Building a Legacy on Lake Mendota

Located along the scenic shores of Lake Mendota, Porter Boathouse has been home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s rowing programs since 2005.

Named in honor of the Ben and Cheslee Porter family, whose generous support helped make the facility possible, the boathouse replaced the original crew house built in 1967. Today, it remains a beautiful lakeside landmark and a proud part of Wisconsin’s rich rowing tradition.

Coach Opitz and Coach Hodge welcome alumnae to reconnect with the team by observing practice from the launch (weather permitting!). If you plan to come by for a tour or for practice, please email wisconsinrowing@athletics.wisc.edu.

The address for the boathouse is:

680 Babcock Drive
Madison, Wisconsin
53706

Can’t make it to Madison? Take a virtual tour of Porter Boathouse.

Parking at Porter Boathouse

For those looking to avoid the time-honored tradition of campus-issued parking ticket, please plan to park at one of the following lots within walking distance. There are also several 2-hour metered spots on Babcock Drive and along Tripp Circle.

UW Lot 34: Located just east of the boathouse near Tripp Hall, this surface lot is a common option for the area.

Rules: Free and unrestricted on weekends (Friday from 4:30 PM to Monday at 7:30 AM) and during weekday off-hours (4:30 PM to 7:30 AM). Daytime parking during business hours requires a valid UW permit

Steenbock Library Lot 36:

Rules: Offers hourly/daily visitor parking (around $12/day) when not closed for special events or game days.