There are some places in Door County where you go to see the sights, and then there are places where the real attraction is simply being there.
For me, Washington Island falls firmly into the second category.
When guests at the Blacksmith Inn on the Shore ask me what they should do on Washington Island, my first piece of advice is usually this: don't try to do everything. Give yourself a full day, leave a little room in the schedule, and let the island set the pace. We love the island so much that we gave it its own section on our Experiences page!
Washington Island sits at the very northern tip of the Door County peninsula, about 30 minutes by ferry from Northport. The crossing itself is part of the experience: you leave the mainland behind, cross the waters of the infamous Porte des Mortes, Death's Door, and arrive somewhere that feels delightfully removed from the usual Door County bustle.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to spend the day.
It starts with the ferry ride
The adventure begins before you ever reach the island.
Head north on Highway 42 to Northport Pier and board the Washington Island Ferry Line. The ferry carries both passengers and vehicles, and the trip takes roughly half an hour.
I always recommend checking the ferry schedule before you leave the inn and building a little flexibility into your day. Summer can be busy, and Washington Island operates on island time, which is really just another way of saying there's no reason to hurry.
Once you're aboard, step outside if the weather cooperates. The views across the water are beautiful, and there's something satisfying about watching the Door County peninsula disappear behind you.
Explore Schoolhouse Beach
If you only have time for one beach on Washington Island, make it Schoolhouse Beach.
This isn't your typical Wisconsin beach. Instead of sand, you'll find a shoreline covered in remarkably smooth limestone stones, shaped by glaciers and millennia of wave action. It's one of the most distinctive natural features in Door County, and one of the reasons people remember Washington Island long after they've returned home.
The water is wonderfully clear, although it is also wonderfully cold, so keep that in mind if you're planning to swim.
And there's one important rule: leave the stones where they are. Don't take one home, no matter how tempting it might be. The beach's unusual character depends on those stones remaining right where nature put them.
I like to bring a picnic, find a comfortable spot, and simply spend some time looking out over the water. Sometimes the best part of a Door County getaway is doing absolutely nothing.
Step into Norway at the Stavkirke
One of the most unexpected sights on the island is the Washington Island Stavkirke.
Tucked among the trees, this beautiful wooden stave church was modeled after Norway's historic Borgund Stave Church. Finished in 1999, it was built over the course of a decade on Washington Island by a team of local volunteers and reflects the island's strong Scandinavian heritage.
Even if you're not particularly interested in architecture or history, I think it's worth stopping. There's something peaceful about following the path through the woods and coming upon the church.
It's also a nice reminder that Washington Island isn't just about beaches and summer activities. There's a rich history and a strong sense of community here too.
Smell the lavender
If you're visiting during the summer bloom, put Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm on your list.
Washington Island's lavender fields have become one of its signature attractions. During bloom, the rows of purple stretching across the fields are beautiful and the fragrance makes the experience even better. Fragrant Isle has more than 20,000 lavender plants and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the farm and shop for lavender products.
It's an especially nice stop for couples. Take your time walking through the fields, enjoy something from the café, and don't be surprised if you leave with a few lavender-scented souvenirs.
Get out on the island roads
Washington Island is made for exploring without a strict itinerary.
You can bring your car on the ferry, but you can also rent bikes, mopeds, or other transportation on the island. There are miles of quiet roads winding through woods, fields, and little corners of island life.
For guests who enjoy cycling, this can be a wonderful way to see Washington Island. The pace is slower, the roads are scenic, and you have plenty of opportunities to stop whenever something catches your eye.
And don't underestimate the pleasure of simply driving around with the windows down.
Have an island lunch
Eventually, exploring is going to make you hungry.
Washington Island has several great places to eat, from casual stops to traditional island restaurants. If you're looking for a taste of local character, consider stopping at K.K. Fiske Restaurant, a longtime island institution known for fish and traditional Door County fare.
For something quick and casual, Albatross Drive-In is a classic choice with a menu and aesthetic hearkening back to the drive-in diners of the 1950s.
If you’re headed onward to Rock Island, make a pit stop on the way at Jackson Harbor Soup for delicious soups and sandwiches to warm you up after the ferry ride.
One of my favorite things about island dining is that it doesn't feel rushed. You sit down, have a conversation, look around, and realize that you're not quite sure what time it is, and that's exactly the point.
Take the second ferry
Here's where a Washington Island day trip can turn into a really memorable adventure. From Washington Island, you can take another ferry over to Rock Island State Park.
Rock Island is car-free and considerably more rustic. The park is known for its hiking, shoreline, historic Pottawatomie Lighthouse and the remarkable Thordarson Boathouse. Getting there requires a second ferry from Washington Island, so you'll want to plan your timing carefully.
If you're the kind of person who would rather spend a day hiking than shopping, this is absolutely worth considering.
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My ideal Washington Island day
If I were sending guests from the Blacksmith Inn for their first visit, I'd suggest something like this:
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Morning: Drive to Northport and catch an early ferry.
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Late morning: Explore Schoolhouse Beach.
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Noon: Have lunch somewhere on the island.
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Afternoon: Visit the Stavkirke and Fragrant Isle, then wander the island roads.
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Late afternoon: Find a quiet shoreline or scenic spot and slow down for a while.
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Evening: Catch the ferry back to the mainland, but not before stopping at Nelsen’s Hall to earn your Bitters Club membership card, signed with your own thumb dipped in bitters. It’s a local tradition!
And if you have a full day plus some extra energy, find a way to wedge in a trip to Rock Island!
An itinerary is all well and good, but keep in mind that Washington Island isn't a place I recommend visiting with a checklist in hand.
Yes, there are beautiful beaches. Yes, there's lavender, history, hiking, biking, good food, and some wonderful places to explore. But what makes the island special is the feeling as you pass over the waters of Lake Michigan on the ferry, and enter this place where time moves differently.
It's the ferry crossing.
It's waving to someone as you pass on a quiet road.
It's the sound of the water at Schoolhouse Beach.
It's discovering a little church tucked away in the woods.
It's sitting down for lunch and realizing you have nowhere else you need to be.
That's the Washington Island experience I'd like our guests to bring home with them.
Slow down. Look around. Stay awhile.
And when you're back at the Blacksmith Inn that evening, I hope you'll share what you discovered.
Sam - Innkeeper