Do you love the outdoors? Does the idea of an island adventure sound inviting? If you answered “yes,” then I have a suggestion for a fabulous day trip. (No, this not another blog about Hawaii.) Believe it or not, this island is floating in the waters of Lake Michigan and is considered a nature lover’s paradise.
Washington Island, Wisconsin is located approximately 7 miles off the tip of the Door County Peninsula. The waters of Green Bay hug the Western shores and the waters of Lake Michigan the Eastern shores. You (and your vehicle) will need to board a ferry to get to the island. The 30-minute ride offers gorgeous views of limestone bluffs and crystal clear waters.
Once you land on Washington Island (roughly 6 miles by 5 miles) you have the choice of driving, walking or riding to the downtown area (located about 2.5 miles from the ferry landing). Most people either rent or bring their own bicycles to tour the island, but there is a place you can rent an electric car if you prefer driving to pedaling. While you can bike ride, shop, hunt, relax, attend music festivals, visit galleries, watch sunsets, golf, or take weaving, spinning, paper making, or basket making classes at Siever’s School of Fiber Arts, Washington Island’s main attraction is the beach… or beaches.
Percy Johnson County Park has a lovely sandy beach that is ideal for bringing small children to wade.
Jackson Harbor Ridge is a State of Wisconsin Scientific Area. The protected shallow harbor offers visitors a place to take a warm summer swim. And an adjoining nature trail is open daily for nature studies, photography, and peaceful walking.
Red Barn Park/Gislason Public Beach is an alcohol and drug free zone. It caters to families and includes a playground, picnic area with grills and benches along the waterside and a small rustic theater, which holds family style performances during the summer.
Schoolhouse Beach is considered a geological marvel. The smooth limestone beach provides excellent swimming for advanced swimmers in a marked area with a diving raft. The water deepens fairly quickly which makes for great diving, rafting and snorkeling conditions. This is a popular spot for picnicking amidst a beautiful wooded setting.
Rock Island State Park is home to perhaps the most popular beach on the entire island. The 900-acre state park is the location of the earliest settlement of the Township of Washington. In addition to its expansive sandy beach, it provides great hiking trails and camping sites. It also gives visitors the opportunity to tour historical buildings and is the site of the oldest lighthouse in Wisconsin waters. Speaking of lighthouses, if you are a fan, the Restored lighthouse on Rock Island is a wonderful place to visit. You are allowed to tour the inside of it and hear about its history from the people who staff it regularly.
For directions to Washington Island, information on the Washington Island Ferry Line, and a list of places to spend the night (should you decide to extend your day trip), visit www.wistravel.com.