Town of Minocqua Launches New Online Registration Portal for Boat Launch Access
The Town of Minocqua is excited to announce the launch of a new online registration portal for boat launch access, making it easier and more convenient for residents and visitors to enjoy our beautiful waterways.
The new digital payment portal, accessible through QR code payment on-site and via www.minocquaboatlandings.com allows boaters to register their tow vehicle’s license plate number for boat launch access permits from the comfort of their own homes or on the go using any web-enabled mobile device. This streamlined process replaces the traditional in-person registration method and paper permits and offers several benefits to users:
- 24/7 Access: Boaters can register for permits anytime, anywhere, eliminating the need to visit a physical office during limited hours.
- Convenience: The online portal is user-friendly and provides step-by-step instructions for a seamless registration experience.
- Efficiency: Registrations are processed quickly, reducing wait times and ensuring boaters can get on the water faster.
- 100% Digital License Plate Based Permit: No more paper permits or visits to the Town Office!
From April 1st through November 30th of each year, all tow vehicles accessing the following boat launches will be required to purchase a daily permit or possess a seasonal use permit through the Town of Minocqua.
- Thirsty Whale Boat Landing – 453 E. Park Ave, Minocqua, WI
- Schoolhouse Bay Boat Landing – 429 E. Park Ave, Minocqua, WI
- Cedar Street Boat Landing – 968 Cedar Street, Minocqua, WI
- Thoroughfare Boat Landing – 9175 Thoroughfare Rd, Minocqua, W
Fees remain unchanged for Town of Minocqua taxpayers and the updated fee schedule for non-residents and commercial users will support ongoing infrastructure maintenance of the Town’s boat landings. The new permitting system is quick and user-friendly whether purchasing a daily permit or applying for a seasonal permit. Daily and seasonal permits can be purchased on-site at each boat landing location through a user’s mobile device by following the simple instructions on the location’s posted signage.
Town of Minocqua taxpayers continue to qualify for one free seasonal permit per household. All commercial operators using landings as part of their business will be required to purchase a seasonal commercial permit. The new permitting system offers daily, 3-day, weekly access permits and non-resident seasonal permits as well.
Permit compliance is performed through the use of state-of-the-art license plate recognition cameras that automatically reconcile each tow vehicle’s license plate with a valid permit eliminating the need to display paper permits or stickers. Vehicles utilizing the landings without a valid permit will receive a violation notice.
Permit fees for the 2024 season are as follows:
- Single Day Pass – $6.00
- 3-Day Pass – $18.00
- Weekly Pass – $42.00
- Non-Resident Seasonal Permit – $60.00
- Taxpayer Seasonal Permit – Free for the first tow vehicle, $20.00 for each additional tow vehicle
- Commercial Seasonal Permit – $100.0
Permits can also be purchased online starting April 1st at minocquaboatlandings.com/permits. The website also contains comprehensive information regarding the new permitting system and offers customer assistance through email and telephone support.
More and more municipalities are going to online permit systems for boat landings and other amenities. Minocqua Town Chairman Mark Hartzheim shares that, “The town board sees this as a win-win where obtaining a boat launch permit is simple and convenient for our residents, businesses, and visitors while at the same time reducing the administrative functions involved with the town’s old payment system, which was much more cumbersome for users and the town.”
For more information on registering for permits, finding locations and applicable fees, please visit www.minocquaboatlandings.com.
