Washington Island, WI

Travel Guide

A wooden building with a steeply pitched roof and a weather vane.
A pebbly beach with clear water, a forested island, and a partly cloudy sky.
A lake with two red buildings and a dock.
A lake with autumn foliage, a sandy beach, and a small structure on the shore.
A winding road through a forest with autumn-colored trees.

Get to know Washington Island's natural beauty, local architecture, hiking trails, and nearby areas that enhance your exploration.

Washington Island is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. You can visit Schoolhouse Beach Park to enjoy the natural beauty of the shoreline, and explore the Washington Island Stave Church for a glimpse of local architecture. For those interested in hiking and nature, Grand Traverse Island State Park offers a variety of trails and scenic views that highlight the island's landscape. Additionally, golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the Deer Run Golf Course for a round of golf in a picturesque setting.

Make sure to explore the nearby areas that enhance your experience of Washington Island. Northport is known for outdoor adventure experiences, providing opportunities for activities like hiking and kayaking. Gills Rock and Escanaba are also nearby, both recognized for their outdoor and scenic experiences. Escanaba features attractions such as the Upper Peninsula State Fair Grounds, Sand Point Lighthouse, and Ludington Park, giving visitors a chance to enjoy local history and nature.

The best time to visit Washington Island is from June to September when the weather is mild, mostly dry, and often sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Demand tends to stay fairly steady throughout the year, but you may find it a bit busier during the summer months of June to August. In contrast, February and November to December are quieter times to visit, allowing for a more relaxed experience while exploring the island's attractions.

Scandinavian Lodge

Scandinavian Lodge

3.5 out of 5
10506 State HWY 57 Sister Bay WI
$122 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$140 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Sister Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
Scandinavian Lodge
Gordon Lodge

Gordon Lodge

4 out of 5
1420 Pine Drive Baileys Harbor WI
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Baileys Harbor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
Gordon Lodge
Pine Grove Resort

Pine Grove Resort

2.5 out of 5
10080 Water Street Ephraim WI
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ephraim. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (777 reviews)
"It was a lovely view and very put together place to stay, would absolutely stay there again!"

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2026

Pine Grove Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Scandinavian Lodge

Scandinavian Lodge

3.5 out of 5
10506 State HWY 57 Sister Bay WI
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Sister Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
Scandinavian Lodge
Waterbury Inn

Waterbury Inn

2.5 out of 5
10321 Water Street Ephraim WI
Stay at this aparthotel in Ephraim. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Francis ...
9/10 Wonderful! (530 reviews)
"Very clean and cozy place."

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2026

Waterbury Inn
Water View & Perfect Location at Shore View — Walk to Town, Beach & Marina!

Water View & Perfect Location at Shore View — Walk to Town, Beach & Marina!

Sister Bay WI
Stay at this condo in Sister Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sister Bay Beach and Waterfront Park are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
"We absolutely loved our stay here! The place is large and beautifully decorated, with an amazing view of the bay. The space was very cozy with the fireplace and comfortable sofas and beds. We also loved the high end finishes in the kitchen and the large dining table we used to play games."

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2026

Water View & Perfect Location at Shore View — Walk to Town, Beach & Marina!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Washington Island attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Washington Island worth visiting?
Washington Island is worth visiting for its beautiful natural areas. Travelers can explore Schoolhouse Beach Park, known for its unique smooth stones, or discover the serene landscapes and historic lighthouse at Rock Island State Park. These parks offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
When is the best time to visit Washington Island?
The best time to visit Washington Island is from June through August, when the weather is typically warm and pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option, offering a more tranquil experience as temperatures become cooler.
What is Washington Island known for?
Washington Island is known for Schoolhouse Beach Park, Rock Island State Park, and Deer Run Golf Course. Travelers can enjoy these outdoor attractions and the island's natural setting, which is located on Lake Michigan.
What is a good itinerary length for Washington Island?
A good itinerary length for Washington Island is two to three days to enjoy Schoolhouse Beach Park, Rock Island State Park, and a Self-Guided Driving Tour. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to also play at Deer Run Golf Course or take a Deaths Door Sunset Live Music Cruise, experiencing more of the island's natural beauty. See Washington Island Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Washington Island?
Washington Island offers a blend of natural beauty, unique landmarks, and relaxing experiences:

  • Visit Schoolhouse Beach Park for its unique smooth stones
  • Explore Rock Island State Park, a scenic natural area
  • Enjoy a Deaths Door Sunset Live Music Cruise
  • See the Washington Island Stave Church, a distinctive architectural site
  • Discover Pottawatomie Light, a historic lighthouse.

How do I plan a trip to Washington Island?
To plan your trip to Washington Island, search for places to stay and book flights and rental cars in advance. Consider activities like a Deaths Door Sunset Live Music Cruise or a Self-Guided Driving Tour. For outdoor attractions such as Schoolhouse Beach Park, pair your plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Washington Island?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Washington Island by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Washington Island with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Washington Island trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Washington Island?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Washington Island can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Washington Island trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Washington Island trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Washington Island trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Washington Island trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Washington Island?
If it's your first trip to Washington Island, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Washington Island hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Washington Island hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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