Trip Review: Washington Island of Door County, Wisconsin.
Welcome sign for Washington Island that you see after you exit the ferry.
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I recently visited an island at the very tip of Wisconsin, the Door County Peninsula. Washington Island, located off the tip of Door County, Wisconsin, is a kitsch old-school fishing town with a unique local charm. In this article, I am going to tell you all about it, as it is a very interesting place to visit.
History of Washington Island.
Washington Island, located off the tip of Door County, Wisconsin, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1600s when French explorers first visited it. The island was named after President George Washington and became a prominent fishing and farming community in the 19th century. Early settlers were primarily Scandinavian immigrants who brought with them their cultural traditions and farming techniques. The island played a significant role in the local economy, with its fertile land being ideal for agriculture, particularly wheat farming, and its surrounding waters full of fish. Over the years, the island has preserved much of its historical charm, with landmarks like the Stavkirke Church and the Jacobsen Museum offering glimpses into its past.
Washington Island Today.
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, overlooking the fresh lavender on a beautiful blue day.
Today, Washington Island is a popular destination that attracts visitors with its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The island is known for its beautiful landscapes, including forests, clean beaches, and fields of lavender. One of the main attractions is the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, where visitors can walk through fragrant lavender fields and purchase handmade products. Schoolhouse Beach is another popular spot for relaxation and swimming, and it has smooth limestone rocks and clear waters. Interestingly, Schoolhouse Beach is one of only five beaches in the world with these unique smooth limestone rocks, making it a rare geological treasure. The island's charming local shops offer a variety of goods, from locally made crafts to delicious island-grown produce.
Getting to Washington Island.
Crossing Lake Michigan or Death’s Door on the ferry to Washington Island.
Getting to Washington Island is a little different. First, you'll drive through Door County. On this drive, you will go through cute towns quintessential to the area. If you have time, you should stop, but know that the ferry has a last call at 6:30 pm. That’s right. Once you go through Door County, you will stop at Northport Pier. From there, you take the Washington Island Ferry, about a 30-minute ride across Lake Michigan with your car. You will either take the Madonna, Washington, Robert Noble, or the Arni J. Richter (our ferry). The ferry ride is enjoyable, with great views over Lake Michigan and other islands. Book your ferry here.
Death’s Door.
As you journey to Washington Island, you'll cross a stretch of water known as Death's Door. This passage between the tip of Door County and Washington Island is notorious for its dangerous currents and unpredictable weather. The name "Death's Door" comes from the French term "Porte des Morts," which reflects the treacherous nature of these waters. Historically, this area claimed many ships and lives, as Native American legends and early explorers' accounts attest. Today, while much safer, Death's Door remains a fascinating and historically significant part of the journey to Washington Island.
One of the most famous shipwrecks in Death's Door is the "Grape Shot," a schooner that sank in 1867. The area around Washington Island is a popular spot for diving, offering the chance to explore these historical shipwrecks up close. Divers can discover the underwater remnants of the island’s maritime past, making it a unique adventure for history buffs.
Where We Stayed on Washington Island.
We are campers. We stayed at Washington Island Campground, which I think is the only campground on the island. You can read our review of Washington Island Campground, Camping on Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin.
Attractions We Saw on Washington Island.
One of the reasons we picked Washington Island to visit is that we had two teens with us who love to fish. Fishing is a thing on this island. Most of our time was spent the first day hopping from the pier to the pier to find the best watering hole. With some local advice, the guys ended up at the best place to fish, where the ferry drops you off. We saw a lot of harbors. One in particular caught my attention because of the history.
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm
Signage outside for Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm in Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm. Strolling through the fragrant lavender fields was a wonderful experience. They have a bar with a sitting area in the back where you can get coffee drinks, cocktails, and beer made with lavender. You can also pick your lavender to take home and dry, which is cool. In the front of the building, they have a shop to get ice cream and a few other sweet treats in addition to lavender-infused products. For more information, visit the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm site.
Schoolhouse Beach
Schoolhouse Beach with its unique smooth limestone rocks and crystal-clear waters.
Another must-visit spot is Schoolhouse Beach, known for its unique smooth limestone rocks instead of sand. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, and the beach is a serene spot for picnicking and relaxing. Schoolhouse Beach is one of only five beaches in the world with these unique smooth limestone rocks, making it a rare geological treasure. This spot is one of my favorite stops.
Pro tip: Do not take the stones. You can get fined $250 for taking one.
