“It's not gonna be the same” after Gilligan’s Island tree falls

MADISON, Wis. -- The Gilligan’s Island tree fell this weekend, which means no more rope-swinging for boaters.

Gilligan’s Island is a classic party spot along the Yahara River where boaters have parked for decades. There was one tree on this small sandbar that was known as the island’s landmark.

“It's been an icon of the whole Gilligan's Island, the tree and the rope. you know, for family and friends and for kids and adults alike,” regular rope swinger, Jesse Anderson said.

Anderson has been going to Gilligan’s for over 20 years. Both him and his son even put up the rope swing a couple years ago.

“I'm glad that my kids got to swing out on it also and had just as much fun as I have,” Anderson said.

“Not gonna say it ruins your Fourth of July, but it certainly puts a little damper on your plan,” boater Sarah Ferguson said.

Although the swing is no more, Gilligan’s still has a tradition to uphold, especially on the Fourth of July.

“I'm sure it's not going to stop us from going out there and having a great weekend,” Anderson said.

“Definitely a big traditional spot. There's not that many places on these lakes where you can go and kind of tie up and have in a shallow clean area to hang out with friends,” Ferguson said.

The Dane County Land and Water team cleared the tree from the channel Monday which means more space for the festivities to continue.

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