What to Do in Washington Island, Wisconsin

Schoolhouse Beach & State Park

1802 Washington Harbor Drive
Washington Island, WI 54246

Up Main Road from the Hotel is Schoolhouse Beach and State Park, the island’s original main shipping port. Today it’s a beautiful stretch of pebble-y, crystal clear Lake Michigan shoreline. There’s a marked swimming area and picnic tables near the shore.

Sand Dunes Beach

1259-1335 S. Shore Drive
Washington Island, WI 54246

While Schoolhouse Beach is the better known spot, you shouldn’t miss Sand Dunes beach if you’re in the mood for sand instead of pebbles. Sand Dunes is the closest beach to the Hotel, and it’s usually much quieter than Schoolhouse Beach.

Rock Island State Park

Rock Island
Washington Island, WI 54246

Just off the northeastern corner of Washington Island sits smaller and more remote Rock Island. No wheeled vehicles are allowed on the island, and visitors can arrive by the Karfi ferry or by kayak, if the weather is right (more info below). Go to visit the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, to explore miles of hiking trails, or to enjoy the quieter beaches.

Kayak & SUP Rental

164 Green Bay Road, Unit A
Washington Island, WI 54246
(920) 421-4563

Island Adventure Company is located directly across the bay from the Hotel. They rent stand-up paddle boards, solo and double kayaks, fishing kayaks, and electric bikes. You can walk in for a same-day rental, or you can call and talk to the folks there a day or two in advance. They’ll look up the wind forecast and give you a good idea of when conditions will be right for your trip.

Bicycle Rental

Dor Cros Inn
1922 Lobdell Point Road
Washington Island, WI 54246
(920) 847-2126

On the north edge of Detroit Harbor, near where the Hotel is located, you’ll find Island Rides Bicycle Rentals, located in the Dor Cross Inn. You can rent bicycles for 2 hours, 4 hours, or for the entire day, and if you need a little bit more structure you can grab a map and take their self-guided tour. Call the day before to secure your rental, or walk in same-day pending availability.

Little Lake Preserve and Trail

From the ferry dock, take Lobdell Point Road to Main Road. Turn left and continue on Main Road. Trailhead to the 0.8 mile out-and-back trail is located at 2285 Main Road 1.2 miles past the intersection of Main and Jackson Harbor Roads.  Park along the side of the road.

Dock access at 2150 Little Lake Rd., Washington Island, WI 54246.

Hit the Links

1885 Michigan Road
Washington Island, WI 54246
(920) 847-2017

Whether you bring your own clubs or rent some, the golfers in the group should visit Deer Run Golf Course & Resort. They offer a regulation 9-hole course that they promise will “challenge all skill levels.” If not, it will certainly delight with scenery. No tee time is required, but you’re encouraged to call in advance to check that there are no tournaments that are affecting play.

The Stavkirke Church

Town Line Road
Washington Island, WI 54246

Built in the early 1990s based on drawings of a similar church in Norway, circa 1150, the Stavkirke (Church of Staves) is an impressive architectural feat that deserves a visit. It is a functioning Lutheran church — services are held on Wednesdays in the summer at 7 p.m. — and a nearby prayer path provides a peaceful, meditative walk through the woods.

Mountain Park Lookout Tower

1403 Mountain Road
Washington Island, WI 54246

Climb the 186 steps to the top of Mountain Park Lookout Tower, and be delighted by views (and photo opportunities) of the island and water. Picnic sites are available at the street level.

Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop

1350 Airport Road
Washington Island, WI 54246
(920) 847-2950

Fragrant Isle is the largest single-grower lavender farm in the Midwest, and it recently landed Washington Island on a list of the country’s 10 Smelliest Cities. You can visit the farm and stroll among 20,000 lavender plants that are just (hopefully!) beginning to bloom, learn how lavender is harvested and distilled, then you can visit the shop to take the scent of the island home with you.

Peninsula State Park

9462 Shore Road
Fish Creek, WI 54212

If you’re staying long enough to spend time on the Door County Peninsula, we suggest visiting Peninsula State Park. The park has great hiking, an incredible lookout tower, kayaking and canoeing, and a really unique gold course.

The park has two entrances: one at the address listed above, in Fish Creek, and the other just south of Ephraim.

Newport State Park

475 County Road NP
Ellison Bay, WI 54210

Newport State Park is also on the mainland, but closer to the ferry and much less busy than Peninsula State Park. It has access to a pebble beach right on Lake Michigan and offers several easy and quiet walking trails.

For direct access to Europe Bay, turn off of Hwy. 42 onto Europe Bay Drive, and keep going until you hit the water.