Want to experience island life in the Midwest? Discover Washington Island, Wisconsin! Located off the tip of the Door County Peninsula, Washington Island is a peaceful escape with rugged coastlines, lavender fields, and Scandinavian heritage. Accessible by ferry, the island offers small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and Lake Michigan beauty year-round.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Washington Island is in late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer brings warm weather perfect for biking, kayaking, and swimming, while fall offers colorful foliage and fewer crowds. Winter is quiet and serene but requires planning due to limited ferry service.
Tips for getting There
- By Car + Ferry: Drive to the Northport Pier at the tip of Door County, then take the Washington Island Ferry (cars and passengers) across Death’s Door Passage.
- By Bike: Cyclists can bring their bikes on the ferry and enjoy scenic island routes.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), about 2.5 hours south by car.
Where I like to stay
- Washington Hotel – Boutique hotel offering modern comfort and a seasonal fine-dining restaurant.
- Jackson Harbor Inn – Waterfront lodging near the ferry dock with lake views and cozy rooms.
- Campgrounds & Cottages – Options like East Side Campground and local rentals offer rustic retreats and family stays.
Top Attractions
1. Wander Through Lavender Fields at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm and Shop
Imagine rows and rows of beautiful, fragrant lavender bushes stretching as far as the eye can see. This is exactly the scene you will encounter if you visit the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm and Shop during the annual flowering season from July to August. Once fully planted, the farm will boast more than 30,000 lavender plants, covering more than 15 species. The farm and farm shop is open all year round and a small fee is charged to visit the fields during the summer season. You will find the shop stocked with all your favorite lavender products as well as many you may not have encountered before.
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm and Shop, 1350 Airport Rd, Washington, WI 54246, 920 847 2950
2. Create and Connect at the Washington Island Arts and Nature Center
The Washington Island Arts and Nature Center is a nonprofit organization that gives local artisans and craftsman a space to sell their art and provides tourists a look at local arts and history of Washington Island through galleries and nature study programs. The building was constructed in 1904 and was once one of four schoolhouses that were on the island. The Arts and Nature Center was established in 1965, one year after the high school was closed. The center also has an app that anyone can download that will take you on a scavenger hunt around the island and educate users on the history of the sites.
1799 Main Road, Washington Island, WI 54246, Phone: 920-847-2025
Recommended Activities for Families
3. Walk Quiet Trails and Watch Wildlife at Little Lake Nature Preserve
Thirty-two acres of protected forest make up Little Lake Nature Preserve where visitors can access a 1.25-mile trail through the white cedar and hemlock forest where waterfowl, birds, and wildflowers, along with other wildlife are often visible and present. Many bird watchers come to Little Lake to observe the predatory birds that nest in the area such as bald eagles, osprey, and white pelicans. Little Lake Nature Preserve was first a Native American settlement but became the summer home to Thorstein Veblen in the early 1900s. The preserve protects Washington Island’s only inland lake.
Little Lake Nature Preserve, 2285 Main Road, Washington Island, WI 54246, Phone: 920-746-1359
4. Experience Local Talent at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center
The Trueblood Performing Arts Center is a 263 seat multi-purpose theater space for the performing arts that is also a charitable organization that was made possible by a gift from Ruth and Wilson Trueblood, summer residents of Washington Island. The community also generously supports the center since it was opening in 2004. Special events hosted annually by TPAC include two-three productions annually from the Island Players, classical music performances, retreats, and many other community events.
870 Main Road, Washington Island, WI, 54246, Phone: 920-847-2528
Attractions for Couples
5. Spot Birds and Breathe Deep at Domer-Neff Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary
Birders will enjoy Domer-Neff Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary, which was established to protect the bird habitats in the uplands in 1997. There have been 218 species of birds recorded on the island, and the preserve is a popular location for science class field trips with a .6 mile trails that meander through the fields and shrubbery where birds of prey hunt in the open meadows. The preserve is also home to the Stavkirke Chapel and meditation trail which leads to the Door County Land Trust Hiking Trail.
Domer-Neff Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary, 1800 Town Line Road, Washington Island, WI 54246, Phone: 920-746-1359
6. Unwind in Island Comfort at Sunset Resort
Sunset Resort has been family owned for generations, dating back to 1894 when an immigrant from Norway and his family were forced to start over on Washington Island. The Engleson family turned their property into an inn for teachers who stayed on the island over summer break and other tenants. Today three generations of the Engleson family still own and operate the inn, now named Sunset Resort for its stunning views of the sunset over the bay. The resort is open seasonally and known for their fabulous breakfast menu.
