Top Things to do in Washington Island
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Top 10 Things to do in Washington Island, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Washington Island, United States including Charlie's Smokehouse, Washington Island Stavkirke, Schoolhouse Beach, Washington Island Ferry Line, Jacobsen Museum, The Historic Island Dairy, Mountain Park Lookout Tower, Washington Island Farm Museum, Washington Island Art and Nature Center, Fair Isle Books & Gifts.
Restaurants in Washington Island
1. Charlie's Smokehouse
Overall Ratings
5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By divaw0rld - Richfield, Wisconsin
We LOVE smoked fish, especially when it's fresh, and includes enough smoky taste. Charlie's Smokehouse hits the mark. They have a wide range of freshly smoked local fish (including some frozen). You pick your fish or chunk and it's immediately wrapped in newspaper, weighed, and the price is handwritten on the paper. Charlie's also offers a nice selection of ice cream, a great treat for a warm day. Explore the store and you'll find various snacks, crackers, and candies. Be sure to take a deep breath when you enter the store...it's what you'll remember when you think of Charlie's Smokehouse. When you open that smoked fish that you took home, you'll get to experience the aroma again!
2. Washington Island Stavkirke
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By 872Cathy - Kirkland, Washington
We took the ferry boat over to go to the BBQ competition today. The ferry ride was expensive. This was our first time visiting the island. If it wasn't for the fun time at the BBQ competition, the wonderful food, and the live music, I really don't think I would have had a good time since there is little to do on this island. There are no shops, very few restaurants, but people like coming here because of the nature. I thought the people were very friendly and took pride in their Island living. This church was very pretty...but over all I don't think I would want to come back to the island. I much prefer Sisters Bay and all the other communities on the main land where there is more to do.
3. Schoolhouse Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
Reviewed By Scott S - Bellevue, Nebraska
Absolutely loved the beach and view. Next time I think we will bring sandals since it is a little hard to walk on the beach barefoot. The water was a little chilly at first but once you are in, it feels so refreshing. One of the best things we enjoyed bringing our 1 and 3 year olds here was the fact that there is no sand. It was so easy to clean them up after the visit.
4. Washington Island Ferry Line
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 462 reviews
Reviewed By Hitcher84 - Camarillo, California
Holds 16 cars over and back to the island, around 30 minutes. Can get a little choppy but not terrible. Nice views, the colors are starting to change. I imagine it's awesome when it's full out fall. I especially liked the newspaper clipping explaining who our boat was named after inside the passenger waiting area. Nice outdoor seating too, but it can get cold and windy.
5. Jacobsen Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By mpg0815 - Appleton, Wisconsin
Wasn't sure what to expect!
Old rustic, log building! Built in 1931!
I was surprised by its outstanding, regional collection of natural and historical artifacts.
Had so much fun taking my time looking, reading and learning!
Pieces of history of the island on display including Native American (Potawatomi) artifacts found in the area!
If you love history this is a "must see"!
Take your time... hidden gems are abound!
Look up and down and all around!
6. The Historic Island Dairy
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
The Historic Island Dairy Building was completely renovated in 2010 from a building that sat vacant for 40 years into a multi-use community facility to save and preserve the memory of one of Washington Island's most important local historic businesses, which was dairy farming. The Historic Island Dairy preserves 100 years of the working memory of the Island community with new economically sustainable non-dairy uses including two commercial kitchens, a full floor open wood cathedral ceiling ballroom, business incubator facilities, vintage Scandinavian poster displays along with international cutting edge art exhibits, lavender farm market, panoramic balcony vistas, sitting and strolling gardens, acres of lavender fields and home for The Island Lavender Company. This meaningful historic Island destination has been completely renovated after sitting vacant for more than 40 years. As a result of the development of refrigerated delivery trucks in the early 1960's, dairy products were delivered from larger commercial facilities off the Island and the local island dairy production was closed. Now bearing the name "The Historic Island Dairy", the building features a permanent Washington Island history exhibit to remind us of the Island people and events that laid the foundation for all of us to protect, nurture and build upon today...and into the future. In 2016, the Historic Island Dairy will celebrate the 100th birthday of the founding of dairy production on Washington Island.
Reviewed By dcrudolph - Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
I was very impressed with the extensive documented history of the dairy industry on Washington Island. Lots of pictures and text that helps you to understand how important dairying was in the Islands past history. Kudos to the owners for telling that story.
7. Mountain Park Lookout Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Titus T
Took on the stairs with three children, my wife and in-laws. Was worried when we started but it was not bad. The path between the stairs and the tower was probably the worst part as it was loose gravel and big steps. The tower does not look great but the views are magnificent. Could be better if you could see the lavender fields or if their were cherry orchards in the island.
8. Washington Island Farm Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By megangrahl - Madison, Wisconsin
This place is kind of cool but unless you are a history buff or a farmer who also likes history of farming, you don't need to stay more than 20-30 minutes. It is free but they have a suggested donation of $1 per person.
9. Washington Island Art and Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By traveltheworld012 - Rochester, Minnesota
This a stop on the trolley route (wagon seating pulled by a pickup) and a load of people were there when we stopped as well. Books, toys, paintings and other knick knacks for sale. there is also a "get in touch with nature' room for kids or adults who want to act like one. A 15 minute stop should do it.
10. Fair Isle Books & Gifts
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Fair Isle seeks to inspire curiosity, connection & compassion through story. We offer handpicked books and fair trade gifts from around the globe, and feature island & Door County authors as well as bestsellers in fiction & nonfiction for adults and children. Jewelry, home goods, garden & gift items are purchased fairly from artisans working to lift themselves out of poverty. Located next door to Red Cup Coffee & the post office at the first stop sign off the ferry.
Reviewed By JNPowers - Wisconsin
Islandtime Books might be small in size but it is big in heart. Inside you will find a great selection of current titles to help you spend the time relaxing on the island. And you will find people who are knowledgeable about books in general. It is not uncommon for a Wisconsin author to stroll in the door and join in the conversation. Stop in and say hi.
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