29 fun things to do on Washington Island in Door County WI 2026

Washington Island in Door County, WI is a great place for families. There are lots of activities for both kids and adults. Washington Island is a small community in Door County that provides a getaway for visitors.

I absolutely love exploring Islands and whenever you can find them in the great lakes, you have to explore them! It’s like all the best parts of a Caribbean island without the salt water and heat.

Washington Island has roughly 700 year-round residents and no stoplights. It is popular for boaters, cyclists, hikers, and artists.

People visit Washington Island for beautiful views of Green Bay, hiking, biking, art galleries, nature preserves, and bird watching.

There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Updated October 2026 with current ferry rates, park pass info, and 2026 hours and seasons.

Washington Island 2026 Quick Facts

• Ferry (round trip, 2026): $16 adults, $8 kids 6–11, kids 5 and under free, $30 per car (occupants extra), $6 per bicycle. Washington Island Ferry schedule & rates
• Summer ferry schedule: From mid-June through Labor Day, boats leave Northport Pier about every 30 minutes. In fall they run hourly, and hours shrink further into winter.
• Parks Pass: Required at Town parks (Schoolhouse Beach, Sand Dunes, Mountain Tower and more). Buy your Parks Pass
• Best season: Most seasonal attractions open around Memorial Day and close by mid-October. Lavender blooms peak in July.

Washington Island

The charming community of Washington Island lies as an island gem, nestled about 7 miles northeast of the tip of the Door County peninsula.

The Island has a year-round population of roughly 700 residents (708 at the 2010 census), and the island spans about 23.5 square miles.

Washington Island proudly stands as the largest in a group of islands that also includes Detroit, Rock, Plum, Pilot, Fish, and Hog islands.

This summer we decided to check out Door County’s Washington Island Wisconsin for ourselves. We were a little concerned it would mean we would be trapped on an Island, but instead we found the island offers fun things to do! Here are the best places to visit.

29 fun things to do on Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin

Crossing Deaths Door on the Washington Island Ferry

Traveling to Washington Island begins with a ferry ride. Unless you are flying or taking your own boat, chances are you’ll be taking the Washington Island Ferry from Northport Pier at the very tip of Highway 42. 

The 30-minute ferry ride is a lot of fun. The staff is amazing at getting you on board and even handles large RVs like it’s nothing!

For 2026, a round trip costs $16 per adult, $8 for kids 6–11, and $30 for a car (passengers are charged separately). Kids 5 and under and pets ride free. RVs and trailers are priced one way by length. In peak summer (mid-June through Labor Day), boats leave about every 30 minutes, and from early September through mid-October they leave on the hour. Always check the today’s schedule page before you go.

The rides are normally very calm through the picturesque bay. But what they don’t tell you is that you are crossing a channel of water known as Death’s Door. This narrow passage is only 6 miles wide.

But is known to have terrible currents. There are a couple of legends about it. One included French traders and Native Americans.

Others say there was a conflict between tribes. In the end, a group of Native Americans tried to cross with birchbark canoes and didn’t make it. The event(s) became so well known, that they called it Death’s Door. Don’t worry, it’s very safe.

Schoolhouse Beach Park

Schoolhouse Beach Park is an iconic destination you have to visit while on Washington Island. Home to crystal blue water, the water is only part of the draw.

Bring your swimsuit (and water shoes), and swim out to the floating diving platform. It is one of only a handful of smooth limestone beaches in the world, a piece of the Niagara Escarpment.

The beach is made of smooth white limestone rocks. These rocks are protected, and it’s illegal to take them from the beach. The Town of Washington fines $250 per rock taken.

The water gets deep quickly and there are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk. Regardless of whether you plan on swimming or not, the breathtaking scenic views make it a must-see. Park passes required.

Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm

When it comes to Washington Island, you have to visit the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm. It’s probably one of the most sought-after attractions, and it is the largest lavender farm in the Midwest.

The farm steam-distills its own lavender essential oil in copper stills (it’s the only farm doing this in Door County). The shop sells hundreds of lavender products, including soap, candles, and other cosmetics, and Le Café serves lavender treats.

