Rock Island State Park
A car-free island off Washington Island, with an Icelandic-style stone boathouse and Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse. It can be circled on foot.
Rock Island lies northeast of Washington Island. To get there, take the Karfi foot ferry from Jackson Harbor on Washington Island, a 15-minute trip that runs only in summer and fall. Cars and bicycles are not allowed on the island. Highlights include the large Icelandic-style stone boathouse built in the 1920s by inventor Chester Thordarson, and the Potawatomi Lighthouse, completed in 1836 and the oldest lighthouse in Wisconsin (guided tours are offered in summer). The loop trail is about 9.5 kilometers, passing sandy beaches and limestone cliffs, and camping is available. Visitors must bring their own food and water.
Opening hours
Late May-mid Oct (follow ferry schedule)
Nearby sights
- Washington Island
- Newport State Park
- Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant
- Cana Island Lighthouse
- Ephraim
- The Ridges Sanctuary
- Peninsula State Park
- Eagle Bluff Lighthouse