A Complete Guide to Rock Island State Park

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Rock Island State Park is located on Rock Island. Rock Island is six miles from the much larger Washington Island off the tip of the Door Peninsula. The Door Peninsula is between eastern Wisconsin’s Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It is the most remote of Door County’s state parks.

Rock Island is less than two miles long and a little over a mile wide, and the state park covers most of it. Due to the harsh winter conditions, this park is open only during the summer season, from Memorial Day Weekend to Columbus Day. Visitors take two ferries to get to the park.

The remoteness of Rock Island State Park is what makes it remarkable. Whether it’s hiking, camping, swimming, or touring the historic lighthouse, this park offers a unique trip.

History of Rock Island State Park

Native American tribes were the original inhabitants of Rock Island. A few early European explorers stopped by, and then settlers established a small fishing village. The settlers later moved to Washington Island.  The island became a maritime landmark when the first lighthouse was built in the 1800s. Then, Scandinavian inventor Chester Thordarson bought most of the island’s acreage in 1910 and had several stone buildings constructed. The State of Wisconsin bought the land from Thordarson’s estate in 1965.

Here are some of the historical sites that still exist on the island:

• The stone water tower and fishing village remnants are in the thickets on the island’s east side.
• See antique, hand-carved furniture inside the historic boathouse, also known as “Viking Hall.”
• Pottawotami Light is Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse, and its privy is the oldest building in Door County.
• Native Americans, settlers, lighthouse keepers, shipwreck victims, and even Chester Thordarson are buried in the three cemeteries on Rock Island.
• When the water level is low, you can see carvings that Thordarson’s men made near Campsite 15.

Rock Island State Park Lighthouse

The first Pottawatomie Lighthouse was lit in 1838. Another was rebuilt in 1858 after a storm damaged the first one. It was later renovated as a 1910 lighthouse in the 1920s. Pottawatomie Lighthouse received its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Rock Island was originally named Pottawatomie Island, and the lighthouse retains this name. While the lantern of Rock Island’s lighthouse has been restored, it is not currently used as a beacon. There is a 150- foot, solar-powered steel structure nearby that warns maritime traffic.

During a free lighthouse tour, park visitors can climb up to the lantern room to admire the view and later purchase a souvenir from the gift shop.

Rock Island State Park Ferry

Park visitors must take a large ferry (for vehicles, freight, and passengers) to Washington Island, then take the passenger-only Rock Island Ferry.

After getting off at the Washington Ferry Landing, travel across the island to get to the Rock Island Ferry Landing. Then, leave your bike or vehicle and take the ferry to Rock Island.

Passengers with canoes and kayaks may be able to bring them on the ferry for an extra fee. Check in with the ferry captain, who will approve transportation if there is room.

Make sure to arrive early to get in line to board either ferry, because tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Sometimes the ferries get crowded, and you may have to wait for the next one. Each ferry ride takes about thirty minutes to reach its destination.

Ferry tips Washington Island and Rock Island:

• Both ferries allow leashed pets.
• The Rock Island Ferry has group rates for 15+ people that may be reserved.
• Park your vehicle next to the State Dock in Jackson Harbor on Washington Island.
• Bring your own drinks and snacks; only drinking water is available on Rock Island.
• Combination tickets for both the Washington and Rock Island ferries are available.

Check the Washington Island Ferry Line site for the latest information.

Rock Island State Park Camping

Since neither bicycles nor vehicles are allowed at Rock Island State Park, you may want to rent a wagon at the ferry dock to transport your gear. The closest campsites are about a fifteen-minute walk.

Rock Island has forty primitive walk-in tent sites available for reservation. Two of these sites are group campsites, and there is one family campsite. There are also five “remote campsites” along the shoreline, but they require a longer walk from the ferry.

There is a drinking water spigot and a vault toilet near the dock. The campground has six pit toilets. All the campsites have a fire ring with a grill gate and a picnic table.

Rock Island State Park Camping Tips:

• All campers must register at the Contact Station.
• Camping is only allowed at designated campsites.
• Buy firewood at the Contact Station upon your arrival.
• Make campsite reservations at least three months in advance.
• Rock Island State Park does not have bears, although deer and fox are common.
• Pack carefully, but leave out things that aren’t necessary.
• If you reserved a “remote campsite,” pack an extra tarp for wind protection.

RV Camping at Rock Island State Park

RVs are not allowed at Rock Island State Park.

Rock Island State Park Activities

When the weather is warm and the water is calm, the park’s sandy beach is perfect for swimming, boating, and kayaking. Those who aren’t interested in water sports can explore the stone lighthouse and water tower. Anglers usually have good luck catching fish off the park’s shoreline. Finally, explore all the natural areas of the park by taking advantage of the park’s hiking trails.

Rock Island State Park Water Sports

There are several water recreation opportunities here. Enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking during your visit to the island.

Swimming at Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park has both a cobblestone beach and a sand beach for swimming. You can swim anywhere except in the boat dock area. The water is regularly tested for safety, but make sure the water is warm enough before jumping in for a swim.

Fishing at Rock Island State Park

Feel free to bring your pole, bait, and fishing license to try your luck at catching fish here. There is no place to buy fishing supplies. The most common fish caught are smallmouth bass and gobies. Remember to check when bass season begins.

Boating at Rock Island State Park

While boating is allowed, it’s important to remember that this area of Lake Michigan is hazardous due to island reefs and storms. Dock space is available for a fee. However, dock space is limited and cannot be reserved ahead of time.

