Looking for things to do on Washington Island, Wisconsin, all year round? You’ve made it to the right place. Here are ten of the best things to do on Washington Island all year round.
The thumb of Wisconsin, also known as Door County, has thousands of attractions that appeal to every type of traveler. Hikers can adventure through the magnificent state parks. Beach vacationers can relax on the sandy coast of Lake Michigan. Shoppers can buy souvenirs in the cute tourist shops. There is truly an activity for everyone. Just past the tip of Door County, you can board a ferry to visit Washington Island. Regardless of the type of traveler you identify with, this quaint island will meet all of your expectations.
Washington Island Attractions Map
Things To Do On Washington Island
1. Washington Island Ferry
To reach the island, you must take a brief, and beautiful, 30-minute ferry ride. The Washington Island Ferry Line is located at the tip of Door County, right at the end of Highway 42.
Washington Island Ferry Tickets Cost
| Ticket | Cost (USD) |
| Adult | $15.00 |
| Child (ages 6-11) | $8.00 |
| Child (ages 5 and under) | Free |
| Automobile (riders not included) | $28.00 |
| Motorcycle | $18.00 |
| Bicycle | $6.00 |
| Pets | Free |
For a fee of $15.00 per adult, $8.00 per child (ages 6-11) and $28.00 per vehicle if you choose to bring your car, you can board the ferry. Note that riders are not included in the price of an automobile ticket, so plan accordingly.
Can you get out of your car on the Washington Island ferry?
Yes, you can get out of your car on the Washington Island ferry. Feel free to step out of your car (with caution) and walk upstairs to the viewing deck. You’re going to pass several charming small islands, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready.
Also, if you get motion sickness, I suggest bringing medication or peppermint oil to rub behind your neck. I swear by this all natural Migrastil Migraine Stick for helping nausea. For more natural motion sickness remedies, click here.
Can you drive your car around Washington Island, WI?
Yes, you can absolutely drive your car around Washington Island, WI. As seen above, all you have to do is pay the additional fee to ride your car onto the ferry. Arrive to the ferry line at least 15 minutes prior to departure, and a ferry line employee will direct you to drive onto and park on the ferry.
Do you need a car on Washington Island, Wisconsin?
You do not need a car on Washington Island. You can motorcycle, bicycle or take the seasonal Cherry Train instead. However, a car definitely gives you more freedom to explore the island at leisure, especially if you’re going during the off-season.
If you’re visiting the island between mid October and Memorial Day, you will definitely want to bring your car, as most bicycle rental shops close for the season. Furthermore, it’s advisable to look into the prices of your preferred bicycle rental shop because it may actually be cheaper to ferry your car to the island instead anyway.
Is there a bridge to Washington Island?
There is no bridge to Washington Island. The island is only accessible by ferry.
Does the Washington Island Ferry run all year?
Yes, the Washington Island Ferry runs all year long, weather permitting. For the ferry schedule, schedule updates and cancellations, visit the ferry line website here.
How do people get to Washington Island in the winter?
Because the ferry runs all year long (weather permitting), people are still able to get to Washington Island in the winter on the ferry. However, the ferry ride times may change and be more limited during the winter months, so it is important to check the ferry line website for the most up-to-date departure times.
Does it snow on Washington Island?
Yes, it does snow on Washington Island in the wintertime. On average, the island gets 49 inches of snow each year, according to US Climate Data. Although many tourist attractions close during the winter (off-season), the island is still beautiful in the winter. As you will soon see, the island is filled with beautiful sights all year round.
2. Washington Island Stavkirke
Once on the island, drive eight minutes inland to the Washington Island Stavkirke, a replica stave church that was built by local carpenters who wanted to depict the island’s vast Scandinavian heritage. The church is hidden in the woods directly across from Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.
After you cross the boardwalk that leads to the church, your eyes will be drawn immediately toward the details of the structure. Four wooden dragons extend over the ship-like staves. Detailed Norwegian carvings are on every wall and post to represent the ancient mix between paganism and Christianity. The church itself will make you feel as if you’ve landed in a medieval childhood fable or Norwegian monastery, surrounded by a birch trees and evergreen forest, meditation benches, cross-country ski trails, and prayer paths.
Either way, the Washington Island Stavkirke will quench your thirst for international travel, making it one of the best things to do here.
