Logo for Lake Mendota Heritage Tour featuring a boat on the water at sunset with the Wisconsin State Capitol in the background, emphasizing water-based heritage experiences.

Lake Mendota Heritage Tours: Featuring Grant Frautschi

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About This Event

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 Grant Frautschi

Grant Frautschi is a lifelong sailor, ice boater, and Lake Mendota native whose family has called its shores home for generations. He served as Commodore of the Mendota Yacht Club during its centennial year in 2003. Grant brings a depth of local knowledge to every tour that no guidebook can match, offering the stories, lore, and firsthand perspective that only come from a lifetime of reading the wind and water on the lake.

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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

Please know that a portion of all Heritage Tours will be given to the CLA or an organization of the speaker’s choosing. Please reach out to admin@madisonboats.com for financial support.

Date & Time

July 23, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location

Marshall Boats2101 Allen Blvd,Middleton, WI, USA
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Pricing

SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 275lbs.)

  • First Hour: $16
  • Additional Hours: $12

Kid SUP’s – (Max Capacity: Up to 100lbs.)

  • First Hour: $10
  • Additional Hours: $10

2-4 Person SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 600lbs.)

  • First Hour: $30
  • Additional Hours: $20

4-8 Person SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 1,000lbs.)

  • First Hour: $40
  • Additional Hours: $30

Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 350lbs.)

  • First Hour: $16
  • Additional Hours: $12

Tandem Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $22
  • Additional Hours: $15

On-Top Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 275lbs.)

  • First Hour: $16
  • Additional Hours: $12

On-Top Tandem Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $22
  • Additional Hours: $15

Canoes – (Max Capacity: 2-4 People, 850lbs.)

  • First Hour: $22
  • Additional Hours: $15

Solo Canoes – (Max Capacity: 400lbs.)

  • First Hour: $18
  • Additional Hours: $15

Paddle Boats – (Max Capacity: 4 People, 500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $24
  • Additional Hours: $15

Row Boats – (Max Capacity: 3-4 People, 400lbs.)

  • First Hour: $24
  • Additional Hours: $15

Watermats – (Max Capacity: 10 People, 1,500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $40
  • Additional Hours: $30

Duck, Swan & Dragon Paddle Boats – (Max Capacity: 5 People, 800lbs.)

  • First Hour: $30
  • Additional Hours: $20

8 Passenger Pontoon Boat

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $85 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $95 Per Hr

Fishing/Cruise Pontoon Boat

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $85 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $95 Per Hr

12 Passenger Pontoon Boat

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $105 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $115 Per Hr

Captained Pontoon – (Max Capacity: 10 People)

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $135 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $155 Per Hr