Washigton Island
Exploring Washington Island on Bike
A Day Trip from the Peninsula of Door County
Door County is located on the thumb of the mitten of Wisconsin. A peninsula that juts out into Lake Michigan. It is a connection of little towns scattered all the way along the route to the top of the peninsula. Ellison bay is where my family calls home, a quiet bay before Gills Rock and Northport.
Washington Island is located at the very top of the peninsula. The perfect day trip to see what the island has to offer and more nature of Door County. My favorite way to discover the island is by bike. A 12-mile route that starts and ends at the ferry port. This is the guide to Washington Island on bike
The Washington Island Ferry Line leave from Northport Harbor at the top of every hour. Cars, bikes and passengers can all board the ferry. Round trip costs $15 per passenger, $30 per car and $6 per bike. The 30 minute ferry ride from Northport to Washington Island crosses Death’s Door, the treacherous water where countless shipwrecks have happened, but don’t worry you will arrive safely to the port of Washington Island.
A walk down the road from the port takes you to Annie’s Island Moped Rentals, one of the places to rent mopeds and bikes. There are other places to rent e-bikes and 4-wheelers as well. With helmets buckled and seats adjusted it is time to hit the road. Start biking down Lobdell Point Road, take a left onto Main Road, passing Albatross Drive-In on corner. Continued down Main Road passing shops, gnomes and a very tempting Taco Truck, until taking a right onto Townline Road. On the left you will pass Stavkirke, the Viking Church. This church is similar to stepping into a Viking Ship and the smell of cedar is strong. The floors, chairs and ceilings are all made from wood. Sign your name in the guest book located in the corner and head on your way.
Continuing down Townline Road stop at the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm. After testing every lavender lotion and perfume your senses will be overloaded. Stroll through the lavender fields surrounded by purple. Even the porta potties are purple with lavender scented soap.
Take a left out of the lavender farm and continue down Townline Road, take a left onto Mountain Road and bike to the Mountain Tower. After climbing up the steps enjoy the best views of the island and best place to catch a break, enjoy the breeze and devour homemade sandwiches or a snack.
After descending the Mountain Tower, ride a short distance down Mountain Road and take a left onto Jackson Harbor Road. Soon the entrance to School House Beach will come into view on the right. Bringing a swimsuit is a must. Quickly change in the bathrooms and take a dip into the refreshing water of Lake Michigan. There is a red floating raft that is perfect to swim out to and jump off of. School House Beach is one of the five beaches in the world that is made up of limestone stones. It makes the beach the perfect place to skip rocks but not a comfy place to walk around barefoot.
Change back into dry clothes, take a right out of School House Beach and head the short distance down Jackson Harbor Road before taking a left onto Main Road. Main Road is a straight shot all the way back to Lobdell Point Road, where the route started. On the bike ride you will pass some of the biggest cows you have ever seen and all the cute shops from earlier. Make a stop at one of the shops or at Albatross Drive-In to order cheese curds for the ferry ride back to the Mainland. As Albatross is not known for being the fastest, make sure to watch the clock for when the next ferry leaves the port. After Albatross Drive-In it is a short ride down Lobdell Point Road to return bikes and end this 12-mile route back at the harbor. On the deck of the ferry, enjoy basking in the sun and a breezy ride back to Door County peninsula.