3. Stavkirke Walking And Prayer Trail
As mentioned, the stavkirke walking and prayer trails are surrounding by a multitude of evergreens, birch trees, meditation benches, Norse artistry and prayer stations. These peaceful trails are intended for reflection and prayer by drawing you deeper into the quiet forest. Each winding path leads you to plaques engraved with encouraging scriptures.
4. Schoolhouse Beach
Less than ten minutes away from the stavkirke, on the northern side of the island, lies Schoolhouse Beach. According to a review-based study done by the Florida Panhandle, Schoolhouse Beach has the clearest water in the entire USA. Cool off in the lake during the summer months and soak in the breathtaking view here. Schoolhouse Beach is one of few of its kind on in the entire world. Unlike an ordinary beach, perfectly smooth white rocks line the crystal clear water instead of sand. Not only does this beach hold uniqueness in its white shore, but Schoolhouse also has several nearby diving sites that allow you to explore a shipwreck dating back to the early 1900s.
5. Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm And Shop
Next, Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm will fulfill all of your girly wanderlust Instagram desires. The peak bloom of the lavender fields on Washington Island is July-August. Stepping into a field filled with purple, white and green flowers and lavender fragrance might be the last thing you would expect to find in northern Wisconsin, but, here, we can find this and more. This lavender farm’s gift shop also offers pastries, refreshments and treats, as well as lavender lotions, perfumes, bath and shower products for purchase.
6. Historic Island Dairy Lavender Field
The Historic Island Dairy was once a thriving dairy business, and then a venue and lavender field. Here, they used to offer an island history exhibit, art gallery, lavender market and many great views of their lavender fields. Since its closure a couple years ago, you won’t see countless rows of purple lavender anymore. But, if you’re lucky, you will still see a small wooden building in the center of the retired fields — yet another hint of the island’s Scandinavian culture. Its elaborate craftsmanship (similar to the Washington Island Stavkirke) and pops of color are the center of attention among the aromatic lavender fields (or against white winter snow).
7. Washington Island Farm Museum
Next, travel back in time to the early 1900s by stopping at the Washington Island Farm Museum. Take the free self-guided tour and explore a ghostly log cabin, cattle barn, weaving shed, machine shed, log shed, gallery barn and a blacksmith shop, along with many other historical artifacts.
8. Washington Island Restaurants & Shops
Furthermore, one of the only ways to truly experience the Scandinavian heritage on the island is through shopping and eating at the local restaurants. According to Tripadvisor, the 10 best restaurants on the island are:
- Jackson Harbor Soup & Sandwiches.
- Fiddlers Green.
- Albatross Drive-In.
- Red Cup Coffee House.
- Nelsen’s Hall Bitters Pub.
- Hotel Washington Restaurant.
- Sailor’s Pub Restaurant.
- Susie’s Sweets.
- KK Fiske Restaurant & The Granary.
- Karly’s Bar.
Additionally, according to Tripadvisor, the three best shops on the island are:
9. Percy Johnson County Park
Next, Percy Johnson County Park offers a quaint, quiet, sandy swimming beach. Of course, swimming in cold Lake Michigan is only recommended in the summer months. However, you don’t want to skip Percy Johnson County Park if you happen to be on the island in winter. The winter views of this beach are both colorful and calming thanks to the multicolor seaweed, teal waters and bright white snow.
10. Mountain Park Lookout Tower
Finally, if you don’t mind stairs, Mountain Park Lookout Tower will take your island trip to new heights (pun intended). Visit Washington Island in early October for peak Wisconsin fall foliage. This lookout tower is a great opportunity to see the island from a bird’s eye view. Plus, it provides the perfect backdrop to family photos.
Is Washington Island worth visiting?
Yes, Washington Island is worth visiting. From ferry rides and laying out on the beach to stunning lavender fields and Scandinavian architecture, there are activities on the island for every type of traveler.
What is Washington Island known for?
Washington Island is known for its Scandinavian architecture and influence, white pebble beaches and iconic lavender fields.
Have any questions about what to do on Washington Island? Ask in the reply section below or by sending me a DM on Instagram. I’m here to help!
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I enjoyed the pictures, commits, and suggestions. Great review of Washington Island.
Thank you so much!