Washington Island’s Scandinavian heritage is on display throughout the island, just a few miles off the tip of the Door County peninsula. (Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune )
Lavender and laid-back charm are a few of the things you’ll find on Wisconsin’s Washington Island.
Car ferries run on the hour to Washington Island during the summer, crossing through Death’s Door, a passage responsible for the wrecks of hundreds of vessels over the years. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
Red Cup Coffee House is a community hub, bringing together tourists and local residents to shoot the breeze, without the distraction of Wi-Fi service. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
The sun sets over still waters near Washington Island’s Sand Dunes Park. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
Advertisement
The quirky personality of Washington Island is exemplified by the roadside art called Catfish. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
Deb Wayman, owner of Fair Isle Books, divides her calendar year between her hometown of Chicago and Washington Island. “I’m perfectly happy here. There’s a hardware store, a grocery store, restaurants, a wonderful performing arts center. … It’s like heaven.” (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
Countless rocks made of limestone line Schoolhouse Beach along the waters of Washington Harbor. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
Visitors caught removing rocks from Schoolhouse Beach can face a $250 fine. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
Advertisement
According to legend, the Hotel Washington was built with a $500 loan secured with a handshake. The hotel, which opened in 1904, housed ship captains who anchored their schooners in the harbors. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
The nautical-themed Trueblood Performing Arts Center hosts the annual Washington Island Music Festival. This year it’s July 31 through Aug. 11. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
Lavender buds are harvested in late June and July at Island Lavender on Washington Island. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
Sunset Resort serves traditional Scandinavian breakfasts. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )
