaptive paddling options?

At this time formal adaptive paddling options are not offered on site, though staff can put you in touch with people who might help.

What will I see on a short paddle?

Expect calm water in Monona Bay and direct water‑level views of the State Capitol and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace along a downtown approach.