Rock Island State Park, located off the Door County Peninsula and about 10 minutes from Washington Island via ferry, is one of the most remote and primitive spots in Wisconsin.
I loved my experience on Rock Island, enjoying a hike along the shore, checking out the games and puzzles at the boathouse, and disconnecting from technology.
If Rock Island State Park sounds like your next adventure, continue reading this post for details on how to get here, the history of the island, and what to do in this tranquil spot.
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History of Rock Island State Park:
When you visit Rock Island State Park, you’ll frequently run into the name Thordarson. Chester Thordarson was an Icelandic Immigrant and a wealthy investor who purchased 775 acres of the island in 1910. Shortly after he began building his summer estate where he visited for many years.
One of his main goals of the island was to preserve the natural beauty of Rock Island, which is why we can experience it the way we can today.
In 1965 the state purchased the property from Thorsdarson heirs and turned it into the stare park. Today, remnants of the estate still remain.
When you arrive on the island via the Karfi ferry, you’ll first see the original Thordasrson boathouse. It is a beautiful building and is open to the public. It was under construction when I visited in July 2024, but the gathering room and bathrooms were still open.
If you are staying on the island, this is a great place to hang out with your family or meet other campers while playing games or putting puzzles together.
How to Get To Rock Island State Park:
In order to get to Rock Island State Park, you must take two ferries: one from the Door County mainland to Washington Island, and a second from Washington Island to Rock Island.
The Washington Island Ferry is located at Northport Pier at the end of Highway 42 in Ellison Bay. It is a car ferry so you can bring all your belongings in your vehicle onto the ferry. The ferry ride from Northport Pier (Ellison Bay) to Washington Island is about 30 minutes and will take you through the famous Death’s Door passage.
The Rock Island Ferry, called the Karfi Ferry, is located in Jackson Harbor, which is about 8 miles (or 20 minutes) from the Washington Island Ferry dock. While you can’t bring your car to Rock Island, I do recommend bringing your car to Washington Island so you can easily get to the Rock Island Ferry and to other awesome spots on Washington Island.
Once in Jackson Harbor, you’ll board the Karfi Ferry that will take you on your 10 minute journey to Rock Island.
If you have your own boat, you can also boat to Rock Island and pay $1 per foot of boat mooring overnight.
Where to Stay on Rock Island:
Rock Island State Park is a primitive island that does not offer services like roads, restaurants or hotels. If you would like to stay on Rock Island, you will need to tent camp and transport your camping gear from the Karfi Ferry to your campsite. The park does offer wagons to help transport your belongings.
Since camp space is limited, many people will visit Rock Island State Park for a day trip, which is what I did. I stayed in Ellison Bay on mainland Door County and I took the first ferry over at 10am and got on a ferry back to Washington Island in the afternoon.
What to Bring to Rock Island:
There are no services on Rock Island so bring everything you will need
– Bug Spray – the mosquitoes and biting flies on the trails can be horrendous!
– Sunscreen
– Food – bring all the snacks you’ll need for the day or meals you’ll need for your trip (if camping).
– Water Bottle – there’s a fresh water spigot by the boathouse.
– Swimsuit
What to do on Rock Island:
Hike the Island
Rock Island has around 10 miles of hiking showcasing the beauty and remoteness of this hidden gem in Wisconsin.
Thordarson Loop (5.2 miles)
The 5.2-mile Thordarson Loop is the main trail on the island and will take you to favorites such as the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, cemetery, and historic water tower. The loop also follows the shore so you’ll be treated to gorgeous views along the way.
Keep in mind that parts of this hike are steep and require you to hike up and down inclines.
Fernwood Trail (1.2 miles)
The Fernwood Trail travels through the middle of Rock Island, connecting the East and West shores.
Algonquin Nature Trail (1 mile)
Located near the campground, the Algonquin Nature Trail is a short 1-mile loop that provides a fun hike for the whole family.
Take a Tour of Pottawatomie Lighthouse
Rock Island State Park is home to Wisconsin’s first lighthouse, Pottawatomie Lighthouse, which was established in 1836. It is located 1.25 miles from the Rock Island boat dock and requires a moderate hike to access it.
Free tours of the lighthouse are provided 10am until 4pm daily from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. You are able to climb to the lantern room during the tour for beautiful panoramic views. You will be asked to take your shoes off if you choose to partake in the tour
You can also stop in the lighthouse during tour hours to purchase souvenirs like magnets, stickers, shirts and books.
Kayak on Lake Michigan
Kayaking is a popular activity for campers on Rock Island. You can bring your kayak over on the Karfi Ferry for a small fee, as long as there is space. Keep in mind that water conditions on Lake Michigan can be unpredictable, and cold!
Swim in the Beach Area
Many people enjoy the beach area at Rock Island State Park and some even go for the day just for the beach.
Conclusion
Rock Island State Park is one of the most unique spots in Wisconsin. I love that there are no cars allowed and everyone visiting the island is there to enjoy the peace and remoteness of the destination. It’s well-worth the effort required to arrive at Rock Island.
