12-16 September 2013: Washington Island, the "Cape Cod" of the midwest, is a small island residing off the northern tip of Door County, a 30-minute ferry ride from Northport across Death's Door terminating at the main dock located at the island's Detroit Harbor. There is much to see during your visit there...this video only touches slightly upon the many attractions available for those who are interested. There's the Jacobsen Museum, the Farm Museum, the rebuilt Dairy, along with numerous other places to visit...not to mention a number of fantastic restaurants on the island. This video covers "how to get there," including the ferry ride across, "around the island," and the "ferry ride back." My great-grandfather, Lars P. Ottosen, was one of the early settlers on Washington Island back in 1868, spent time as the island Postmaster for a while, and held several other positions on the island during his lifetime. My grandfather Walter Ottosen, one of Lars' sons, served with the Lighthouse Service on Pilot Island, located a short boat ride from Washington Island, from 1913 to 1920. The discovery of these relatives drove my initial interest in visiting this location, and the folks and food, not to mention the laid back atmosphere, keeps me going back for yet another visit.
We brought our 17' travel trailer with us, and camped at Washington Islands RV Campground while there. Previously, I'd spent several visits staying at the Sunset Resort...which also has a quality restaurant as part of its offerings. Of course, one must visit the Koyen Collection, including K. K. Fiske restaurant run by Ken Koyen...the last fisherman on the island...for some great food! With luck, he may be hosting a fish boil which you should NOT miss!
I hope you'll enjoy this "travelog" as much as we did making it!
Here's a few links you may also wish to visit:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washingt...)
washingtonisland-wi.com/
www.washingtonisland.com/
www.wisferry.com/
www.washingtonislandcampground...
Note: This is a re-posting of a similar video a week or so ago, having corrections and updates to the original.