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Hours and Navigational Season

2024 Navigational Season and Schedule

THANK YOU to everyone who purchased passes and enjoyed the locks in 2023.

Please bookmark this page and watch our Facebook page for information on operational hours for the 2024 season!

Printable Version

Purchase Passes Online

Passes are ONLY available for purchase online.

Purchase Your Pass
  • A daily pass is valid for one day, for use at all open locks on the Fox River for motorboats and non-motorized boats.
  • A season pass permanently affixed to your vessel is valid all season at open locks on the Fox river for motorized and non-motorized boats.
  • All passes are non-transferrable.
  • All season passes must be affixed to your vessel in an area that is most visible to a lock tender.

“Motorboat” means any boat equipped with propulsion machinery, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion, a boat propelled usually by an internal combustion engine.. The term includes but is not listed to powerboat, speedboat, fishing boat, or cabin cruiser.  (for further information on  motorboats, please visit this link)

“Non-Motorized Boat” means a boat which is not propelled by machinery but is designed and constructed to be used for transportation of a person or persons on water. This term includes but is not limited to canoe, sailboat, kayak, inflatable boat, row boat or dingy. (for further information on non-motorized boats, please visit this link.)

“Commercial motorboat” means a motorboat while it is being operated to transport property or passengers for hire or while it is being used by its operator or owner to earn a livelihood or to gain a profit or both. This term includes construction barges. For more information, please visit this link.

  • Trip 1 De Pere and Little Kaukauna (Little Rapids)
  • Trip 2 Combined Locks, Little Chute Lock and Cedars Lock
  • Trip 3 Appleton Locks 1,2,3 and 4

“Tour Boat” means a motorboat transporting passengers to gain profit.

  • $1.00 each with a minimum of 25 participants per lockage

“Scheduled Paddle Events” are publicly advertised at least one month prior to the event in local media outlets and digital platforms.

Any lockage taking place outside the posted Lock Schedule or Season, pending staff availability.  These events require 48 hour notice by calling our office. To schedule a special lockage, please call 920-455-9174

  • $50 per lockage for Motorized and Non-motorized boats
  • $150 per lockage for Commercial Vessels except Tour Boats
  • $150 Round Trip Little Chute and Appleton Locks for all Tour Boats
  • Less than 24 hour notice of cancellation will result in a charge of $40.

Vessel Lockage Procedure

  • To notify Lock Tender approach lock and sound 3 long blasts on horn
  • Upon approaching lock at a safe and slow speed, Lock Tender will direct timing and placement of all vessels into and out of the lock chamber. Generally larger vessels enter and exit first.
  • Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) are recommended for all passengers. Children 13 years old and younger are required by Federal Law to wear a PFD while aboard recreational vessels underway.
  • Appropriate required PFD must be worn by all paddlers during lockage.
  • A bow and stern safety line provided by Lock Tender is required for all vessels. Safety lines must be attended at all times and are never to be tied to any vessel.
  • Turn engine off while in lock.
  • No smoking or cooking while in lock.
  • Passengers of recreational vessels must remain in their vessels at all times during the lockage procedure. For safety, pets should be on a leash.
  • Paddle board operators are not recommended to travel through the locks. Portages are available at most of our locks. If a paddle board operator decides to go through the locks, they are responsible for their own safety, must purchase a day pass, wear a lifejacket, and remain on the paddle board at all times while in the lock
  • Operators should have vessel information and online pass readily available for the Lock Tender. You can download a day pass onto your smart phone. Seasonal permits must be permanently displayed on your vessel in a location easily seen by Lock Tender.
  • All operators must be able to control their vessel in a safe and sober manner.
  • Failure to adhere to the above guidelines may result in a refusal of lockage and/or notification of law enforcement authorities. Lock Tender will complete Incident Report record.
  • Public docks are provided for recreational use and may be used at  your own risk. Docks are located upstream of Menasha Lock, Appleton Lock #2 and Lock #4, Appleton at the Appleton Yacht Club, Little Chute Guard Lock, and De Pere Lock

Contact Us

FOX RIVER NAVIGATION SYSTEM AUTHORITY

1008 Augustine Street, Kaukauna, WI 54130
©2023 FOX RIVER NAVIGATION SYSTEM AUTHORITY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.