Washington Island, Wisconsin 15 Things to do

Washington Island, Wisconsin is the perfect family getaway. This beautiful island found off the northern tip of Wisconsin’s exclusive Door County is waiting for your family to discover all it has to offer. Washington Island has an abundance of things to do on the island, we narrowed in on the top 15 things to do on Washington Island.  If you are planning a trip to Door County with kids Washington Island is the best place to be. 

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Washington Island Ferry 

Everyone will start their trip the same way on the Washington Island Ferry. Bring your car, your boat or even your camper on the ferry.  Riding the ferry is a great activity for the entire family. On your trip make sure to read all about the history of the area the ferry covers called Deaths Door.

Transportation Washington Island 

If you bring your own transportation then you are all set to go and explore.  If you are in need of transportation (you may park your car at the ferry dock and take the ferry over to the island.)  then look into these choices:  Cherry Train Tours,  Viking Train,  Annie’s Island Moped Rental,  Bread & Water Kayaks and Paddling Museum

Fishing

Going fishing on Washington Island is an amazing adventure for your family. There are plenty of rentals available around the island.

Right around the corner from the ferry, you will find Kap’s Marina.  You will find many rentals your family may need:  fishing boats, Trek bikes, and cars. Kap’s Marina also has live and artificial bait.  If you are a true fisherperson then you will want to hear all about the K/D Chinook Salmon Tournament every summer with prizes totaling over $50,000.

Door County Camping on Washington Island 

Washington Island Campground is the only campground on the island.  Camping on Washington Island allowed us to be in nature, experience all the island has to offer.  There is plenty of variety in the campsites from rustic to water and electricity. The Campground also has horse sites and cabins.  Our family loved the swimming pond with inflatables. The boys spent hours and hours playing on the inflatables and making new friends.

Washington Island Accommodations 

If you are not a camping family then there are many family-style resorts that will meet your needs.  These resorts will take you back in time: Gibson’s West Harbor Resort, Sunset Resort

Washington Island Art and Nature Center 

If you are looking for things to do with kids of any age hit up the Washington Island Art and Nature Center.  Our kids LOVE the art and nature center!  They can watch bees create a hive INSIDE the center (no worries, it is enclosed in plastic.)They hold snakes, read about other critters and talk to other kids (junior naturalists) about all the nature on Washington Island.  While you are there take a class, or watch the stars. This is a great family-friendly place for sunny and rainy days.

School House Beach 

A hidden gem on the island is School House Beach.  It gets its name from being the location of the first log school house on the island in 1850.  This beach hidden among the pine trees opens up to a horseshoe-shaped bay with quiet waters and endless picturesque opportunities.  This very uncommon and strange limestone beach evolved through the ice age as glaciers rubbed these stones into smooth hand-sized stones.  Wear your water shoes and bring your snorkels, there are shipwrecks only 8 feet deep!

Jackson Harbor Soup 

Jackson Harbor Soup is so much more than a soup and sandwich place.  The invigorating location that brings the water and nature right up to us, is unparalleled.  Our readers are looking for unique experiences, and this soup and sandwich shop does not disappoint.  Jackson Harbor Soup brings a great, fresh, scrumptious menu( which our kids loved) along with friendly service and doesn’t forget about the view.  There are bag boards to throw, large Jenga came to play, campfire ring and chairs to relax on and the nature scenes are endless. Jackson Harbor is a must-go-to for all families visiting Washington Island.

Red Barn Community Park 

The Red Barn Community Park and Gislason Public Beach together can be a great low-key day for a family.  The beach is a natural beach with lake grass but still refreshing and fun on a hot day for the family. Bring a few fun inflatables and your family will be all set.  Enjoy the playground and nature trail. The Red Barn Coffee House has a summer music series your family will enjoy. While we were there we were able to listen to a group practice for an upcoming concert. 

Washington Island Lavender 

Who would expect to find the beauty of rows and rows of lavender on a little island in Wisconsin?  At Island Lavender, we found the most luxurious lavender products but also yummy treats and fun gifts!  We learned about how lavender is grown, why it grows on Washington Island and more! This was not only a fun place to shop but also for our kids to walk around and explore.

Washington Island Dunes Beach Park 

An important part of every summer vacation is swimming and beach time. Dunes Beach Park provides the best of what we want in a beach day. Not only is there a beautiful sandy beach but at all Dune that the boys love to run down, roll down, dig into, and just have fun within.  We packed a picnic and had a great time in the sun and the surf of Lake Michigan.  

Washington Island Percy Johnson County Park 

Another favorite beach is Percy Johnson, County Park.  We loved the beach and it had fewer people than the Dunes beach.  There are picnic tables, grills and campfire rings.  

The Albatross 

Our family searches out ice cream shops, it is a constant on every vacation, just like many other families I’m sure.  When we find something unique and fun we love to share it with you, our readers. The Albatross is a burger and ice cream shop, we like it because everyone can get something they like whether that be soft serve or hand-scooped.  Every time we visit there is always an improvement and we especially like the Tiki Bar! Parents know it is rare to find a place where your kids can get ice cream and play while you can get an adult beverage!

Susie’s Sweets 

The best ice cream spot on Washinton Island is Susie’s Sweets.  This is a family-owned business that greets you at the door.  The gelato is homemade!! The yummiest of flavors are always available and scooped by the owner’s children!  Along with gelato, you will also find many other homemade treats like almond bars. My kids especially love the “penny” Candy selection they could choose and put in their own bags. 

Mountain Park Lookout Tower 

This short vertical hike may be a little challenging for some hikers. Mountain Park lookout tower found in the middle of the island is a great hike up forested steps. After the steps, you will then climb a tower overlooking the entire Island. It is a beautiful hike that everyone should take who goes to the island.

We just loved our trip to Washington Island Wisconsin as a family getaway. Please send us any questions you may have about planning a trip to Washington Island for your own family.