Kegonsa Cove

Had a Madison-​area bachelor party and was stuck with the dilemma that finding a pontoon rental on Mendota/​Monona is insanely difficult, and if you do find one on those lakes, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg (and compete with boat traffic and be on the constant lookout for lake cops). The opposite is true at Kegonsa Cove. The place has a friendly vibe and would be fine for families, but for a guy’s outing /​booze cruise, it really doesn’t get much better in the Madison area. The friendly staff were totally laid back about us getting on the boat a little late as we had lunch and drained some drinks in their relaxed little bar. Food did the trick and drinks were cheap. You can also buy bait and to-​go beer at the office. As for the lake, it was wide open and perfect for both diving and fishing. One of the coolest perks is that you can drive across and dock at Springer’s for a couple drinks and a bite and then head right back onto the lake. The folks were so nice that when I came to pick up a few things we had left behind a few days later, they had freshly laundered all our towels for us. These are the kind of relaxed, friendly folks who give Wisconsin hospitality such a good name, and the price on the boat was totally fair. Great staff, great time. Will return!