Kayaking at Rock Island State Park

Caution is the key here. There are dangerous changes in Lake Michigan’s waves and wind, as well as hypothermia, especially in May and June.

Paddling from Washington Island to Rock Island is hard and should only be done by experienced paddlers who have the right training and gear and know how to read the weather.

Hiking at Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park has about ten miles of hiking trails ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate. Five hiking trails connect to the campground and shoreline, and others serve as shortcuts through the middle of the island. Three of the trails are roughly a mile long, and the main 5.2-mile loop trail goes around the entire island.

Rock Island State Park Trail Highlights:

• Thordarson Trail: Hike this moderately difficult 5.2-mile trail to see the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, the water tower, and all three cemeteries.

• Algonquin Nature Trail: Walk this easy 1-mile trail to see the naturally wild landscape of Rock Island.

• Fernwood Trail: Hike this easy 1.2-mile trail in the middle of the island as a shortcut to travel between the island’s east and west sides.

• Havamal Trail: Take this moderate 1-mile trail as a shortcut to cross between the island’s SW and SE sides.

• Blueberry Trail: Visit the Rutabaga Field using this easy, ¼-mile trail.

Hiking Trail Map

Biking at Rock Island State Park

Bikes are not allowed at Rock Island State Park.

Picnic Areas in Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park has one picnic shelter and one picnic table. These are both located behind the boathouse.

Hunting at Rock Island State Park

Hunting and trapping are allowed on Rock Island within open areas of the park during the appropriate season. You cannot hunt or trap in areas where people may be present.  No hunting or trapping is allowed within a hundred yards of the park’s trails, cemeteries, main campground, remote campsites, lighthouse, boathouse, Contact Station, or the ranger’s residence.

Legal archery is allowed in the open areas of the park during archery season. Gun hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the park during their respective seasons. Make sure to check the map for specific hunting and trapping rules at Rock Island State Park. Hunting and trapping updates are also posted at the Contact Station.

Hunting and Trapping Map

Rock Island State Park Winter Activities

There are no winter activities at Rock Island State Park because Lake Michigan’s ice conditions make it unsafe to travel on during the winter.

Dogs at Rock Island State Park

Dogs must always be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and the cobblestone beach area.

Dogs are not allowed on the sandy beach area. Of course, if your dog is a service animal, this rule does not apply.

Do not leave your dog unattended, and it’s important to pick up the poop. Waste should be disposed of in the proper trash cans.

This state park prides itself on its natural wilderness area and commitment to keeping the park as natural as possible. This means that your pooch can easily run into poison ivy or get sick from fox feces.

Rabies can also be spread by the deer and fox on the island, so make sure your pooch has all the current vaccinations.

If they are not always kept under control, dogs can be seized and subject to local laws pertaining to stray animals.

ID tags are a good idea if your dog isn’t micro-chipped. If you do lose your pet, check in with the Park Ranger at the Contact station first. You can also contact the Door County Humane Society at (920) 746-1111. 

Restaurants Near Rock Island State Park

There are no places to eat on Rock Island, but nearby Washington Island has a few. Here are our favorite restaurants with delicious food that are also close to the Washington Island Ferry Line.

The Point Grille

Location: 164 Green Bay Rd, Washington Island, Wisconsin

Cuisine Style: American and Barbeque

Within walking distance of the ferry, the specialties of The Point Grille are in-house barbecue, brisket, and pulled pork. If barbecue isn’t your favorite, try the mac and cheese or locally caught whitefish. Relax and eat on the deck in this laid-back atmosphere after your Rock Island adventure!

Hotels Near Rock Island State Park

If you aren’t into roughing it and want to sleep in comfort, we’ve got you covered. While Washington Island doesn’t have traditional hotels, there are a variety of contemporary accommodations. Here are our favorite places to stay.  These are all within ten minutes of the Washington Island Ferry Line.

Four Elements Lodging

Location: 1934 Lobdell Point Road, Washington Island, Wisconsin

Stay in a stylish, Scandinavian-inspired cabin with all the modern amenities. Four Elements offers five queen-bed studio cabins, three of which have private decks. A maximum of two people can stay in each cabin, and pets are not allowed.

Harbor Inn and Resort

Location: 1861 The Inn Road, Washington Island, Wisconsin

Choose from any of the three cabins or eight lodge rooms for your stay here. The lodge rooms range in size from king to double. Each cabin has three rooms as well as a loft, a kitchenette, and a play space. There are amenities for all the accommodations. This resort has seven acres to enjoy with waterfront views. If you love paddling, rent one of the resort’s kayaks and set out on the water. Only service animals are allowed.

Bread and Water Lodge

Location: 1275 Main Road, Washington Island, Wisconsin

This island getaway offers a unique travel experience.  Choose from one of the five king-size rooms or a family room with modern amenities. One of the rooms has a deck, and another room has a whirlpool tub.  If you need lodging for a group of up to eight people, stay in the Carpe Diem apartment.

The option to dine at the Bread and Water Café next door is a perk of staying here. Choose a delicious breakfast or lunch to eat in or take out, including homemade pie.

Pets are not allowed at the Bread and Water Lodge, but the same owner offers accommodations at the nearby Tipping Bucket Farm. Choose to stay at the lodge, the studio, or the apartment and enjoy the run of this 55-acre property with your pets.

Where is Rock Island State Park?

Rock Island State Park is located at 1924 Indian Point Rd, Washington, Wisconsin, 54246.