Rock Island State Park

Take the ferry (Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day) to this primitive island off the tip of the Door County peninsula in Lake Michigan. Stone buildings, built by a wealthy inventor who owned the island between 1910 and 1945, house exhibits.

From Rock Island, watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan and set over Green Bay.
DNR Photo

Cars and even bikes are not allowed on the 912-acre island, making for an experience unlike any other Wisconsin state park. There are 10 miles of hiking trails, including a one-mile interpretive trail, a naturalist program, and 5,000 feet of beach.

Rock Island has 40 campsites, all of which are reservable. Pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided; there is drinking water near the dock and boathouse. Firewood is for sale at $5.50 a rick. There are no carts or equipment for hauling camper supplies and equipment.

Map [PDF 69KB]

How to Get There

Take Wisconsin Highway 42 to its end at Northport, the tip of the Door County peninsula. Take the Washington Island Ferry [exit DNR] to Washington Island. The ferry carries people, vehicles, bicycles, and freight. Take County Highway W to the opposite end of Washington Island. Leave your vehicle or bike there and take the passengers-only Rock Island Ferry to Rock Island. There are fees for both ferries.

Visitors may take their boats to Rock Island, but caution is urged since Lake Michigan and Green Bay can be hazardous due to reefs and storms. There is a nightly fee of $1 per foot of boat length for all boats mooring overnight at Rock Island.

A monarch butterfly looks for nectar in the lilac meadow on Rock Island.
Photo by Tim Sweet

For more information

Whisked Away to Rock Island [exit DNR]
Wisconsin's Maritime Trails [exit DNR]
Door County [exit DNR]—Accommodations, activities, dining, events, and more

For more information about Rock Island, ask Kirby Foss, park manager, Rt. 1, Box 118A, Washington Island, WI 54246-9728, phone(920) 847-2235.