Washington Island and Ferry

Oh, boy. A ferry ride to Washington Island. What will we see there? We drove north from Egg Harbor through Sister Bay and Ellison Bay to Northport to catch the ferry. While I enjoy riding ferries, I’m always nervous while watching the crew direct and organize the vehicles on the platform. One confusing hand signal or command could end in a crash or injury. I’ve never witnessed a mishap, so I’m not sure why I worry.

Visitors can explore the 36-square-mile island, traveling by car or bike or by hopping aboard the 1½- to 2-hour Cherry Train tour. The tour operates from May to October. Activities include water sports, hiking, and swimming at beaches. Museums, restaurants, and overnight accommodations are also available.

Stavkirke (Church of Staves)

Our first stop was the Stavkirke. Local carpenters and volunteers built the church in the style of the Stavkirke built in 1150 AD in Borgund, Norway. The Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Washington Island owns, maintains, and operates the church that honors the island’s Scandinavian heritage.

The doors are open 24 hours for personal spiritual needs, and it’s also available for baptisms and weddings. The church conducts evening services on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm during July and August.

The work on the foundation began in October 1991, and by the summer of 1995, the church was completed and dedicated. Landscaping and the addition of the tower soon followed. Inside, 12 center staves, or masts, support the roof and walls.

Carpenters used Viking shipbuilding techniques that called for heavy-beamed, ship-like construction. These techniques included tongue-and-groove wood joints, wooden dowels, and heavy wrought iron fastenings. Twelve center staves (masts) support the ceiling and walls.

On the altar are the words “HAN ER OPPSTANDEN” Translation: He is Risen, or He is standing above us.

A model of a Mackinaw schooner named Deborah K hangs from the rafters. Sailors used this type of vessel during the 1800s for fishing and transporting goods around the islands. John Herschberger, head carpenter for the Stavkirke, created the schooner as a memorial from cedar net buoys used in the 1920s by Carl Richter, an island fisherman.

Carvings and adornments blend both pagan and Christian symbols.

Jackson Harbor Soup and Sandwiches

Line up to order, find a spot to perch, and wait for the delicious food to come to you. This soup and sandwich shop has been in business since Memorial Day weekend 2016 after completion of a restoration project that began in 2011. The project included the restoration of a storage shed and its move to the current location.

Dredging for the State Dock in 2013 supplied soil that allowed for landscaping. The proprietors have strong family ties to the area. The Hanson and Gibson families trace their family trees back to great-grandparents and grandparents who once owned and/or lived and worked on island property.

Jackson Harbor is the place to catch the ferry to Rock Island State Park. Bikes and motorized vehicles must remain at Jackson Harbor. Visitors may bring a cart or wagon. On the island, visitors will find a rustic Icelandic boathouse, an old-growth forest, a lighthouse in the woods, and trails. Primitive camping is available.

Here are a few views from the Jackson Harbor:

Next door to the restaurant are the Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum and The Ridges Nature Preserve. The museum occupies two sheds, and other outbuildings are remnants of a fishing village.

School House Beach

This unique beach features limestone pebbles instead of sand. The pebbles, shaped over years of wave action, are the perfect size and shape for skipping across the water surface. The area is part of the Niagara Escarpment, a geological formation that runs from New York through Wisconsin, and into Canada. Refrain from putting any of the stones in your pockets to take home.

Removing the stones may cost up to $250 in fines. Crystal-clear water, aquatic life, and snorkeling also draw visitors to the beach. Cedar trees, picnic grills, tables, benches, and restrooms are other amenities available to make the most of a day at the beach.

Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop

The lavender farm was a treat for the senses. Founder Martine Anderson and her husband have created a destination for visitors to explore on their own. Or, they may choose to join a curated 30-minute tour of the fields and oil distillery. Check the website for dates and costs.

The farm has planted 20,000 plants representing 14 varieties of lavender and does not use any chemicals. Harvest is performed by hand and machine with care to protect the plants and the product.

Lavender-loving guests will enjoy “All Things Lavender” in Fragrant Isle’s Shop, where they will find 300 products to purchase. Products include personal care, fragrant candles, and essential oils.

Besides sandwiches and salads, Le Café has croissants, chocolates, cookies, and macaroons. Visitors can also purchase lavender lemonade, wine, and other lavender alcoholic drinks. Laura and Maya liked the lavender ice cream they bought.

Washington Island is a place I wouldn’t mind coming back to explore more of what the island offers, and maybe even take the ferry over to Rock Island for the day.

Next Up: Peninsula State Park, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tour

Safe Travels