This post, featuring a 1-day fall itinerary for Washington Island with kids, may contain affiliate links. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
Adventure awaits on Washington Island, Wisconsin, one of the most unique kid-friendly destinations in the state! Just a short ferry ride from the Door Peninsula, this beautiful island is perfect for a fall trip with kids. With its scenic shores and trails (ideal for biking and hiking!), and spectacular fall foliage, Washington Island offers one of the best day trips while visiting Door County with kids.
During our daughter’s fall break this year, we embarked on a long weekend trip to Door County, where we discovered tons of family-friendly activities from Sturgeon Bay to Washington Island. While we spent most of our family trip on the mainland, we did spend a beautiful fall day on Washington Island. It was one of the best days of our family vacation to Door County!
From its unique beaches to its rich island history, Washington Island is one of the best places in Wisconsin to unwind and disconnect from daily stresses. In this family guide, I’ll share how to get to Washington Island, as well as what to do, where to eat, the best hotels for families, and more. Be sure to add this hidden gem to your Wisconsin bucket list!
Pro Tip: Bring cash to the island. Many stops have an encouraged cash donation or entrance fee, which helps keep facilities clean and open to visitors. Most places recommend $1-2/person.
Where is Washington Island, Wisconsin?
Washington Island lies just off the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula in Lake Michigan. In fact, the island is located where Lake Michigan meets Green Bay, near the waters of “Death’s Door” (named for its history of shipwrecks).
Beloved for its breathtaking landscapes and charming small-town vibe, Washington Island makes for a perfect day trip from the peninsula. The island also boasts one of the largest lavender fields in the Midwest!
You must take a ferry to reach the island. Washington Island is approximately 4.5 miles from the tip of Door County, and takes about 30 minutes to reach by ferry.
The Washington Island Ferry
To get to Washington Island, take the Washington Island Ferry from the northern tip of Door Peninsula. Ferry hours vary by season, so it’s best to check the departure times in advance. Tickets are charged by the number of vehicles AND people. Your ferry ticket also includes your return trip to the mainland, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
During peak seasons, arriving 30-45 minutes before departure is recommended. The ferry accommodates 18-22 vehicles. During our recent fall visit, we arrived 45 minutes before the day’s first ferry (just in time for an epic sunrise!). We were the 8th car in line and easily made the voyage. Once aboard, you can relax in the observation area above the car deck. Taking the ferry certainly adds a unique flare to the whole experience for kids!
Best Time of Year to Visit Washington Island, Wisconsin, with Kids
The best time to visit Washington Island with kids depends on your family’s favorite activities and desired itinerary. However, summer and early fall are widely considered the ideal time to visit. During this season, the island buzzes with family-friendly events, warmer weather, and more outdoor fun.
Summer is perfect for beach days, swimming, and cycling around the island’s scenic paths. If you’re hoping to time your visit for peak lavender, time your visit for mid-July to early August. Additionally, all of the seasonal restaurants and things to do are open in the summer. Meanwhile, fall brings breathtaking foliage for unforgettable bike rides, scenic drives, and hikes. While some things will already be closed for the season, fall is still a wonderful time to experience the best that Washington Island has to offer to families.
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Where to Stay on Washington Island or in Door County with Kids
Ready to plan your family vacation to Washington Island? Here are a few hotel ideas to help you book your stay. From cozy inns to spacious family-friendly resorts, Door County hotels provide various options for every type of family getaway. Here are some of my top picks for hotels in Door County and on Washington Island for families to help you get started!
If you want to spend a night or two on Washington Island with kids, consider staying at the following properties. Accommodations on the island are limited, so if this is your plan, book early!
Alternatively, if you’d rather stay on the mainland, consider these properties:
- Best Western Maritime Inn (we stayed here one night, it was clean and comfortable but a bit dated)
- Newport Resort
- Parkwood Lodge
- Ephraim Shores (this is where we stayed, we loved it!)
- Sister Bay Inn
- Scandinavian Lodge
Vrbo is another excellent option for booking your family’s stay in Door County or on Washington Island!
How to Spend a Fall Day on Washington Island with Kids
Now that you know a little bit more about Washington Island, here are the best things to do on the island with kids this fall (in an itinerary format)! Keep reading to plan your day on Washington Island with kids.
READ NEXT: 7 Unique Family Vacations in Wisconsin to Put on Your Bucket List!
Take the First Ferry of the Day + Grab Coffee on the Island
We have been to Washington Island twice now. I’ve always found it best to take the first ferry of the day and grab coffee once you get to the island. As I shared earlier, during our recent, we arrived 45 minutes before the first ferry departed (about 30 minutes before boarding). We were the 8th car in line and easily made the first ferry. We also arrived just in time for an epic sunset, which we enjoyed from the beach. If you’re early enough, it’s okay to park your car in line and pop out for a bit.
Once you reach the island, there are two great options to grab coffee and breakfast to start your day. Red Cup Coffee House and WIS-CO Washington Island Coffee. This year, we opted for WIS-CO Washington Island Coffee (since it’s the second coffee shop on the ferry).
WIS-CO Washington Island Coffee has an extensive list of drink options, including smoothies for kids. They also have a lovely bakery case for small breakfast items. Indoor and outdoor seating is also available.
Explore School House Beach
School House Beach is one of the biggest draws to Washington Island. And, once you visit, it’s easy to see why. This beach left me speechless on our first visit! During our second visit this year, I found it just as lovely and was so happy to return to the beach. This is, without question, one of the best things to do on Washington Island with kids.
