Rock Island is a 912-acre Wisconsin state park in Door County that takes two ferry rides to reach. The first ferry leaves Gills Rock for Washington Island. The second leaves Washington Island and takes visitors to Rock Island, where you’ll find hiking trails, shoreline views, a historic boathouse, primitive camping, and Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse station.
| Type | Wisconsin State Park |
| Best for | Hiking, lighthouse visits, shoreline views, beach walks, primitive camping, stargazing |
| Hours | 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Location | Rock Island, Door County, Wisconsin |
| Getting there | Take the Washington Island Ferry from Northport Pier, then the Rock Island Ferry from Jackson Harbor |
| Map | Google Map Location |
| Camping | Primitive camping available. Reserve a campsite |
Getting to Rock Island
You’ll need to bring your vehicle on the ferry from the Door County mainland to Washington Island, because you’ll drive across Washington Island to Jackson Harbor to catch the second ferry, the Karfi, to Rock Island.
Washington Island Ferry Schedule / Rock Island Ferry Schedule
Overnight parking at the Karfi on Washington Island is free. The ride from Washington Island to Rock Island takes about 20 minutes, and space is limited. No vehicles or bikes are allowed on Rock Island.
If you are camping on the island, bring everything you need. There is no camp store on Rock Island, though water and firewood are available.
Chester Thordarson’s Boathouse
The first landmark many visitors notice when approaching the island is the impressive limestone boathouse, often simply called the Rock Island boathouse. It was built by inventor Chester Thordarson and remains one of the most memorable structures in Door County.
Construction on the boathouse began in 1910 after Chester Thordarson purchased much of the island. Limestone used in the structure came directly from Rock Island. The building is now open to the public and is one of the island’s most fascinating historic features.
Inside, visitors can see a soaring beam ceiling, carved furniture, and details inspired by Norse mythology.
Inside the Boathouse
The boathouse interior features a 35-foot-high beam ceiling and a striking chandelier made from oak and buffalo horns. The carved furniture throughout the building adds even more character to this unique stop on the island.
Pottawatomie Lighthouse
Pottawatomie Lighthouse, also known as the Rock Island Light, was first lit in 1836. It is the oldest light station in Wisconsin and the oldest on Lake Michigan.
The lighthouse is on the north side of the island and is reached by a shaded walk of about one and a half miles. Comfortable walking shoes and bug spray are both worth bringing.
Free guided tours are typically offered from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stairway and Beach Below the Lighthouse
To the right of the lighthouse, limestone steps lead toward the lake, followed by a steep wooden stairway down to the rocky shoreline. It is a beautiful place to pause, especially late in the day when the light begins to soften over the water.
Hiking on Rock Island
Two popular trails are the Thordarson Loop Trail, a six-mile loop around the island, and the Havamal Trail Loop, a four-mile route. Both offer wildflowers, forest sections, and views of Lake Michigan.
You can also download the Rock Island map here.
Stargazing and Camping
If there is one reason to stay overnight on Rock Island, it may be the sky. Once darkness settles in, the stars become far more visible than they are in most mainland locations. On clear nights, this is one of the best places in Door County for stargazing.
The island feels especially quiet after dark, and that sense of remoteness is part of what makes it so memorable.
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