How To Get Around Washington Island

Welcome to our guide on how to get around on Washington Island! This beautiful island is located at the tip of Door County, Wisconsin, and offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and small-town charm. With its many sights and activities, getting around the island is an important consideration for any visitor. Whether you’re looking to explore the island’s natural beauty, experience its cultural offerings, or simply relax and take in the scenery, there are a variety of transportation options available to you. From motorized vehicles to bicycles, scooters, and walking, this guide will cover everything you need to know to get around on Washington Island. So, let’s get started!

If you are interested in visiting this unique destination, make sure to check our comprehensive page about Washington Island.

In this post, we will cover getting around Washington Island by:

Finally, don’t miss the:

Collage with the Washington Island Stavkirk, lavender fields, and the Washington Island Ferry. Superimposed text says: "Getting Around Washington Island."

Personal Motorized Vehicle

Getting around Washington Island by motorized vehicle is the most common mode of transportation for visitors and locals alike. The island has a well-maintained road system that provides easy access to its many attractions.

To get to Washington Island with your own vehicle, you’ll need to take the Washington Island Ferry, which accepts vehicles of all sizes. The ferry runs year-round, although the schedule varies depending on the season, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.

Whether you’re exploring the island’s natural beauty or visiting one of its charming towns, a motorized vehicle is a convenient way to get around Washington Island.

Bicycle

For those looking for a more environmentally friendly and economical way to get around Washington Island, biking is a great option. Visitors are permitted to bring their bicycles on the Washington Island Ferry, and there are also bicycle rentals available on the island, near the ferry dock.

Biking on Washington Island is relatively safe, as there isn’t much traffic, and motorists are generally considerate of cyclists. Additionally, most cyclists can easily traverse the island and see all of the major sights, making it an efficient and enjoyable way to explore the island.

While biking on Washington Island has many benefits, it’s important to note that it may not be accessible to everyone. Additionally, biking takes longer to get to the various attractions on the island compared to traveling by car. Lastly, cyclists may be exposed to the elements like rain and wind, so be sure to check the weather before heading out. Despite these challenges, biking on Washington Island is an excellent opportunity to exercise and take in the scenic beauty of the island.

Scooter Rentals

For those looking for an alternative mode of transportation that’s more economical than driving a car, renting a motorized scooter on Washington Island is a great option. There are scooter rentals available near the ferry dock, allowing visitors to explore the island with ease.

Using a motorized scooter to get around Washington Island has similar advantages and disadvantages to biking. It’s an efficient and fun way to explore the island, and it’s more environmentally friendly than driving a car. However, it may not be accessible to everyone, and travelers will still need to be prepared for the elements.

One of the benefits of renting a motorized scooter is that it can be more economical than taking a vehicle on the ferry. This makes it an attractive option for visitors who are traveling on a budget. However, it’s worth noting that it’s slightly less environmentally friendly than biking.

Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and efficient way to explore Washington Island, renting a motorized scooter is a great option. Just be sure to wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, and stay safe while enjoying the island’s many attractions.

Cherry Train

If you’re looking for a way to explore Washington Island without having to bring your own vehicle across on the ferry, consider taking the Washington Island Cherry Train. This 2-hour narrated tour of the island’s features and attractions is a great way to get a quick overview of everything the island has to offer.

The open-air tram tours begin and end at the Washington Island Ferry dock and make up to four stops along the route, each lasting around 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind that you should allow 30 minutes for the ferry crossing, and pets are not allowed on the tour.

While the Washington Island Cherry Train doesn’t stop at lavender farms, it does offer a convenient and comfortable way to see the island’s many sights. With limited capacity, availability for the tour is on a first-come, first-ticketed basis.

Overall, the Washington Island Cherry Train is a great option for those who want to explore the island without bringing their own vehicle or renting one on the island. The narrated tour provides interesting and informative insights into the island’s history and culture, making it an ideal option for those who want to get a quick overview of everything that Washington Island has to offer.

Walking

Due to its size, most visitors to Washington Island do not get around by walking. However, for those who enjoy walking and exploring at a slower pace, it’s definitely an option. While walking the entire island may not be practical for most visitors, the village area next to the ferry dock is quite walkable, and those who don’t want to venture beyond that area won’t necessarily need a vehicle to get around.

One of the benefits of walking on Washington Island is that there is little traffic, and motorists are generally considerate of pedestrians. Additionally, there are a few trails that are accessible from the village area, allowing walkers to explore the island’s natural beauty on foot.

Walking is also environmentally friendly and can be more economical than renting a vehicle or taking the Cherry Train. Plus, it’s a great way to experience the island’s natural beauty up close.

However, there are some drawbacks to getting around Washington Island by foot. The sights on the island are spread out over many miles, making it difficult to see everything on foot. Additionally, walkers are exposed to the elements like wind and rain, so it’s important to be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.

Overall, walking is a viable option for visitors who want to explore the village area and nearby trails. Just be sure to plan accordingly and understand that seeing all of Washington Island’s many attractions may require another mode of transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my car to Washington Island?

Yes, you can bring your car to Washington Island by taking the Washington Island Ferry. The ferry accepts vehicles of all sizes, including cars, trucks, and RVs.

Do I need a car to get around on Washington Island?

While having a vehicle can be helpful for exploring the island, it’s not strictly necessary. Biking, walking, and taking the Cherry Train are all viable options for getting around the island and experiencing its many attractions.

How much does it cost to rent a bike or scooter on Washington Island?

Bike rentals on Washington Island typically cost around $15-20 per day, while scooter rentals can range from $50-80 per day, depending on the size and type of scooter. Rentals are available near the ferry dock and can be a more economical option than bringing your own vehicle across on the ferry.

Summary

  • Washington Island is located at the tip of Door County, Wisconsin and offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and small-town charm.
  • There are a variety of transportation options available for getting around on Washington Island, including motorized vehicles, bicycles, scooters, walking, and the Cherry Train.
  • Motorized vehicles are the most common way to get around on the island, with many visitors bringing their own cars or taking them across on the Washington Island Ferry.
  • Biking is a safe and eco-friendly way to explore the island, with bike rentals available near the ferry dock.
  • Scooter rentals are also available and can be a more economical option than bringing your own vehicle across on the ferry.
  • Walking is a great way to experience the village area next to the ferry dock and can be a more environmentally friendly and economical option than other modes of transportation.
  • The Cherry Train is a 2-hour narrated tour of the island’s features and attractions, offering a quick and convenient way to see the sights without taking your vehicle across on the ferry.
  • Visitors to Washington Island should consider their transportation needs and preferences when planning their trip, as there are many options available for getting around the island.
About the author
Mark Stoneman
Hi! My name is Mark! I have been a resident of Door County for almost ten years now, and I'm glad to help you say "Hello" to Door County. I believe that travel helps to change lives, and because of that, I want to help you improve your life through travel.