889 Old West Harbor Road, Washington Island, WI, 54246, Phone: 920-847-2531
7. Snack on Sweet and Salty Goodness at The Pop’s Kettle Corn
The Pop’s Kettle Corn is a locally owned kettle corn shop opened in 2009 by the retiree, Richard Knudsen. Richard and his wife, Teri, take their kettle corn on the road to festivals and special events all around Wisconsin in addition to their brick and mortar shop in Muskego. A second location is run by Knudsen’s son, Mark in Waukesha and both locations are dedicated to great tasting products that are hand produced. Pop’s also pops more than just kettle corn; visitors will find cheese popcorn and gourmet flavors such as Mama Bears Gourmet Caramel and the Milwaukee Mix.
S75W17461 Janesville Road, Muskego Wisconsin, 53150, Phone: 414-552-2079
Where to Eat
8. If You’re After Cozy Eats, Stop by Jackson Harbor Soup and Sandwiches
The historic property on which the Jackson Harbor Soup and Sandwiches restaurant is located has been family-owned for more than 100 years. Today the 4th generation of the family run Jackson Harbor Soup and Sandwiches from what was once a Net Shed, built by their great-grandfather back in the 1920’s. The restaurant is a great place to relax after exploring Rock Island – visitors are always welcome to stop by for a great meal while they wait for the ferry. The menu features some delicious, heart-warming soups, served in various sized to suit all appetites. There are also freshly-made sandwiches and wraps, Panini’s and more.
Jackson Harbor Soup and Sandwiches, 1904 Indian Point Road, Washington Island, WI 54246, 920 847 2589
9. Enjoy Good Food and Island Vibes at Fiddler’s Green
Fiddler’s Green is a combination meeting and hangout place, restaurant and bar and entertainment venue rolled into one. The tavern is located in an historic schoolhouse building which dates back to 1860. It was moved to its current location in 1920 when it became a trading store. Finally, in 2007 it underwent its latest iteration and became the popular local meeting place it is today. In addition to enjoying live music, a great meal (and a Guinness, of course), visitors can enjoy regular live entertainment shows at the vintage Trailer Stage.
Fiddler’s Green, 1699 Jackson Harbor Rd, Washington Island, WI 54246, 920 847 2610
More Places to Eat
- Island Café and Bread Company – Great for breakfast, baked goods, and lunch with a cozy vibe.
- Nelson’s Hall Bitters Pub – A quirky institution serving Angostura bitters and classic bar fare since Prohibition.
Local Events
- Washington Island Music Festival (August) – Intimate classical music performances by professional musicians.
- Lavender Festival (July) – Celebrate the island’s fragrant fields with food, music, and artisan vendors at Fragrant Isle.
- Fish Boils & Scandinavian Heritage Events – Enjoy traditional Door County fish boils and folk culture throughout the summer.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Washington Island, Wisconsin
- Schoolhouse Beach (5–10 min) – Swim or relax at this unique beach with smooth limestone rocks and crystal-clear waters.
- Stavkirke Church (10–15 min) – Visit a beautifully crafted replica of a traditional Norwegian stave church set in peaceful woods.
- Jacobsen Museum (10–15 min) – Explore island history and Native American artifacts in a rustic log cabin museum by Little Lake.
- Mountain Park Lookout Tower (10–15 min) – Climb to the top of this wooded hill for panoramic views over the island and surrounding waters.
- Washington Island Farm Museum (5–10 min) – Step back in time with historic barns, farming tools, and interactive exhibits for all ages.
- Sand Dunes Beach (15–20 min) – A quiet, lesser-known beach spot perfect for peaceful walks and nature watching.
- Art & Nature Center (10–15 min) – Discover rotating art exhibits, local crafts, and nature displays in a family-friendly space.
- Rock Island State Park (via passenger ferry) (30 min total travel time) – Hike, picnic, or visit the historic Pottawatomie Lighthouse on this remote, car-free island.
- Detroit Harbor (5–10 min) – Watch the ferries come and go, enjoy a meal by the water, or launch a kayak for bay exploration.
- Washington Island Ferry Dock to Northport Pier (30 min ferry ride) – Take the scenic ferry ride back to Door County’s mainland and explore further if you wish.
Plan Your Trip