Schoolhouse Beach
The island's signature beach is made of smooth limestone stones. It is a striking place to swim, but the stones are protected: removing them is prohibited.
THE ENJOY ROAD TRIPS EDITION — FIELD GUIDE
Door County · Community
See and do on Washington Island
Schoolhouse Beach, the lavender farm, island back roads and the second ferry to Rock Island.
Two islands in one day
Washington Island and Rock Island are usually visited together, but they are different experiences. Washington Island has roads, farms, food and lodging; Rock Island is a state park with no vehicles and no services. The Karfi connects them from Jackson Harbor on the island's north side.
The essentials
Rock Island State Park
Ten miles of hiking trail, camping, swimming and Pottawatomie Lighthouse. Access is by the Karfi passenger ferry from Jackson Harbor; vehicles stay on Washington Island.
Pottawatomie Lighthouse
Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse, at the north end of Rock Island. It is open daily during summer, and the walk from the dock is the main route.
Island back roads
The island is best explored slowly. Rentals are available on the island, and the roads are quiet compared with the peninsula.
Verification
Sources & editorial record
Factual details on these pages were checked against the sources below on 2026-10-29 . Interpretive prose, itineraries and recommendations are editorial judgement, not sourced fact.
Crossing time, ferry routing, park acreage and lighthouse history come from the ferry operator and Destination Door County. Schedules and fares are seasonal and are not reproduced.
- Destination Door County Ferry crossing, Schoolhouse Beach, lavender farm, Rock Island and island character.
- Washington Island Ferry Line Year-round ferry across Death's Door.
- Rock Island ferry information Jackson Harbor route and the 8.4-mile drive across the island.
- Destination Door County — Parks Rock Island acreage, trails and Percy Johnson park.
- Destination Door County — Lighthouses Pottawatomie Lighthouse history and access.