In addition to their Lavender Market, the farm also has a large collection of lavender varieties growing. Visitors can walk through the farm and enjoy the fragrant smell in the immaculate rows.

For 2026, the lavender fields are open June 13 through Labor Day (September 7) for $6 per person, and there is no field fee after Labor Day, according to the Washington Island Chamber. They also have a few rows of lavender out front you can see for free! Peak bloom depends on the weather, but July is usually best.

Rock Island State Park and Rock Island Ferry

Take a ferry trip to Rock Island State Park, a small island in Lake Michigan just off Washington Island. The passenger-only Karfi ferry leaves from Jackson Harbor and runs daily from late May to mid-October (the 2026 season opened May 22). No vehicles allowed.

Round-trip Karfi tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for kids 6–11 in 2026. You can also buy a combination ticket ($31 adults) with the Washington Island Ferry at Northport Pier. In the fall, the boat runs only a few times a day (10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. after Labor Day), so plan your return.

The most dominant feature is the Pottawatomie Lighthouse. The rustic island has walk-in campsites, hiking trails, a swimming beach and shoreline to explore.

Little Lake Nature Preserve

The shallow, 33-acre Little Lake is the only inland lake on the island. The Potawatomi called this area home for thousands of years, and it was also a burial ground. The Door County Land Trust protects the lake’s entire northern half as a nature preserve.

One thing I love about Washington Island is how small things are. It’s like things on the mainland were miniaturized. Little Lake Nature Preserve is not much different.

From Main Road, take the trail 1.25 miles around Little Lake’s northern half, all the way to the shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Percy Johnson County Park

Washington Island has plenty of places to hide away. The Percy Johnson County Park is one of them. Filled with a shaded picnic area, all sitting along the east side of the island.

Once on the beach, you’ll catch views of Hog Island. The shallow water is great for little kids, and it’s a beautiful sunrise spot. Bonus: this is a county park, so no Town Parks Pass is needed here.

Field Wood Farm Icelandic Horses

Visit and ride on some hypoallergenic Icelandic Horses at Field Wood Farm (2118 West Harbor Road). Learn about what makes them different from normal horses. Pony Rides and mini lessons are also available for people of every age. The farm is seasonal (late May to mid-October), so call ahead at 920-535-3030.

Bird Sanctuary & Butterfly House

The island is home to over 270 bird species including cedar waxwings, black-capped chickadees, red-tailed hawks, and Canada geese.

Numerous hiking trails wind through the island’s woodlands and meadows, providing opportunities for visitors to see rare or endangered species. There are five main bird habitats on the island.

One near the ferry, just west of Sand Dunes Park, north of Percy Johnson Park, near Jackson Harbor, and by the Trinity Evangelical Church.

For kids looking to see more, check out the Butterfly House at 1349 Main Road. Walk through the gardens and watch caterpillars transform into butterflies in the Larvae Room, and learn about their life cycles!

You may even get to release a Monarch butterfly. The exhibits inside are open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the gardens and labyrinth trail are always open.

Art & Nature Center

Located in a 1904 schoolhouse on Main Road. The Washington Island Art & Nature Center features an art gallery of local artists.

On the other side of the building is a nature center with live exhibits (including an observation beehive) and hands-on activities for families. You’ll also find a small gift shop inside. The 2026 season runs June 15 to September 20, open Monday to Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with shorter 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. hours after Labor Day. Daily admission is $1 for adults, and kids 11 and under are free.

Mountain Park Lookout Tower

Looking to get a 360-degree view of the island? You need to climb the 186 steps to the top of the island. The Island is not actually flat but comes to a point right at Mountain Park Lookout.

With the added help of the steps, you’ll be able to see it all, including Rock Island and the start of the chain of islands that stretches to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There are picnic tables at the bottom to rest at. Park Pass required.

People’s Park (Best Sunset Viewing Location)

Looking to see an island sunset? Peoples Park on Washington Island is the best place. With views of Green Bay’s scenic shoreline to frame it up.

