WASHINGTON ISLAND, WISCONSIN

This wooded, rustic island is in the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Ferries transport visitors from the ‘top of the thumb’ to discover a world of parks, trails, beaches, and lush forests. It’s a great place to go biking!

Friendly family shops offer Scandinavian gifts and imports, clothes, hand-made products, sterling silver jewelry, and other items made by local artisans.

A variety of island eateries offer burgers, fish boils, vegetarian options, Chicago style hot dogs, a fish fry, and homemade pies.

Points Of Interest

Red Barn Park / Gislason Public Beach

Alcohol-free park includes playground, picnic area, grills, trails, benches on the beach. The Red Barn offers summer events: Thurs. 7:00 pm – Family Storytime; Fri. – Live Entertainment! Local & visiting artists perform original music and theatrical events.

Rock Island State Park

Drive to Jackson Harbor, buy a ferry ticket, get on the Karfi, take a 20-minute ferry ride, explore an even smaller island (900 acres), Wisconsin’s only state park that’s an island! No cars, no bikes, no stress . . . just beautiful trails, a white sand beach, and visit the first commissioned lighthouse in these waters, Potawatomi. Lighthouse keepers provide guided tours of this maritime treasure (May - Oct.)

Art and Nature Center

This historic building, originally used as a schoolhouse, became the home of this art and nature center in 1965. Exhibits of the islands natural and cultural history, and artwork by local artists and artisans are on display.

Gathering Ground

Educational nonprofit vineyard and orchard supporting sustainable farming on the Island. Weekly Farmers Market at 1751 Lake View Road is held on Saturday. You may find Island-grown fresh produce and flowers, honey, delectable baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, soaps, candles and more! (mid-June – Oct.)

Schoolhouse Beach

One of five beaches in the world that’s similar. Protected harbor, excellent swimming in a marked area with diving raft. A favorite area for picnics.

More Info: washingtonisland.com