Historical Fisherman’s Harbor in Jackson Harbor
One of many vintage fishing boats docked at Jackson Harbor in Washington Island of Door County, Wisconsin.
Another fascinating spot is the Fisherman's Harbor in Jackson Harbor, home to the old Fisherman's House. This area exudes a historical vibe with its vintage boats and rustic charm. Walking around the harbor feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the island's maritime heritage. The old boats, weathered docks, and the Fisherman's House tell the story of the island's fishing community and its significance over the years. We ended up here because the boys thought this area might have some biting fish. Nope. But I am glad we came across this spot, as I love history.
Local Shopping on Washington Island
Exploring the local shops on Washington Island was a treat. After we dropped the boys off for fishing, we did some local exploring, starting with the local coffee shop. The stores offer a variety of artisanal goods, including locally-made crafts, artwork, and delicious island-grown produce. It’s a great way to support local businesses and take home a piece of the island’s local flair. Here are the shops we visited and recommend:
The front of the Red Cup Coffee House building in Washington Island.
Red Cup Coffee House: Red Cup is a coffee shop that offers a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and light snacks. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy coffee while planning your day on the island. They have a little shop too with T-shirts and other cool items. The staff was always welcoming.
Fair Isle Books & Gifts: Fair Isle Books & Gifts is next to Red Cup. This charming bookstore offers many books, including many by local authors. I picked up a book and a few other items from Fair Isle. Most of the items are fair trade. They also have a variety of unique gifts and island-themed merchandise. It’s a great place to find a good read for the beach or a special gift for someone back home.
Albatross Drive-In: The best burger and fries in town are across the street from Red Cup and Fair Isle Books & Gifts. I kid you not. They make a good burger. The place has a retro vibe, and the staff is super friendly.
Island Outpost: Island Outpost is a fun and eclectic shop that sells everything from souvenirs and gifts to beachwear and outdoor gear. The outdoor gear they carry are brands like Kuhl, Helly Hansen, Fjällräven, Mountain Khakis, Hook & Tackle, Merrell, Sperry, and Hey Dude. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir from your trip or to find something you might need for your island adventures.
The side of Mann’s Store with its signage on Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin.
Mann’s Store: Mann’s Store is a historic general store that has served the island for generations. It offers various products, from groceries and household items to clothing and hardware. It’s a great place to understand the island’s history and learn about anything you need during your stay. You will find local wine and bourbon in the liquor and wine section. We picked up a tube for a bike as no one else had them in town—a convenience store.
Island Style: This is not a store. However, a young girl has a collection of vintage goods along the street, including books, clothes, and puzzles. We are an exploratory bunch, so we walked over. The bottom line is to find something you want and pay what you want. She donates all the money to the veterans. I picked up a vintage book, Mark Twain's short stories. Avery, the teenage girl who loves animals, picked up a tiny book that can be used to identify different animal footprints. Sandy picked up an old puzzle.
You can't miss this spot along the road. This mailbox is a tell-tale sign that you are in the right place for Island Style.
There are many more places on the island, but these are the ones we visited and liked.
Things We Missed But Wish We Had Done.
Rock Island for hiking: Just a short ferry ride from Washington Island, Rock Island State Park offers beautiful hiking trails and historic sites. It's known for the Rock Island Lighthouse and the Thordarson Estate.
Stavkirke Church: This replica of a 12th-century Norwegian church is a stunning architectural marvel. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect on the intricate woodwork and serene surroundings.
Travel Tips for Visiting Washington Island.
For those planning a visit to Washington Island, here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:
Best time to visit: Summer and early fall offer the best weather and most activities. In the Winter, the ferry is still operating, as some are fitted with ice cutters, but Summer and Fall are best.
What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit, a camera, and layers for varying weather conditions (it was cool at night).
Transportation: Renting a bike or bringing your vehicle is recommended for exploring the island, which is very biker-friendly.
Conclusion: Washington Island is an Off-the-Beaten-Path Kitschy Local Retreat.
My weekend on Washington Island was a unique experience. Although I have never been to Cape Cod, I get the vibe that Washington Island is a mix of that old-school fishing town with a blend of Midwest lifestyle. The island's natural beauty, rich history, and friendly community make it a must-visit destination in Door County. Whether you're planning a solo trip, a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a trip with two moms, a teenage girl, and two teenage boys along with me, a single traveler who will go for the joy of going, Washington Island promises an unforgettable experience.
