FAQ Page

Where is Washington Island? How do I get there?

Washington Island, Wisconsin is located at the tip of the thumb of Wisconsin. If you extend your left hand palm away from your body and look at your hand you will have a rough resemblance of the state. Washington Island is approximately 7 miles northeast off the tip of the Door County Peninsula. We have the waters of Green Bay on our Western Shores and The Waters of Lake Michigan on our Eastern Shores. You can get to Washington Island by traveling north from Chicago on 94 through Milwaukee north on I43 to Green Bay and then North again on HWY 57 through Sturgeon Bay and have the choices of HWY 57 on the lakeside or HWY 42 on the bayside. The two Highways come together again in Sister Bay and 42 continues to Northport Pier. Here you can purchase tickets for your auto and passengers to take a 30 min. ferry ride to Washington Island. A passenger ferry also offers a Ferry Ride and narrated tours in an open air train departing from Gills Rock. Washington Island does have a public grass airport located on it. Boaters can stay at their choice of Marinas located in Detroit Harbor or Jackson Harbor.

What is there to see on Washington Island?

Beaches with sand or smooth rocks with crystal clear water, Limestone Bluffs, Pastoral rural scenery, Parks, Wildlife, Museums, Art, Northern Lights, Scandinavian Architecture, Icelandic Horses, Mountain Park Lookout Tower, Rock Island Boat House, etc.

Our Airport
Washington Island has a 2 grass runways, that allow for planes to land on the Island. It is a well maintained public strip that is mowed and plowed by the Town of Washington. Tie down fees are minimal and the EAA chapter has a Courtesy Van for use. A picnic area is provided for public use at the entrance to the airport. There are tables and other facilities available for you while you watch airplanes take off and land.

Percy Johnson County Park

Watch the sun rise or enjoy a picnic lunch and a swim. This lovely sand beach has exceptional views of Hog Island and eastern vistas. Ample picnic tables and grills are available. The gentle slope of this beach is very nice for bringing small children for wading.

Jackson Harbor Ridges

The Ridges, a State of Wisconsin Scientific Area, is an outstanding example of beach, dune, boreal and shore meadow communities. Information about the Ridges and its program is posted on the bulletin board at the gate. The protected shallow harbor offers wonderful warm swims throughout the summer. The nature trail is open daily for nature study, photography, and peaceful walking.

Red Barn Park/Gislason Public Beach

This family park and beach area is designated alcohol and drug free. Located on a 13-acre tract at the south end of the island, it includes playground, picnic area with grills and benches along the waterside and a small rustic theater, which holds family style performances during the summer.

Sand Dune Beach

Walking a short distance on a sandy trail you’ll find a fine swimming beach located on the south side of the Island. Southern winds bring in Warm Lake Michigan surface water to this beach. The gentle slope and fine sand make this a favorite of families with small children. The large expanse provides sunseekers a quiet respite to soak up the rays. No campfires. Picnic lunches permitted.

Schoolhouse Beach

A geological marvel, this smooth limestone beach provides excellent swimming for advanced swimmers in a marked area with a diving raft. If you aren’t a fan of sand in your shoes this is a must see. The crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan are best visited with a north wind to bring in the warmer surface waters of this deep harbor. The water deepens fairly quickly and diving, rafting or snorkeling is great. This town park presents a favorite area for picnics and grills amidst a beautiful wooded setting. (Caution: please don’t take the rocks as this resource has suffered from the past removal of loads of stone and the maturation of trees in the parking and picnic area.)

Rock Island State Park

A 900-acre state park which boasts the most beautiful beach of Door County on its southern shore Rock Island is the location of the earliest settlement of the Township of Washington. It is also the site of the oldest lighthouse in Wisconsin waters. Nice hiking trails, beautiful beach, rustic camping. Historical buildings open to the public. No vehicles permitted. Access at Jackson Harbor via the passenger ferry Karfi.

How big is Washington Island?

30 sq. miles approximately 6 miles by 5 miles.
The “downtown” area of Washington Island is 2.5 miles from the ferry landing. REALLY not within easy walking distance. I highly suggest either bringing something to travel with, a bike, moped, motorcycle, or car. Bike Rentals and electric car rentals, guided tours, are all available on Washington Island, but they do fill up during the summer months.

What is there to do on Washington Island?

Swim, fish, boat, bike ride, shopping, hunt, relax, attend Door County League Baseball (Islanders 2001 Champions) games Sunday afternoons, attend music festivals, visit galleries, watch sunsets, golf, cross country ski, snowmobile, camping on Washington Island and Rock Island State Park, enjoy great food, friends, join the bitter’s club, take weaving, spinning, papermaking, or basket making classes at Siever’s School of Fiber Arts.

Are there places to stay on Washington Island?

Yes. There are numerous motels, inns, bed and breakfasts and homes available.

Do people live year-round on Washington Island?

Yes, there is a year-round population of approximately 700 people, its youth attend Kindergarten through Highschool, here at Washington Island Schools, which has about 85 students in attendance. We have a medical clinic, resque squad, volunteer fire department, hardware store, grocery store, taverns, restaurants, recreation center, swimming pool, library, gas station and etc. All the things that one would expect in a small town.

Are their Medical facilities on Washington Island?

Yes, for Emergency Care we have a Volunteer Rescue Squad with 2 fully equipped ambulances. These highly devoted individuals are paged out by the 911 dispatcher to the scene. They work in conjunction with the hospital located in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Depending on the seriousness of the injury or ailment a decision on treatment on the Island or transport off the Island is coordinated with either emergency helicopter service, transport on the Ferry Boat, or with the U.S. Coast Gaurd. The Island also has a Clinic that is open during the week days and staffed by a Physician year round.

Is there any industry on Washington Island?

No, at least none that I feel are detrimental to the pleasant environment of the Island. Sievers exports handcrafted looms, spinning wheels and benchwork for model railroad enthusiasts. Island Fibers exports hand-dyed silk ribbons and other yarn combinations to 2 wholesale companies that market them internationally. One product is shipped from here to Leone, France where it is woven into a historic trim that has been in use since 1885. Island Fibers also exports hand-dyed silk, cotton, and wool yardage. Christmas tree farming exports trees to the Chicago area, Carpentry is a thriving industry and new home construction continues at a steady rate. A timber coop is in its’ infancy and plans to export finished flooring materials are underway. Organic farming is popular. Tourism is a major part of the island economy.

Does Washington Island have an airport?

Yes, we have two grass runways, tiedowns and lighted for nighttime use. Please visit: http://www.airnav.com/airport/2P2 for more information.

Are there lighthouses to see?

Yes, there are working lighthouses in the area. Pilot Island Lighthouse can be seen from the ferry as well as the Plum Island Range light system. The Restored lighthouse on Rock Island is a wonderful place to visit and you actually get to see the inside of it and hear about its history from the people who staff it regularly.