Who let the Goats out?

The Friends of Goat Island did!

Last Friday night, the goats were brought from their off-season home to prepare to travel to their summer home, Goat Island. Once the goats arrived at the Rock River, they were loaded onto the Goat Boat to travel across the river. The goats were greeted by lots of grass, plants, sunshine, and even a couple of visitors in kayaks!

The residents of Goat Island in 2023 are two regulars and local favorites, Charlie and Lightning, and four new friends that are still waiting on names.

Anyone is able to visit the island at any time, but it can only be accessed by boat. On the island, you can hang out with the goats, take photos, and purchase feed for the goats. If you don’t have a boat, don’t worry. You can still see the goats from the mainland from the Wisconsin Drive Bridge or West Riverview Drive.

Get ready for Goat Fest! Goat Fest is a family-friendly event held annually the first Saturday of August at Rotary Waterfront Park to celebrate our local goat celebrities. The goats are brought over from the island for the day where guests can pet and feed them. The day is full of music, kids’ activities, food, craft vendors, and more. It’s always a ”goat” time!

The goats typically remain on the island until September, but are dependent on the weather and river water level. For updates and to check the status of the goats, follow the Friends of Goat Island Facebook Page!

*Photos are courtesy of Friends of Goat Island