The park is relatively small but has picnic tables for you to enjoy the view. There’s no water access or restrooms here, but the restrooms by the Jacobsen Museum at Little Lake are just down the road. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views. Park pass required.

Washington Island Farm Museum

The Washington Island Farm Museum is a small, but interesting museum located at 1675 Jackson Harbor Road on the north end of the island.

The museum features various exhibits about the history of farming and dairy production on Washington Island, as well as displays of farm equipment, vintage milk cans, and other artifacts from the island’s past, mostly from 1870 to 1940.

The Washington Island Farm Museum has a few animals to feed as well as some fresh lavender donated from the Island Lavender. It’s typically open daily from mid-May through mid-October, and admission is free (donations appreciated). Call 920-847-2156 to confirm hours before you go.

Jackson Harbor Ridges

Jackson Harbor Ridges is a protected natural area on the northeast side of Washington Island. It was designated a Wisconsin State Natural Area in 1973 and is full of rare and uncommon plants.

The scientific area has a beach, dune, boreal, and shore meadows. There are hiking trails, and wildlife including beaver, deer, and bald eagles. The nature trail is open daily. Park pass required.

Just down the road, the small Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum shares the island’s fishing, ferry and shipwreck history in two old fishing sheds. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in season, per the Town museums page.

Jacobsen Museum

The Jacobsen Museum is a small, but interesting museum on Washington Island in Wisconsin, built in 1931 by Danish immigrant Jens Jacobsen. The museum contains a lot of Scandinavian artifacts from the 1800s, as well as Potawatomi artifacts.

The museum also has ship models hand-carved by Jacobsen. Outside of the museums, you’ll find large artifacts from shipwrecks, including a huge rudder from the shipwreck of The Louisiana. Next door is economist Thorstein Veblen’s old study cabin.

Current hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in season (closed Sunday and Monday), and admission is free. Check the Town of Washington museums page for the latest.

Stavkirke – Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Stavkirke church on Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin is a beautiful example of Nordic architecture, modeled after the Borgund Stave Church in Norway.

The church was started with a funding drive by volunteers in 1983, but the steeple wasn’t topped until 1999. A Stavkirke design is Norwegian.

While Europeans were building their churches out of stone, the Norwegians used wood, made from ‘stavs’ or masts and ribbed rafters.

From the outside to the inside this church is impeccably designed with hand carvings. The Stavkirke is open for self-guided visits 24 hours a day, year-round. There’s no admission fee, but donation boxes are inside and out.

Outside the church is a prayer walk through the woods. This stop is one of the best places to see for every visitor! Park on the north side of Town Line Road rather than in the church lot.

Red Barn Park/Gislason Public Beach

The Red Barn Park is a great place to take kids with its playground. There are picnic tables and a marked hiking trail behind the barn. In summer, the Red Barn hosts events like live music, theater performances, and family pajama storytime.

Across the street from the park is Gislason Public Beach on Detroit Harbor. It provides a scenic backdrop for your park adventure, and its wooden swings are a sweet spot to watch the sunset.

While there is sand at the beach, I would recommend going down to Sand Dunes Park for swimming instead.

Sand Dunes Park

Sand Dunes park is a beautiful park on the island’s southwest shoreline. It’s a great location for swimming in their clean blue waters. Watch the waves roll in on the beautiful white sandy beaches.

The park does have a small uphill walk to get there through the deep sandy dunes. Be prepared with appropriate footwear. The park has a small parking lot and pit toilets, and there are no lifeguards. Park Pass required.

Den Norske Grenda

This little Norwegian Village includes two log buildings, built, hand-carved, and brought here from Telemark, Norway in 1989. Look for the grass roofs. They are absolutely stunning.

Inside the building is an art shop, with oil paintings and handcrafted wood items, and collectibles. If you love all things Nordic and Norse Mythology, you’ll love this.

Sharing a parking lot with the village is Mann’s Mercantile (1176 Main Road). They have a little bit of everything inside. This is where you find the largest collection of giftwares and souvenirs.

Sweets and homemade fudge can be purchased as well as everyday supplies, since there’s a True Value hardware store inside. We were able to pick up a tool to repair our camper inside.

