The Teejop Waterscapes Boat Tour offers a unique chance to reconnect with a beloved part of campus: Lake Mendota. Developed with members of the Ho-Chunk community and UW–Madison experts, this scenic tour showcases both the lake’s natural beauty and its connection to Ho-Chunk culture.

With a First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour guide, participants will explore Ho-Chunk history and culture, discovering the Ho-Chunk people’s ancestral connections to the area, the abundance of natural beauty it offered, and the significance of sacred sites like Picnic Point’s effigy mounds. The tour will also delve into the recent discoveries of ancient dugout canoes, offering insights into Ho-Chunk craftsmanship and traditional ways of life. Through reflection and discussion, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the continued presence of the Ho-Chunk people and their enduring relationship with the Four Lakes region.

The Teejop Waterscapes Boat Tour is exclusively available to WAA members and their guests. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required because of capacity limits. Boat rides may be canceled due to inclement lake conditions.