Boat Hoist Opens for Season With New Hours of Operation

Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company has reported a revised 2025 schedule of boat hoist operation and availability for Burnt Rollaways, which provides access between the Eagle River and Three Lakes Chain of Lakes.

The hoist will open for the season Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m. ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend kickoff to summer. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. New this year, the hoist will be closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout May and June. The exception will be Memorial Day Monday on May 26, as the hoist will be open for the holiday.

In July and August, Burnt Rollaways hoist will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but reservations will be required for passages between 6 and 8 p.m. Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company notes that if a reservation or notification to the hoist operator is not made during those final two hours of daily operation, the hoist may be closed when the boaters arrive.

In September, the hoist will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but will close on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The hoist will be open for Labor Day, Sept. 1. The final day of the hoist will be Sunday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m.

Rates for the 2025 summer season will be $15 for one-way hoists, $20 for two-way, or those who travel between chains often can purchase a six-punch card pass for $50 which must be used during the 2025 operation year.

Also new this year, boat hoist operators will be able to close for the day at their discretion as weather conditions dictate. To check for operating hours or make a reservation, call 715-218-6514 or visit wvic.com to verify the hoist is open during inclement weather.

For more information, email staff@wvic.com, or call the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company main office at 715-848-2976.