Pontoon Rides

Free, fully accessible pontoon excursions for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

For many participants, a day on the water is something they never thought they would experience again. The S.S. Dorothy provides free, fully accessible pontoon excursions on Lake Onalaska, allowing seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with family and friends.

With trained volunteer captains, wheelchair accessibility, safety equipment, and comfortable seating, every outing is designed to be relaxing, welcoming, and memorable.

Who Can Participate?

Pontoon excursions are available free of charge to:

• Individuals with disabilities
• Veterans and their families
• Seniors
• Nursing home residents
• Adult foster care groups
• Youth and special education groups
• Organizations serving individuals with disabilities

Family members and caregivers are welcome to join the outing and share the experience.

More Than a Boat Ride

The Pontoon Program is one of n.a.s.a.’s most popular and impactful activities.

For some participants, it’s an opportunity to fish again. For others, it’s simply the chance to spend time on the water, enjoy the scenery, and create memories with family and friends.

What began with the original S.S. Squirrel has grown into a signature program that helps hundreds of people experience Lake Onalaska each year.

It’s not just a boat ride—it’s a chance to reconnect with the outdoors.

Meet the S.S. Dorothy

The S.S. Dorothy was donated in memory of Dorothy Krajewski and serves as n.a.s.a.’s premier accessible pontoon.

Designed to accommodate wheelchairs and individuals with mobility challenges, the boat allows participants to safely enjoy Lake Onalaska while creating memories with family and friends.

With accessible boarding, comfortable seating, and experienced volunteer captains, the S.S. Dorothy helps make the outdoors accessible to everyone.

Excursion Information

Season

📅 June through August

Available Times

🕗 Monday–Friday

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Length

⏱ 1–2 hour excursions

Capacity

👥 Up to 9 guests

♿ Up to 2 wheelchairs

Reservations

📋 Reservations must be made at least 30 days in advance.

Participants may schedule up to two outings per month.

Fishing Opportunities

Many guests enjoy fishing during their excursion.

Fishing equipment, bait, and volunteer assistance are available, making it easy for participants to enjoy a relaxing day on the water.

Whether you’re casting a line for the first time or returning to a favorite pastime, we’ll help make the experience enjoyable.

Fueling the Adventure

The Pontoon Program is made possible in part through generous fuel donations from Kwik Trip.

Their support helps keep these excursions completely free for participants and their families.

Through community partnerships like this, n.a.s.a. is able to continue providing outdoor opportunities to those who need them most.

Reserve Your Excursion Today

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cruise, a fishing outing, or simply a chance to spend time on the water with family and friends, we’d love to welcome you aboard the S.S. Dorothy.

Reservations are free but required. Please reserve below.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers help make every excursion possible.

Opportunities include:

• Pontoon captains
• Deck assistance
• Passenger boarding support
• Wheelchair assistance
• Fishing support
• General program support

Like all n.a.s.a. programs, this experience is powered entirely by volunteers who donate their time because they believe everyone deserves access to the outdoors.