Lake Mendota Heritage Tours: Featuring Jack von Rutenberg
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Lake Mendota Heritage Tours: Stories from the Water
Discover Lake Mendota through the eyes of the people who know and love it best.
Step aboard for an unforgettable two-hour journey across Madison’s most iconic lake as local historians, storytellers, environmental leaders, longtime captains, authors, and lake experts bring Lake Mendota’s history, mysteries, and beauty to life.
Each intimate Heritage Tour is led by a featured guest presenter sharing their unique perspective—from Indigenous history and hidden landmarks to legendary lake stories, environmental restoration, shoreline history, famous figures, sailing culture, Clean Lakes efforts, and the moments that shaped Madison.
This isn’t a scripted sightseeing cruise. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the lake through personal stories, deep local knowledge, and a shared love for one of Madison’s greatest treasures.
With just 10 guests per tour, these experiences are intentionally small, conversational, and immersive—giving you the chance to ask questions, connect with presenters, and see Lake Mendota in an entirely new way.
Whether you’re a lifelong Madisonian, new to the city, or visiting for the first time, you’ll leave with a deeper connection to the lake and the stories that make Madison special.
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Featuring Jack von RutenbergÂ
Jack has a 65-year love affair with Lake Mendota. Since birth, he has literally been in, on or under the surface of this Madison treasure almost on a daily basis.
His parents bought a partially burned down cottage on Mendota way out in Westport on
Borchers Beach Road in the late 1950’s and the rest is, well, history. The entire family (Bill Sr., Betty, Bill Jr., Jack, and Robert) were always water lovers, it simply was in their blood. Jack and his two brothers spent an idyllic childhood swimming, waterskiing, and sailing by day and working at the family’s restaurant, The Mariner’s Inn, by night.
The von Rutenbergs thought Madison could use more waterfront dining options, and fortunately, Madison agreed. The family business eventually grew to six different entities under the umbrella brand of von Rutenberg Ventures, Waterfront Hospitality, and Development. The family enterprise included three waterfront restaurants (Mariner’s, Nau-Ti-Gal, and Captain Bill’s), Westport Marine marina, Betty Lou Cruises, and Lighthouse Bay Condominiums.
The von Rutenberg brothers retired in 2025. When Tyler at Madison Boats asked Jack if he had an interest in hosting some storyteller cruises; Jack thought it might just fit in with his retirement plans. He looks forward to sharing with you his knowledge of Lake Mendota as well as some (mostly true) anecdotal tales.
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$37.50 per person | Limited to 10 guests per tour
Your experience includes:
- A relaxing 2-hour guided pontoon tour of Lake Mendota
- A featured local storyteller, historian, or lake expert
- Beautiful lake views and hidden points of interest
- Light snacks and refreshments onboard
- Opportunities for questions and conversation
A portion of all Heritage Tours will be given to the CLA or an organization of the guest’s choosing. Please reach out to admin@madisonboats.com for financial support.