At the tip of the Door County peninsula, Highway 42 runs out at Northport Pier, and the only way to continue is by water. The Washington Island Ferry Line carries passengers, cars, motorcycles, bicycles and larger vehicles across the Death's Door passage, the narrow, historically dangerous strait that gives the county its name. The crossing is an experience in itself, with open-air decks, views of the water and, on a clear day, the island ahead. The ferry operates all year as a vital link for island residents, which means that it also runs in winter, although its schedule changes with the season and the weather. Washington Island is a quiet place, with a rural, Icelandic and Nordic heritage, farm fields, small beaches and a low-key hospitality scene. Visitors come to bike the flat roads, to walk the shore, to visit Schoolhouse Beach, famous for its smooth white stones, and to see the island's Norwegian-style stave church. Others use the island as a stepping stone to Rock Island State Park, a car-free park reached by a small passenger ferry from the island. The island is a good day trip for travelers who want a slower pace and a change of scene from the busier villages on the mainland, and it also has places to stay and eat for those who want to linger overnight.
Planning the trip
The ferry leaves from Northport Pier at the end of Highway 42, and the operator publishes seasonal schedules on its website. Frequency changes through the year, with more crossings in the warm months and fewer in winter, and the operator notes that weather and traffic can change the schedule. In peak summer, lines can form for vehicles, so arrive early. Reservations are required for vehicles in the deep winter period, according to the operator, and otherwise tickets are sold first come, first served, so check the ferry's page for the current rules.
Walk-on, bike or drive
Foot passengers and bicycles are accepted, and if you are not taking a car you can park at Northport Pier or in nearby lots. Bringing a bike is a popular choice because the island is mostly flat and the roads are quiet. If you bring a car, you can explore farther, including the northern shore and the east side.
Rental bikes and other services are available on the island in season. A day trip works well, but check the last return sailing before you plan your afternoon, since missing it means a night on the island.
What to do
Visit Schoolhouse Beach, where the stones are smooth and white and visitors are asked not to remove them, and walk along the shore. Look for the stave church, a wooden building inspired by medieval Norwegian design. Stop at the island's cafes and farm stands, and consider the passenger ferry to Rock Island for hiking in a car-free park.
Bring layers, since the lake wind can be cool, and snacks, since options can be limited at quiet times. The island rewards those who slow down: a picnic, a swim in summer, and an unhurried bike loop can easily fill a day. Combine the trip with Newport State Park and Ellison Bay on the mainland, or with a fish boil dinner in Ephraim on the way back.
What to expect
The experience
A ferry crossing from Northport Pier over the Death's Door passage to a quiet island with beaches, farmland and a stave church, with walk-on, bike and vehicle options.
Best time
Summer and early fall, when sailings are most frequent and the beaches and bike routes are at their best.
How long
Plan a half day at minimum, ideally a full day with time for a bike loop and the beach.
Tips
Check the schedule and the last return sailing, arrive early in peak season, bring layers and know that winter vehicle sailings may need reservations.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travelers who want a quiet escape, a boat ride and a bike-friendly landscape.
- Families
- The ferry ride and the white-stone beach appeal to children.
- Couples
- A slow, scenic day with a picnic and an island bike ride.
- Pair with
- Newport State Park, Ellison Bay or an Ephraim fish boil.
- Time needed
- A full day is ideal.
Good questions
Where does the Washington Island ferry leave from?+
It leaves from Northport Pier at the end of Highway 42, at the northern tip of the Door County peninsula.
Does the ferry run all year?+
Yes, the operator describes it as a year-round service, with schedules that vary by season and weather.
Can I bring a car or a bike?+
Yes. The ferry carries cars, motorcycles, bicycles and larger vehicles, and it accepts foot passengers too.
Do I need a reservation?+
Reservations are required for vehicles in the deep winter period, according to the operator. Otherwise tickets are first come, first served, so check the current rules.
What is Death's Door?+
It is the narrow, historically dangerous passage between the tip of the peninsula and the islands, and it gives Door County its name.