Door County Islands

The Islands surrounding the Door County Peninsula make the county a boater's dream. Drop anchor in a cove and take a swim or drop a line. Landlubbers can also get the island experience. No visit to Door County would be complete without a trip to our most famous island, Washington Island. Ferry across Death's Door to an enchanting land of art, history, folklore and recreation. Don't miss Door County's northernmost State Park, Rock Island. Accessible only by boat, there are no vehicles allowed on the island making it the perfect spot to really get away from it all.

Cana Island
The Cana Island Lighthouse, built in 1869 and automated in 1944, is an active navigational aid. Thanks to painters and photographers, it also is Door County's most recognizable lighthouse and one of the peninsula's most identifiable landmarks. Located on a small island just off shore, the grounds can be reached by wading across a causeway. The keepers' house is off limits to visitors, except during the Door County Maritime Museum Lighthouse Walk, held the third weekend in May.

Chamber's Island
The island's lighthouse was built in 1858, automated in 1961. Normally not accessible to visitors, the lighthouse is reachable by special boat tours during the Lighthouse Walk, held the third weekend in May.

Detroit Island
This privately held island guards the entrance to Washington Island's Detroit Harbor. Local history has it that the island was a hideout for the Indians on Rock Island when they were under attack by marauding tribes. The ferry ride to Washington Island takes visitors past Detroit Island.

Hat Island
Named for its shape, Hat Island is located due west of Peninsula Players Road and provides a scenic foreground for the sunsets enjoyed by those attending Peninsula Players' performances. The privately owned island also is a favorite with seagulls and terns who nest on it.

Hog Island
Located off the eastern shores of Washington Island and visible from Percy Johnson Memorial County Park, Hog Island is a National Wildlife Refuge and nesting ground for seagulls and terns.

Horseshoe Island
Named for its distinctive shape, Horseshoe Island lies two miles off the Peninsula State Park shore. Administered as part of the state park, the island is a favorite anchoring spot for boaters who often wade ashore with picnic lunches.

Pilot Island
Located off the southeastern tip of Detroit Island, Pilot Island got its name from its importance to the early navigators of the Death's Door passage. The island is visible from North Port and from the ferry to Washington Island. The Pilot Island lighthouse, built in 1858 and automated in 1962, is part of the Door County Maritime Museum Lighthouse Walk, held the third weekend in May.

Plum Island
Part of the Grand Traverse Islands chain, Plum Island is the site of a Coast Guard station and the Plum Island lighthouse range lights. The island lies in the middle of the Death's Door straits that separate the peninsula and Washington Island.

Rock Island
One of Door County's five state parks, this 906-acre island is located one mile northeast of Jackson Harbor, Washington Island. Rock Island features 10 miles of hiking trails, camping, swimming and fishing. It is the site of Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse and Thordarson greathall and boathouse. Rock Island was discovered by La Salle in 1679. C/O Washington Island (920) 847-2235.

Sister Islands
This pair of small uninhabited islands gave Sister Bay its name and are located due north of the Sister Bay marina. The islands are owned by the state of Wisconsin.

Spider and Gravel Islands
Located east of Newport State Park, these tiny islands provide nesting opportunities for shorebirds and resting spots for migrating birds. Gravel Island is the northern one, visible from the shores of Europe Bay, while Spider Island lies south of Newport Bay.

Strawberry Islands
The observation tower at Peninsula State Park provides a great view of these four small islands clustered southwest of the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and east of Chambers Island. The privately owned islands are named Adventure, Jack, Pirate and Little Strawberry.

Washington Island
The largest of Door County's islands is located at the tip of the Door County peninsula.