This sandless beach is one of only five like it in the world! The round stones and crystal-clear waters, lined with some of the best fall foliage on the island, create the perfect backdrop to your morning on Washington Island with kids. The limestone that makes the stones acts as a natural filter, which is why the water is so clear.
Swimming is permitted here. However, removing stones from the beach is illegal and will result in a fine. Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Restrooms can be found near the parking lot. Finally, the park requests a small cash fee/per person at the entrance.
Visit the Washington Island Stavkirke Church
Next, visit the Washington Island Stavkirke Church. This beautiful church is a nod to the island’s rich Scandinavian heritage. It was built to resemble the Stav Churches of Scandinavia, specifically the Borgund Stavkirke, constructed in 1150.
The church is right off the parking lot, so you can make it a quick stop. Or, take the longer prayer path through the beautiful fall foliage. This peaceful path leads you to the church and is shrouded in hues of yellow and gold during the fall. Once you arrive at the church, you can admire its architecture from the outside. Then, head inside to see more of its ornate design.
Managed by Trinity Lutheran Church, located across the street, the Stavkirke is open year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no admission fee (though, there are donation boxes). Church services are offered inside the Washington Island Stavkirke Church from July – September.
Pop by Washington Island Farm Museum
The Washington Island Farm Museum offers a unique glimpse into early 20th-century farming life on the island. To create the museum, nine historic buildings were relocated from across the island and filled with period farm items, tools, and kitchen artifacts.
Visitors can explore collections in each building emphasizing the period between 1870-1940. In the early- to mid-fall, buildings are open for visitors to take self-guided tours. And, you can meet the resident sheep. Meanwhile, summer visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities like wagon rides and craft days on Wednesdays in July. Then, special events, like the annual Cider Pressing Party in early October, bring Washington Island’s pioneer farming history to life with costumed re-enactors and hands-on demonstrations. Washington Island Farm Museum is a great stop to help you and your kids learn a little bit about the history of Washington Island.
Lunch at Jackson Harbor Soup
By now, tummies will start to get hungry again, so it’s time for lunch! Jackson Harbor Soup is my favorite place to eat with kids on Washington Island. In fact, I would take the ferry just to eat here! The menu features delicious sandwiches and soups, including a nice kids’ menu. I highly recommend the French onion soup in a bread bowl!
Once you’ve ordered, head outside to enjoy warm fall days on the lawn. (Indoor seating is also available.) Several tables are spread across the lawn, all with great views of a small harbor and Lake Michigan. There is also a small kids’ building area and lawn games available.
Sand Dunes Park
After lunch, there is one more stop on this 1-day Washington Island itinerary with kids before returning to the ferry. Sand Dunes Park is a beautiful sandy beach on the island, featuring grassy dunes and plenty of room to splash and play. It’s also an excellent spot for a picnic if you decide to take lunch on the road.
There is a small parking lot off the road. From here, there is a slight uphill trek through the trees to reach the beach. Once you’re on the beach, you’ll be amazed at how different this area is compared to School House Beach. Here, you’ll discover a white sandy beach, dune grasses, and more beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Let kids play in the sand and dip their toes in the water.
When you’re ready, head back to the ferry to return to the mainland for dinner. On the way to the ferry, you can stop for ice cream at Albatross Drive-In. Once you reach the mainland, Island Orchard Cider is a great stop if you have spare time. They have cider tastings and snacks (N/A options, too). You can have dinner nearby at Hügel Haus. This German-inspired, traditional Wisconsin supper club is a great spot to end your day exploring Washington Island and Door County with kids.
More Fun Things to Do on Washington Island with Kids
Planning a summer visit to Washington Island with kids? There are even more fun things to do on Washington Island that you can add to your kid-friendly summer itinerary. Consider adding these during your summer visit to Washington Island as a family:
- Fair Isle Books & Gifts is a lovely bookstore on the island! It is only open during the high-tourist season, however.
- Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum features artifacts, photographs, and videos that delve into local maritime history, including regional shipwrecks!
- Jacobsen Museum, hand-built by resident Jens Jacobsen in 1931, is a unique museum showcasing exhibits and artifacts personally collected by Jacobsen and his own handcrafted works.
- Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm is home to one of the Midwest’s largest lavender fields and offers pick-your-own lavender bouquets in July and August. An on-site store, open year-round, features a selection of lavender products.
- Island Rides Bicycle Rentals offers surrey or traditional bike rentals to explore the island (with child seats and trailers available for added family convenience).
- Island Adventure Company offers UTV, E-bikes, Kayak and SUP rentals, and tours to help you explore the island by land or water.
- Take a walk-on ferry to explore Rock Island State Park, a smaller island off the coast of Washington Island. The island is home to Pottawatomie Lighthouse (the oldest in northern Lake Michigan!).
- Other great places to eat on Washington Island with kids include Albatross Drive-In, Island Pizza, and Fiddler’s Green.
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Have Fun on Washington Island with Kids!
If you’ve been wondering how to spend a fall day on Washington Island with kids, I hope this day trip itinerary helps you plan your own fantastic experience! We loved this charming island in Wisconsin, filled with spectacular fall leaves, inviting locals, and unique beaches. And, we hope that you do too! From some of the best things to do in Door County for families with kids to delicious places to eat, I know you’ve found several things to add to your own 1-day Washington Island itinerary. Enjoy exploring the many fun things to do on Washington Island with your kids!
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
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