Washington Island Ferry Line

Can’t say enough about them. The Captain we had was very personable, friendly & talkative. On the return trip he was also johnny-​on-​the-​spot. We were parked next to the rail so we decided to just enjoy the trip & scenery from our car. Well, left the ignition switch on to charge our cell phones & not realizing the headlights were on we drained our battery. When it came time to disembark «click click». Well the Captain jumped into action. Pushed us back a little allowing the rest of the cars to leave & had a crew member fetch a battery pack & jumped us, all the while making us not feel stupid by telling us it happens every day. By the way they jumped into action & had us on our way within 3 minutes I believed him. Kudos to the Captain & his crew.

It was a busy Friday morning and they ran more ferries than scheduled to get everyone to the island quicker. Efficient, friendly crew and clean bathrooms. Reasonable seating to watch the scenery during the crossing!

Like clockwork! I’ve actually ridden on a number of passenger and car ferries, in my life, and the Washington Island Ferry Line has been the most dependable. Porte des Morts (Door of Death) isn’t just a clever marketing name for the stretch of water that the ferry crosses. The history books — like the bottom of the strait — is littered with shipwrecks from the past (and a few leisure craft from the present). These are not easy waters to navigate, but the well-​maintained fleet and experienced crew make it seem routine. I’ve yet to experience a late launch, we always arrive on time, and the trip is comfortable even in some rough weather. Arrive a little early, get your ticket right away, enjoy the visitor center or the local sights, follow the rules, and you should have a nice trip. Bring some optics, because you get a pretty nice view of Plum Island (weather permitting). Washington Island is worth visiting, and the Washington Island Ferry Line is the best affordable way to visit.

What a fun way to get to and from Washington Island. We went over on our last day in Door County and decided to take our car «just in case» (which you really need to do b/​c you couldn’t possibly check out the island without a car or taking a full day to bicycle).
Anyhow! The ferries run every hour, sometime more often depending on demand. On the trip TO the island, we got out of the car and checked out the scenery. But on the way back the water was much rougher, water was spraying everywhere, and I get seasick so we rode in the car. Each trip takes about 30 min, give or take, and loading/​unloading can take 2−6÷7 minutes so it’s pretty quick.

A great, fun ride. It’s a bit over ½ hour to cross to Washington Island and the scenery can’t be beat. When we crossed over, they even loaded an 18 wheeler truck and trailer onto the ferry.
We took our car across. It was fun to see our GPS showing our car out in the lake. Round trip for 2 adults and a car was $ 56.00. Not bad for a grand day spent on the island!

I love the Washington Island Ferry!

3 decades of riding the W.I. Ferries and I have nothing but great things to say. They’ve gotten me to and from my family’s summer place more times than I’d even like to estimate! Some people complain about the prices, but I hold that they aren’t unreasonable. The Ferry Line does seem to try to avoid raising prices and sometimes goes many years without doing so. In recent years, the price of fuel has caused near-​annual rises, but they are minimal. And fully understandable.
Nearly always great, smiley service. Only once have I annoyed someone with my parking (while in college in an unfamiliar car!). I’ve had many rides in stormy, choppy water where the alternate route around the other side of Plum Island was taken by necessity and, though it felt like we would rock right off the boat into the drink, they’ve always delivered me (and family and friends) safely to the other side in cars, trucks, motorhomes, or just walking on. The Ferry Line holds a special spot in my heart and I love every ride I have the chance to take!

Great experience! Friendly staff.

Growing up in Northeast WI, somehow I never made it across to Washington Island until this summer. The ferrys were every half hour, the poeple so nice as we loaded, and the ride was over too soon.

The boats are just fine and the ferries run on time. It was slightly painful to play 50 bucks to get across with the car. But, if you wan to go to Rock Island, it is a necessary evil. Since the ferry was on time, we were able to zip across Washington Island and catch the ferry for Rock Island within the same hour. Didn’t have time to explore Washington Island but I’ve heard many great things.

What’s to review? they get you across, they are on time, and it’s the only way to get across, unless you own a boat that can handle Porte des Morts, but still pull up on the beach at Northport since you cant tie up. Do the math, buy a ticket, and go get you’re Bitter’s Card.

They squeezed us into a spot that defied mathematical reasoning so that we could get back to the mainland sooner, so definitely wins some points for that.
I’ve ridden it a few times and these guys are pretty fast/​efficient. You can tell they know what they’re doing.
When the water is choppy, sit in your car and watch other people get splashed. It will add some entertainment to the trip.
I don’t know if the price is reasonable but it’s not like you have a choice when you’re riding the ferry so suck it up I guess.
Otherwise, I like it. Yay.

5 stars for a ferry line, eh?
Why not? They are on time, efficient, not insanely expensive and they gave me a fun ride on Lake Michigan’s choppy waters.
I love being splashed!
What can I say…
As of September 2010, you’ll pay $ 11/​person and $ 25/​car for a round-​trip ticket.
Enjoy!

A ferry like any other, I believe. Our ride over was really rough, but that was the weather’s fault. We had a great ride back, though. Clear skies, smooth sailing, and a nice observation deck on top to view the surrounding islands.

Ferry is quick. pretty standard

The whole island is fairly easy to explore via bike in an afternoon. (This was with our own bikes; I wouldn’t try it with the rentals). I think it was about 30 miles or so for us to circumnavigate the whole island. I wish there were a little more to do on the island and more views of the lake from the roads. I’ve only ever been there during the week so I’m sure it’s busier on the weekend.

On your visit to Door County you must take a ride on the Washington Island Ferry to Washington Island. You can take your car and that would be great if you are going to spend some time on the island. Just the ride over and back is worth the price. If it is windy, you will get a rough ride, and that can be fun too. You will see two lighthouses and a different view of Death’s Door. The stop at the gift store on the island is a good place to pick up a trinket.