Dreaming of getting away to an island, but not wanting to travel far? Located 7 miles northeast of the tip of the Door County, Wisconsin peninsula is a little slice of heaven. Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin is the largest of the Door County islands. Home to a year-round, working community, visitors can explore this little island via train (seasonal), car, moped, bike, etc. The only way to reach the island is to travel across “Death’s Door” via car ferry, which functions year round.
My piece of advice: Ask the team at the car ferry check out for a map of the island. Cell phone service is very spotty on the island, but the roads are well marked, as are signs to points of interest. Save this list for your adventure to Washington Island! Love the Great Lakes? Check out these articles: 10 Things to See & Do in Traverse City, MI, Road Trip Itinerary for Upper Peninsula, MI, 10 Fun Things to Do in Bayfield, WI, and Favorite Fall Activities Along the North Shore of Minnesota.
1. Stay at Steffen’s Cedar Lodge along the Lake
If you are looking for a lakeside retreat that is both beautiful and affordable, look no further than Steffen’s Cedar Lodge. There are several cabins located on this property with full kitchen, living rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. The cabins are facing the protected West Harbor. Guests can enjoy a stroll along the private shoreline, canoe through the harbor and enjoy a fire by the lake. The cabins are located 5 minutes from the “main drag” of the island, and from where the car ferry departs.
2. Enjoy the Car Ferry Ride
The only way to get to Washington Island is through a thrilling ride across Death’s Door on the car ferry. You have the option to get out of your car, and sit on top of the ferry to enjoy the views of various islands, like Plum and Detroit Islands. We enjoyed viewing the lighthouses and seeing the beautiful shoreline of the Door County Peninsula from the ferry. Road trip tickets for adults are $15, children 6-11 years old are $8 and 5 and under are free. Always check the ferry schedule on the website as it changes throughout the seasons.
3. Red Cup Coffeehouse
Located one mile from the car ferry harbor is Red Cup Coffeehouse-which we highly suggest you visit! There are plenty of indoor and outdoor seating areas. The specialty coffees were delicious (I had “The Kate,” which was a vanilla blend latte), and they have delicious smoothies for kids. We loved their pastries and unique breakfast sandwiches (such as their “hot honey” bagel sandwich). Located right next door is the Fair Isle Trade Book and Gift store. Grab a coffee, go shopping and take a walk under the gorgeous maple trees!
4. The Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, Shop and Le Cafe
If you are looking for an experience that is nothing short of magical, make sure you make a stop at The Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm. Explore over 20,000 lavender plants as you walk through the fields and gardens. Fragrant Isle is famous for being the Midwest’s largest lavender farm. When we first walked into their shop, all we could smell was lavender-and they have lavender everything! From fine personal skin care products, to delicious lavender edibles, to scented candles that spread soft light and a host of other exciting products-they have it all!
5. Washington Island Farm Museum
Photo credit: Doorcounty.org
If you love history, or simply want to go back in time for how life used to be on Washington Island, make a stop at the Washington Island Farm Museum. Farm buildings from various locations on the Island were moved here and reassembled on our 20 acres. You can experience wagon rides, farm animals, old collections from Wisconsin history and more at this neat exhibit. The museum is closed during winter.
6. Schoolhouse Beach
Schoolhouse Beach is a must see experience, and one of five beaches of it’s kind around the world. It’s a unique, landless beach covered in smooth, white limestone rocks. This is also the location of the original harbor for the entire island, and used to be the location of a one room school house. When we visited, we fell in love with how beautiful this area is. There is a path that leads through the woods to the beach. There are tons of picnic areas and grill. There are well-marked places for swimming or kayaking, and a lot of “Instagram worthy” areas for photos. This was one of our favorite experiences on the island!
7. The Albatross Drive In
Located about a mile from the ferry dock is a favorite of several generations-the Albatross Drive In. They are famous for their burgers and ice cream. The vibe of the entire place is dreamy-with picnic tables, glider chairs and a sandbox for kids all over the lawn. They are 100% take out & outdoor seating, so they are closed during winter.
8. Island Popcorn
Island Popcorn is one of those points of interest you just have to experience for the tasty treat! They are a small, family owned business that hand craft their unique flavors of popcorn in small batches. They are located on mile from the car ferry, and right next to the Albatross Drive-In. What a perfect stop during your exploration of Washington Island!
9. Mountain Tower Lookout
If you are hoping to get a bird’s eye view of the island, Mountain Tower Lookout should be on your itinerary. The Washington Island Mountain Park Lookout Tower is made up of 186 stairs, surrounded by lush green trees with a view of the northern islands and lake. We highly suggest this on a fall itinerary, as you get the best view of the colors! This hike may be difficult for those with mobility challenges.
10. Sand Dune Park
If you are looking to lounge around a fine, sandy beach, look no further than Sand Dune Park. This long, wide, sandy beach allows dogs (majority of other beaches do not on the island), and there are also picnic tables. The water tends to be more calm in this area, making it a popular spot to go swimming or for a family beach day.
Bonus: The Stavkirke
Photo credit: Doorcounty.org
One of the hidden gems on the island is the Stavkirke, modeled after the Borgund Stavkirke constructed in 1150. The building has twelve 18-foot “stavs” or masts, all from Washington Island, and is part of Trinity Lutheran Church. Eleven are Pine and one is White Fir, sitting in a small forest grove, a winding prayer path leads the way to the structure. Every year, thousands of people visit for prayer or meditation in the quiet peacefulness of the Stavkirke. The Stavkirke is closed during winter.
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