washington island ferry line

We arrived without first checking the schedule, please don't do this! However luckily enough for us we were only a few minutes away from the next ferry arriving. Tickets are great value and we were pleased with the friendly and very helpful check in agent, explaining the boarding process. Everything was going well until a hand was raised and we were told to wait and not drive onto the boat, a few minutes later and the reason became clear, a Paramedic ambulance was whisked through, very shortly after we were waved onboard. The ship was clean and comfortable, the views are stunning anywhere in this part of the world, all too quickly our journey ends and we dock on time. If all forms of travel were this hassle free, such good value and pleasant.

The schedule was off and we missed because the boat filled up early to get back to the peninsula. They realized that by getting ahead of schedule they ended up behind and started another ferry. It was impressive how they got another boat running extra trips within minutes of the main boat leaving early.

Disclosure. I live on Washington Island and frequently ride the Washington Island Ferry to and from the island. I have also worked for the ferry line. That said, the following are my thoughts on the ferry line.The ferries are meticulously maintained, squeaky clean, and always run with safety as a priority. The crew members are unfailingly polite and helpful. The trip is 30 minutes each way and is always beautiful. There is lovely scenery and abundant bird life. It might seem a bit pricey, but for a day trip, or longer stay, I think it is worth it. It is an interesting experience. Plan to wait in line a bit during high tourist season. I think that a trip on the Washington Island Ferry is a special opportunity that would be sad to miss!

We had been regulars to Door County for a couple of years before we finally ventured all the way to the northern tip of the peninsula to take the ferry to Washington Island. A couple of pointers:1. Check the schedule either on the internet or at your hotel and be sure that it is correct.2. Arrive early cause there will be a line of cars ahead of you and the ferry only can take so many.3. You should decide if you're just going to stay on the island for the day or just return in a couple of hours4. If you do take your vehicle, you can drive around the cherry orchard, fields or little village.5. You can rent bikes upon arrival at the Island also.It is a great experience sitting outside on the journey over, if the weather permits. The place is very rich in history and the ferry ride is just the beginning of that. And it's always a good thing to pick-up every brochure you can before you get there. These free brochures are usually a wealth of practical information.Truly one of DC's unique outings. Can't wait to go back.

I have used the ferry a few times on different trips, and it is always a highlight of our trip-arrive early as they are usually very timely, and it is busy during the high season. Beautiful views of the shoreline and lighthouses on the way over, gives you an nice overview of the island and surroundings. Can be a bit windy and cooler, so depending on the weather, bring appropriate layers. You can sit outside on the decks, and there is some seating inside if the weather is not to your liking. Kids loved the experience, and your on your way to a wonderful island!

The ferry brochure suggested arriving 15 min earlier than the scheduled departure time. Give yourself at least 30 minutes!! Fortunately, we finished dinner and arrived 30 min early at Northpoint but we were car #14 of 16 to make it on the boat! It was the same way on the return trip.

If you've never been on a ferry (especially with your car), this is a fun adventure. The ferry takes about a 1/2 hour and after your car is parked you can get out and take in the view from atop the ferry or there is even an inside heated area.When we got to the island many of the sites were already closed for the season, but we enjoyed driving around and relaxing.

Very courteous associates and they know how to maintain a schedule. Although, we were initially informed an additional ferry was aded to the route, but this ferry arrived, the crew disembarked and the vessel sat there for two hours until another arrived. This second ferry is the one onto which we were loaded and transported to Washington Island.

Quick and easy to get to Washington Island. Tour tickets can hook you up with the cherry train island tour which is a wonderful way to travel around the island if you're only going for a day and have no vehicle. This was a fun excursion.

We have taken the ferry to Washington Island for the third summer, and we really enjoy the trip over. The ferry is clean, the scenery is beautiful, the staff are professional. We've never had to wait an unreasonable amount of time to drive our car on the ferry and going to Washington Island feels you are just slowing down and enjoying the beautiful island. This ferry is efficient, well run, and just a beautiful ride.

We were first in line and wound up right behind the raised "gangplank" but didn't mind, we could see out the sides. At times it was a little rough but then the weather was rough so what else could you expect. Very professional, timely, and helpful.

We went on a sunday Oct. 5 and went with my husband and his parents.We went later in the afternoon. We had planned out the places that we wanted to see and made all those areas. The last ferry back to mainland was 5:00 . Must sees on the Island ----Nelsons Bitter Bar, Stavkirke Chapel, Mountain Park Lookout, School House Beach plus we passed by Fiddlers Green which is not open on Sundays. I would have liked to step through those doors I have read the reviews maybe on my next visit not on a Sunday.This a beautiful Island. The ferry ride takes 30 minutes each way.

Ferry staff was friendly and efficient. The ferry leaves the dock every hour on the hour and they were exactly on time. Taking in Lake Michigan was an awesome sight to see and just breathtaking!! We took a cab to the Danish Mill for lunch and very much enjoyed our sandwiches, coffee, and cocoa. Afterwards, we took the "cherry train" tour since we didn't know where to go or what to see. The tour guide/driver was very friendly and informative. You don't get more than 15 minutes at each stop but this way they keep right on schedule. They take you to a limestone beach which is beautiful but you can't take a rock or you'll get fined, another stop is a farm museum with all sorts of old neat stuff to see, a lavender farm with gift shop and a beautiful old church made with pegs not nails. There really isn't a whole lot to see on the island. Its not full of tourist shops like the rest of door county but it was a unique experience listening to how they live and what takes place there and how. If I ever get a chance to go back, I might take my vehicle across so that I can go exploring on my own. Taking your own vehicle is cheaper than paying the taxi service. I think Washington Island might be a great place to go camping or vacation if you just want to getaway from the hustle and bustle. I'd go back and I definitely loved the ferry ride!!

A trip to Door County isn't complete without taking the ferry over to Washington Island. Our trip was on a calm day. When the wave action picks up, it could make for quite a trip! The fees are not that steep but one way to save is to take bicycles for use on the island or rent them once you're there. We ended up taking our car because we had our to transport our golf clubs and there was the threat of rain. Some people chose to sit in their cars during the crossing. My husband spent time on the upper deck in the enclosed cabin area. I found the experience of sitting outside on the upper deck to be much more exciting. Lines to board the ferry can be long. Be sure you know when the last ferry for the day leaves the island.

We were fortunate to have calm water that day. The trip to Washington Island was very enjoyable. The crew really knows what they are doing to load and unload the ferry quickly.