Exploring Washington Island and Rock Island, Wisconsin
- Shaune Jonasson
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
A part of the Icelandic Roots Settlement theme of 2026 is exploring the areas where our ancestors arrived and settled in North America. The Washington Island community received its first Icelandic settlers in 1870. Descendants of those settlers are still there today. Have a look around...
Washington Island and neighbouring Rock Island to the northeast are where many Scandinavians settled and raised their families upon arrival to North America in the 19th century. The Icelanders first arrived, initially only four young men, in 1870 then many followed soon after. Washington Island is recorded as the second-oldest Icelandic settlement in North America after Spanish Fork, Utah.
Travellers can still see the Icelandic architectural influence and cultural elements across the area. Some of the main attractions are the result of Icelandic engineering prowess and creativity.
Visiting Washington Island requires a ferry crossing from the northernmost tip of Door County. Drive or walk onto the ferry for the 20-minute (5-mile) crossing through Deaths Door passage, the main navigational route. Once there, you’re free to tour the island at leisure.
Travelling to Rock Island can only be done by first arriving on Washington Island and then boarding a passenger-only ferry. All vehicles must remain on Washington Island, as do any other form of transportation other than by foot.
Be prepared! Check the ferry schedules and costs in advance of your planned excursion, and you won’t be disappointed.
• Washington Island Ferry information
• Rock Island Ferry information
Have fun and go exploring. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum:
An earlier fishing community that is now close to the Korfi ferry docks. The museum tells the story of early islanders, the fishing activities and trading, as well as shipwrecks in the area.
A hand constructed building by Jens Jacobsen in 1931 held his treasured belongings, historical artifacts, and crafts, including boat models. Two other hand-built cabins reside nearby.
Make sure you visit the Stavkirke church nestled amongst the trees. Although it was recently built in the 1980-90s, it was inspired by Norwegian architecture. The church was built as a tribute to those Scandinavian immigrants who made Washington Island Home. It is a small 38-person church open all year round.
The pioneering spirit is on display. See the “local pioneers” at work on the farm, their buildings, tools and equipment, tending their farm animals and gardens. They represent the way life used to be.
Rock Island is just to the northeast of Washington Island, accessible only by ferry. No vehicles or bicycles are allowed on the island. It is small, approximately 1.6 miles long and just over a mile wide.
There are no amenities on the island, so if you want something, you must bring it with you and MUST take it back with you. Camp, hike, and walk the island while taking photographs and watching the birds.
Be sure you don’t miss these:
The boathouse was built in 1929 of blue limestone with a lower docking area big enough for two 50-foot yachts. Above is the immense “Viking Hall” sitting 65 feet above water. It presents beautiful views through the arched limestone-framed windows. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its designation as "the most historically significant building in the state."
Originally built in 1836, demolished, and then was rebuilt, with its first beam spreading light for 14 nautical miles in 1858. The lighthouse was designated as a place of historical importance on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The Pottawatomie Lighthouse was restored to the 1910 period, and this is as it stands today.
How to get there:
This map of Washington Island was sourced through the Experience Washington Island site. Prepared and presented by the Washington Island Chamber of Commerce, it becomes an excellent starting point and clearly illustrates some sites of interest.
Here are two other hiking routes for Rock Island sourced from AllTrails: Starting from the Rock Island Ferry, follow the well-groomed trails around the island. Take in the beautiful scenery from many vantage points along the way.
Thordarson Loop Trail 7.9 km/4.9 miles Halvamal Trail 6.9 km/4.3 miles
![The University of Wisconsin’s Scandinavian [Nordic] Department](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c8da92_85abcdec14db4d1690a6d8676d62ccfd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_256,h_171,al_c,q_80,enc_avif,quality_auto/c8da92_85abcdec14db4d1690a6d8676d62ccfd~mv2.jpg)
