Rock Island State Park
Washington Island, WI
Rock Island State Park is a car-free island off the northeast tip of Washington Island, reached only by the Karfi passenger ferry from Jackson Harbor. It has one of the most beautiful sand beaches in Door County, the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, and the stone boathouse built by inventor Chester Thordarson. Hike-in campsites sit steps from the beach.
A car-free island with a beautiful beach and history, though it takes two ferries to get there.
How we score beachesHike the island's shoreline trail to the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, then cool off on the beach before the last ferry.
Park at Jackson Harbor on Washington Island and take the Karfi ferry; no vehicles are allowed on Rock Island.
Reached by passenger ferry; the beach is a short walk from the dock, but trails around the island are rugged.
The Karfi runs daily from late May to early October. The water is cold and clear even in August.
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