Cherry Train Tour

Getting around the island, you need to check out the Cherry Train Tour. This is perfect for those that want to explore but came over on a passenger ferry.

The 2-hour narrated open-air tram tour leaves from the island ferry dock and makes up to four stops at some of the best highlights of the island, which can include the Stavkirke Church, Schoolhouse Beach, and the Farm Museum (it does not stop at the lavender farms).

In 2026, tours leave at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (fall tours run Tuesday through Saturday until mid-October). Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids 6–11, or $41 for adults as a combination ticket with the ferry. Seats are first come, first served.

Island Adventure Company

Looking to get around the island in an alternative way? Look no further than Island Adventure Company, just steps from the ferry dock at 164 Green Bay Road. They have UTVs, Electric Bikes, Stand-up Paddleboards, and Kayaks.

If you are uncomfortable going in Green Bay waters without a guide, you can also do a guided Kayak Tour, including paddles out to Rock Island. They also offer boat tours, and their hours follow the ferry schedule.

Island Rides Bicycle Rentals

Washington Island in Door County has over 100 miles of roads. The island’s slow pace of life makes it perfect for bicyclists to get around on the roadway.

Island Rides Bicycle Rentals (1922 Lobdell Point Road, at the Dor Cros Inn) rents regular bikes and e-bikes and will deliver to the ferry dock area for free if you come over without a car.

Starting at the ferry, follow the bicycle route, on the Main Road, over to Jackson Harbor Road, and back along Town Line Road to complete the loop.

This recommended bike path takes you to some of the top sights on the island. While the island is fairly flat, there are some inclines.

Jackson Harbor Soup and Sandwiches

Looking for a great meal with generous portions, all with an amazing view? Jackson Harbor Soup and Sandwiches is absolutely amazing.

When going to any new destination I always ask the locals where to eat. This was their recommendation, and it was by far some of the best food we’ve had.

They claim finding the place is half the adventure. Quick tip: it’s at 1904 Indian Point Road, right by the Rock Island (Karfi) ferry at Jackson Harbor. For the 2026 season they’re serving lunch 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday through Friday (closed Saturdays).

KK Fiske Restaurant & The Granary

Staying this close to the water, you need to enjoy a little bit of freshly caught fish. KK Fiske Restaurant (1177 Main Road) is amazing with its daily catch of whitefish and “lawyers” (burbot), caught by the island’s last commercial fisherman. Fish boils are held on Saturdays in season, so call 920-847-2121 for reservations.

While one half of the building is a restaurant with family-friendly offerings, the other half is The Granary saloon, plus The Coop outdoor tiki bar. They come alive at night with live entertainment.

Albatross Drive-in

Looking for a quick bite? Or maybe even a good Burger? You gotta check out the Albatross Drive-In (777 Main Road), about a mile and a half from the ferry dock. Serving up Chicago Style hotdogs, brats, fries, and beer-battered onion rings.

They have delicious combinations like Mushroom Swiss and Cowboy Burgers and even have MorningStar veggie patties. The Albatross has been an island landmark for generations, and it’s open daily (about 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) from May through October. It’s takeout with outdoor seating, a sandbox for the kids, and glider swings for the grown-ups.

While burgers may be their specialty, their ice cream is an amazing treat. Cones, sundaes, splits, and floats. But what really shines is the 60 different flavors of custom-made shakes and malts. Their tropical shake was like a trip to the MN State Fairs Dairy booth.

Island Popcorn Barn

Want a quick treat on the go? Right next to the Albatross Drive-In is the Island Popcorn Barn (789 Main Road). This cute little barn is popping up fresh corn all day long, with specialty flavors like Churro, Oreo, Movie Theatre Butter and so much more. It’s family-run and opened in 2022.

What I loved about the popcorn was that they were all labeled with allergies. Finally a dairy-free popcorn! They have cheese varieties too, but when you have a little one with allergies, popcorn is always hit or miss. Summer hours are typically 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with reduced off-season hours.

