Crossing "Death's Door" to Washington Island is like an exciting trip through time. The six-mile stretch of treacherous sailing that separates Washington Island from the main Door County peninsula traverses the risky currents that, in former days, swamped many a canoe, hence prompting it's nickname.

Washington Island, Wisconsin, is a community steeped in history. Beginning as early as 1635, Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin has been a part of maritime and commercial history in the greatest of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan. In 1815, the island was named "Colonel John Miller Island" after the leader of the first white men to set foot on the island. Later settlers changed the name to honor George Washington. Permanently settled by 1850, Washington Island is the second oldest Icelandic settlement in America. Then, and now, Washington Island offers those who visit, natural wonders along with contemporary pleasures, a quiet tranquility of peaceful surroundings and a friendly community.

Washington Island is the largest of Door County's islands. The island lies northeast of the peninsula just beyond the straits of Death's Door. This name was given to the six-mile-wide passage between Lake Michigan and Green Bay by Native Americans. The name was translated by French explorers as "Porte des Morts" because the treacherous currents and unpredictable wave action claimed war canoes and schooners alike. Today, divers can explore many of the shipwrecks.

Ferries from the mainland, with their views of spectacular bluffs and rocky shores, make the crossing of Death's Door a pleasure for modern passengers. Once on the island, many visitors take in its leisurely pace and pastoral beauty while bicycling. Others prefer to take their cars, rent mopeds or take a guided tour. Washington Island offers visitors museums, galleries, full-service marinas, shops, lodging and a golf course.

From Washington Island you can go even further into Lake Michigan's boisterous beauty. Rock Island, just a few miles off the northeast tip of Washington Island, makes a great day trip for residents and their guests. The island can be reached by passenger ferry out of Jackson Harbor from late May until October. Many explore Rock Island on footto discover historic boathouses and lighthouses. There is no overnight lodging available but there are a limited number of campsites for backpackers to enjoy.

A paradise for naturalists as well as fishing, sailing and swimming pristine waters puts simple pleasures at your service. Every day, Door County residents can visit unique museums to learn of the island's history or explore the first and oldest lighthouse, the Potawatomi, in these waters on Rock Island. They can take in an art show, theatre or musical performance, browse shops offering distinctive Island products and regional artists' creations, or enjoy a round of golf or farms that raise exotic animals. How about treating yourself or your guests to a delicious meal at one of Washington Island's many fine restaurants to experience food that is unique to the peninsula - including one of Door County's fabulous fish boils, a tasty brew or bread made from local grain?

For more information on activities in and around Washington Island, Wisconsin, visit:

• The Door County Navigator
• Welcome to Washington Island, Wisconsin
• Egg Harbor Business Association
• Door County Living
• Door County Online
• Door County Vacations
• Travel Wisconsin - Door County
• Door Bell.Net LakeCam
• Door County Maritime Museum
• Door County, WI
• Washington Island Chamber of Commerce
• The State of Wisconsin
• View Washington Island, WI Area Jobs on Yahoo HotJobs
• Washington Island, Wisconsin on Wikipedia.com
• Washington Island, Wisconsin on epodunk

Washington Island Homes, Properties and Special Feature Real Estate

Washington Island, Wisconsin real estate includes a wide variety of homes for sale, condos for sale, water access properties (waterfront or scenic view), active adult communities, hobby farms and executive properties. Sellers who have been in the area for a while know our reputation for knowledgeable advice, enthusiastic service, creative marketing and professional networking. We mine every source for suitable properties so you can feel at ease that your search will produce the right kind of solution for you.

For buyers new to the area, Peninsula Properties will provide the specialized services you deserve: a strong work ethic, personal real estate expertise to help define your needs, help with selecting and securing standard financing for your purchase, special technology, constant communication throughout the transaction, and more. search - from existing homes for sale, properties for sale, lots, vacant land, new construction, 55-plus and retirement communities, investment properties, waterfront, golf and recreational properties, golf course lots - all the way to luxury villas, estates and executive homes.

So when you're ready to buy or sell real estate in or around Washington Island, Wisconsin, please let Peninsula Properties help you find the home or property of your dreams. Contact Peninsula Properties today!

Other nearby communities have similar real estate characteristics as Washington Island and may also be of interest to you in your home search. Please feel free to ask Peninsula Properties about homes for sale, lakeside/riverside properties and other real estate listings for nearby communities, such as Door County, Fish Creek, Sister Bay, Ephraim, Baileys Harbor, Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Ellison Bay, Gills Rock, Cana Island, Peninsula State Park, Newport State Park, Ridges, Maxwelton Braes, Washington Island, Horseshoe Bay, Oaks, Nicolet Bay, Jacksonport, Whitefish Dunes State Park, Rock Island State Park, Tacoma Estates, Harbor Terrace, Toft Point, Moonlight Bay, North Bay, Cave Point, Sand Bay, Potawatomi Park and much more.

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