Tenney Lock: (608) 221-7202 | Parks Office: (608) 224-3730
Experience the Dane County Tenney Lock and Spillway (Google map), one of three boat locks located on the Yahara River. Tenney Lock is the largest lock and is located on Lake Mendota within the City of Madison. The lock is operated by a parks lock attendant during specific park hours, view schedule below.
A Tenney Lock Permit (daily or annual) is required for all watercraft using the lock and must be shown to the lock attendant (printed or displayed on your device). A permit fee for lock use offsets the cost of the attendant. Permits may be purchased online or at the electronic pay station at the Lock Pier, view map. There are no in-person cash sales so please plan ahead.
Public restrooms are available during the hours of lock operations, refer to the Tenney Lock Schedule below. If you need access through Tenney Lock off-hours, please contact Dane County Parks (Monday - Friday) at least 48 hours in advance. There will be a $50 minimum charge. Total charge will be determined by service requested.
Opening day is Thursday, April 24, 2025.
| Day | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 12:00 p.m. (noon) | 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 11:00 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10:00 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10:00 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. |
| Extended Hours - Memorial Day Weekend | ||
| Friday, May 23 | 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, May 24 | 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
| Sunday. May 25 | 10:00 a.m. | 10:00 p.m. |
| Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day | 10:00 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. |
| Day | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 12:00 p.m. (noon) | 9:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 9:00 a.m. | 10:00 p.m. |
| *** Fee Free Weekend *** - Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 | ||
| Extended Hours - 4th of July Weekend | ||
| Wednesday, July 2 | 12:00 p.m. (noon) | 10:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, July 3 | 12:00 p.m. (noon) | 11:00 p.m. |
| Friday, July 4th - 4th of July | 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, July 5 | 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, July 6 | 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
| Day | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 12:00 p.m. (noon) | 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 11:00 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10:00 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10:00 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. |
| Extended Hours - Labor Day Weekend | ||
| Sunday, August 31 | 10:00 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Monday, September 1 - Labor Day | 10:00 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. |
Last day is Sunday, October 26, 2025.
| Day | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 12:00 p.m. (noon) | 6:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 12:00 p.m. (noon) | 6:00 p.m. |
You cannot go through Tenney Lock or any of the county locks with a raised mast. Water levels determine the clearance height for a boat to move through the Lock. Generally, in normal water conditions 6 feet is the maximum height. During times of high water conditions, the maximum height will be less. Height is also an issue on the Yahara River (canal) moving between Mendota and Monona.
At least one bridge through this stretch has a maximum height of 6 feet. See Tenney Lock Fact Sheet (PDF) for additional information.
Permits are available to purchase online:
Visit our Tenney Lock Park & Dam webpage to learn about the lock history and find more information about the park, including a park map.
