Kids’ Beat: Island Hopping With the Family

Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island is one of the peninsula’s most beautiful vistas.

You won’t find children building sand castles or digging to China at what is arguably Door County’s most beautiful beach.

Neither activity is banned, and the children aren’t forbidden, it’s just that Schoolhouse Beach is all rock. Located on the northern edge of Washington Island in an inlet mixing water from the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, the beach features smooth, white stones that provide the perfect contrast to crystal clear, blue-green water reminiscent of the clearest waters of the Caribbean.

While a rock beach may not sound like the best place to take kids, Schoolhouse may soon become a new family favorite. Kids entertain themselves having a biggest splash contest, looking for the coolest shaped rock or by building a true stone castle. Mom and dad can join in, or sit back and enjoy the sounds of the water lapping up on shore, and photography buffs will be lured to take pictures that capture some of the best Door County scenery.

Getting to the island on the Washington Island Ferry Line is an experience unto itself for the kids. Ride your bikes on board or drive the car, but make sure you go up to the ferry’s upper deck. Kids are entranced by the crashing waves, and you can feel the wind blow through your hair and the misting water cool your face as you take in a different view of the peninsula on a 30-minute passage through Death’s Door.

Once you reach your destination, you’ll be transported to a slower pace of life. Washington Island has all the modern amenities of the mainland, but it just seems a little more natural and calm. You will find plenty do to here, whether it’s a bike ride around the 30 square mile island or a hike on one of the many trails. A step back to old Door County, the island is untouched by industry and commercialism.

The island retains much of the original character that brought early Icelandic settlers here in the 1600s. However, you can now find a place to stay and several restaurants. For those adventurous enough, you can even eat a lawyer (not human, these lawyers come from the lake with fins) at KK Fiske, a hallmark island eatery.

An island adventure is sure to create fond memories.