Door County’s Washington Island: Stone Beaches and Northern Breezes

Washington Island, with its rich maritime history and Scandinavian heritage, is a perfect escape from the mainland bustle. On this driving tour, you’ll explore a place where shipwrecks shaped the community, and where ”island time“ means slowing down to appreciate Washington’s natural beauty, historical sites, and its unique character.

The tour starts at the Washington Island Welcome Coffee Pot, a charming Norwegian folk art-style structure that was originally built for the Girl Scout Troop. You’ll wind through rustic roads, past historic buildings, pristine beaches, and peaceful nature preserves. The route includes stops at quaint village shops, Jackson Harbor, and secluded spots like Little Lake with its hand-built museum.

You’ll learn about the Danish, Norwegian, and Icelandic immigrants who shaped the island’s culture, and hear fascinating stories about the ferries that have connected this remote community to the mainland for generations. You’ll also hear about the surprising connection between West Harbor and the Underground Railroad. The tour ends near the ferry dock, completing your journey through this northernmost part of Door County.

During this 90-minute drive, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Visit the Norwegian-inspired Stavkirke Church, built using traditional timber-frame techniques modeled after 12th-century Scandinavian churches
• Explore Schoolhouse Beach, famous for its smooth limestone rocks shaped by centuries of waves (please note, removing them is illegal!)
• Discover Mann’s Store, established in 1903, and still the island’s only year-round grocery after five generations
• Learn about Rock Island State Park and the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, the first lighthouse established on Lake Michigan
• See the Island Lavender Farm with its fragrant fields and locally-made products
• Visit the Jacobsen Museum, a hand-carved log cabin filled with island artifacts and Native American arrowheads
• Pop into the famous Bitters Club at Nelsen’s Hall, which remained open during Prohibition by serving Angostura bitters as “medicine“ to its members
• View the Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area, one of the island’s last untouched wetland ecosystems

By the end of this tour, you’ll have experienced Washington Island at your own pace – stopping whenever something catches your interest – while also learning about the rich history and culture that makes this island unique.