Washington Island, Wisconsin

Adventure & Exploration Start at Peninsula’s End

Trek to Wisconsin’s Island Getaway

Washington Island is your destination for adventure in Door County. It all starts with a 5-mile ferry ride across the once-treacherous waters of Death’s Door, where Green Bay and Lake Michigan meet. Once ashore, embark on a tour of one-of-a-kind shopping, eating, music and art, remote parks, island festivals, and outdoor fun hosted by the 600 residents who call the island home.

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Washington Island Restaurants

As you might expect on an island, fish is a staple on menus here, whether it’s boiled, fried, broiled, or grilled. But fish isn’t all you’ll find. From family-owned taverns to casual grills, cafes, coffee shops, a market, and even a drive-in restaurant, it’s all fresh and there’s something for everyone.

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Washington Island Lodging

Washington Island offers lodging of all kinds. Rustic visitors can find primitive hike-in campsites on Rock Island or private campgrounds, while there are plenty of family-friendly hotels, motels, and cozy cottages available.

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Island Favorites

Things to Do on Washington Island

After hopping the car ferry to the island, you can bike, drive, or Segway around 40+ miles of island backroads, check out historic museums, explore the stone-covered Schoolhouse Beach, get transported to medieval Norway at the Stavkirke church, visit lavender farms, or hop a second ferry and experience remote Rock Island State Park.

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Island Favorites

Take a Deeper Dive into Washington Island

Ode to the Washington Island Ferries

The Washington Island ferries are many things: places of community connections, access points to adventure, efficient ways to travel between the Door Peninsula and Washington Island, and experiences in and of themselves.

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7 Must-Dos on Washington Island

Cross Death’s Door by boat

Well, to get here you sort of have to, but in this case the reward is in the journey. Most people take the car ferry, but kayaking the waters of Death’s Door is a way for the more adventurous to challenge themselves and pay tribute to the harrowing journeys of those who came before.

Picnic on the beach

Washington Island’s parks, trails, and beaches are known for their peaceful, secluded locations and stunning waterfront views. Pack a lunch and head to one of them, like the famous Schoolhouse Beach, for a memorable lunch in the great outdoors.

Find unique artistic and cultural opportunities

From the Trueblood Performing Arts Center and the Sievers School of Fiber Arts to the Jacobsen Museum, the island is a haven for arts and culture.

Eat the local way

Eat a lawyer, chase it with a shot of bitters, and follow that with a beer made from wheat harvested right here.

Trek to Rock Island

We promise: it’s well worth it. While there, visit Thordarson Boathouse, a majestic relic of 1920s opulence and Rock Island’s most popular destination.

See a lavender farm in person

Experience the pleasant aroma and vibrant purples and greens of a real lavender farm, where you can frolick in the fields and grab some lavender-themed gifts.