WIS-CO Washington Island Coffee

Looking for a coffee shop on the island? There are a couple of coffee shops on the island but WIS-CO Washington Island coffee was my favorite. You’ll find it at the WIS-CO Washington Island Coffee shop at 1219 Main Road, which is “always open before the first boat.”

Great coffee with specialties like house special. It’s like heaven in a cup! Freshly made Door County Cherry Chocolate Scones are to die for. The staff is amazing, the store is super cute. They open early (around 6:30 a.m.) and close around midday, and at last check they were closed Thursdays and Fridays, so check their site before you go.

Inside you’ll also see Italian Gelato, Bulk Candy, a Wall of Taffy and Fresh Fudge. Outside is a giant green chair and some seating too.

Nelsen’s Hall Bitters Pub

Nelsen’s Hall Bitters Pub (1201 Main Road) on Washington Island is a historic tavern dating to 1899 and known as the oldest continuously operating tavern in Wisconsin. During Prohibition, founder Tom Nelsen got a pharmacist’s license and kept serving Angostura bitters as a “stomach tonic.”

Today you can join the famous Bitters Club by downing a shot, earning a membership card stamped with your thumbprint. Enjoy drinks, pub food, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this island treasure.

Washington Island WI Campground

Needing an inexpensive stay on the Island? You gotta go to the Washington Island Campground (745 East Side Road). This is actually the only campground on the island itself.

With a big swimming pond surrounded by a sandy beach, a Playground, Mini Golf, and Game Room, the kids will be in heaven. They also have horse-friendly sites! The campsites are all nestled into the wooded side of the campground, and there are rustic cabins too. The campground is open May through October.

Camping on the Island with a Travel Trailer? The first question is yes, an RV can go on the Ferry. They have a variety of different site options, attracting visitors of all camping setups, even equestrian.

Home Rental on Washington Island

Looking to stay somewhere homey? Rent property on the island. There are some great ones sitting along the shoreline perfect for families.

Book your rental today. These are high-demand rentals over the summer. Click here to book.

Other things to know about Washington Island

Visiting a Washington Island Park?

Washington Island requires visitors to its Town parks to have a Washington Island Parks Pass. The fee is used to help support maintaining the parks.

Passes are per person: $5 daily, $10 weekly, or $25 for an annual pass, according to the official Parks Pass page. Kids under 12, veterans and active military, and Cherry Train riders don’t need one. The pass covers Town parks including Gislason Beach, Heritage Trail, Jill J.J. Jorgenson Memorial Park, Jackson Harbor Ridges, Little Lake, Mountain Tower, People’s Park, Sand Dunes Park, and Schoolhouse Beach. It isn’t required at Percy Johnson County Park or the Ballpark. The Town has discussed pass changes, so double-check prices before your trip.

Where to get Gas

The Island has one official Gas Station marked on the map, the Citgo at Mann’s Mercantile. But there is a second gas station located near the ferry dock as well.

Wifi

Wifi is spotty on the island. That’s because it’s positioned between two towers competing for your signal. While it’s great to disconnect if you plan on using your phone to navigate, you might get stuck driving a little bit to get a connection.

Fun fact: near Schoolhouse Beach and the north shore, the Central/Eastern time zone line is so close that your phone’s clock may flip back and forth. Trust the ferry schedule, not your phone!

When you buy your ferry tickets, you should receive a Washington Island Guide, complete with a map. Don’t lose it! It didn’t take us long to figure out the Island, but it comes in handy when you’re in a dead spot.

Night Life

Actually, there isn’t much, besides the stars (and a nightcap at The Granary or Nelsen’s Hall). The island gets dark at night with dimly lit streetlights. Take it slow. Just because you are on an island, doesn’t mean there isn’t wildlife.

Helpful Planning Links

• Washington Island Ferry schedule & rates
• Rock Island (Karfi) Ferry schedule & rates
• Washington Island Parks Pass
• Town of Washington parks guide
• Town of Washington museum hours
• Washington Island Chamber of Commerce

Would I go back?

Yes, the tip of the Door County peninsula restored my faith in Island Hospitality. It was a place where I even decided to see what property was for sale there. We all had a great time and it is the perfect family getaway.