Self-Guided Driving Tour at Door Countys Washington Island

Explore Washington Island on a Self-Guided Driving Tour for Just $14.99

For those interested in discovering Washington Island’s scenic beauty and cultural heritage at their own pace, this self-guided driving tour offers an affordable and flexible way to explore. Priced at $14.99 per group, accommodating up to 15 people, the tour provides about 1.5 to 2 hours of exploration. Starting at the iconic Washington Island Welcome Coffee Pot, the route takes visitors through rustic roads, historic sites, and beautiful beaches. While some stops require individual entry fees, the tour itself offers offline access to maps, audio, and geodata, making it accessible even without cell service.

This tour is ideal for independent travelers or small groups eager to explore Washington Island’s maritime history, Scandinavian influences, and secluded spots at their own pace. A notable limitation is the reliance on WiFi download and cell service, which can affect the audio experience if not prepared. This tour best suits visitors who appreciate flexibility, self-guided navigation, and a personalized itinerary.

Key Points

• Affordable self-guided experience at $14.99 for groups up to 15
• Approximate duration of 1.5 to 2 hours
• Start point is the Washington Island Welcome Coffee Pot
• Highlights include historic buildings, scenic parks, and unique landmarks
• Tour does not include entry fees for stops like museums, churches, or farms
• Offline access to maps and audio via app on Android and iOS

Starting at the Washington Island Welcome Coffee Pot

The tour kicks off at the Washington Island Welcome Coffee Pot, a quirky landmark shaped like a giant coffee pot that signals the beginning of your adventure. From this iconic greeting point, your self-guided route immediately immerses you in the charm of the island. The app provides directions to ensure you know where to go, and the offline access means you can enjoy the tour without relying on cell service.

This initial stop sets the tone for a relaxed journey, emphasizing the island’s friendly atmosphere and scenic surroundings. It’s a great starting point for anyone curious about the island’s character and eager to begin exploring on their own terms.

Scenic Roadways and Rustic Charm

As you wind through rustic roads, you pass by several historic buildings and beautiful natural areas. The route offers a peaceful drive, perfect for taking in Washington Island’s natural beauty at your own pace. The scenic landscapes include views of Jackson Harbor and other tranquil water spots, making it ideal for photography or quiet reflection.

The app guides you past notable sites such as the Washington Island Stavkirke, a wooden church inspired by medieval Norwegian architecture, reflecting the island’s Scandinavian roots. While entry to the church is not included, viewing it from the outside offers a glimpse into the island’s cultural influences.

Historic Pubs and Local Flavors

During the tour, you pass Nelsens Hall Bitters Pub, a historic tavern renowned for its unique tradition of serving Angostura bitters shots. Though the tour does not cover entry or purchases, this pub remains a point of interest for those wanting to experience local traditions or enjoy a drink in a cozy, historic setting.

This stop highlights the island’s local character and provides a chance to imagine the community’s social life centered around establishments like Nelsens Hall.

Lavender Fields and Artistic Touches

The Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop is visible along the route, known for its vibrant lavender fields and handcrafted products. Visitors can see the beautiful lavender and purchase handmade items, although entry fees and purchases are not included in the tour price.

This spot offers a visual treat and a chance to explore local artisan crafts, making it ideal for those who appreciate nature-inspired art and scenic gardens.

Agricultural Heritage at the Farm Museum

The Washington Island Farm Museum presents a collection of historic farm buildings and agricultural tools that showcase the island’s farming past. While entry is not included, viewing the exterior and learning about the island’s agricultural roots adds depth to the overall experience.

This stop provides insight into the local way of life, especially for those interested in rural history and traditional farming practices.

Panoramic Views from Mountain Tower

The Mountain Tower offers spectacular panoramic views of Washington Island and the surrounding waters. Although the cost of visiting is not covered by the tour, the opportunity to see breathtaking vistas from above makes this a worthwhile stop.

Visitors can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, which complements the scenic drive and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Relaxing Parks and Secluded Beaches

The route passes by Percy Johnson County Park, a lakeside area with a sandy beach and picnic spots, and Schoolhouse Beach Park, famed for its smooth limestone shoreline and clear waters. Entry fees are not included, but these peaceful parks serve as perfect places for a brief pause, relaxing, or a picnic lunch if desired.

These parks showcase the natural beauty that makes Washington Island a serene retreat.

Historic Artifacts at Jacobsens Museum

Jacobsens Museum, featuring historic artifacts and exhibits about local heritage, makes an appearance along the route. While entry costs are not included, viewing the exterior and learning about the island’s cultural history adds an educational layer to the trip.

It offers a tangible connection to the island’s past, especially for history buffs.

End of the Tour at Lobdell Point Road

The tour concludes at the corner of Old W Harbor and Lobdell Point roads, after roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of exploration. The self-guided nature allows travelers to extend their visit or return to their accommodations at their leisure.

The flexible ending point makes it easy to combine with other activities or further exploration around the island.

Practical Details and Booking

The tour is available from August 20, 2025, to October 1, 2026, operating Monday through Sunday from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM. It includes lifetime access to the app and tour content on Android and iOS devices, offline for convenience.

To get started, travelers need to download the app and follow the directions to the starting point, ensuring a smooth beginning to their self-guided adventure. Personal expenses, food, drinks, and transportation are not included, and travelers should be prepared for partial cell service along some parts of the route.

Caution from the One Review

One review points out the importance of downloading the tour using WiFi to avoid spotty cell service. The reviewer experienced some technical issues, including a detour that caused a loss of part of the tour. Having a paper map as backup is recommended.

This highlights the need for preparation to ensure a smooth experience, especially in remote areas like Washington Island.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This self-guided experience is perfect for independent travelers who value flexibility and enjoy exploring at their own pace. It’s well-suited for those interested in Scandinavian influences, coastal scenery, and local history, with stops that include historic buildings, parks, and landmarks.

However, cell service limitations mean that visitors should prepare in advance and be comfortable navigating with offline maps. Those seeking a guided commentary or detailed inside stories might find the tour somewhat limited, but for a relaxed, personalized tour, it offers a charming way to experience Washington Island.

Washington Island Self-Guided Tour: Final Thoughts

This tour offers a cost-effective and flexible way to discover Washington Island’s scenic spots and cultural highlights. While it does not include additional entry fees, it provides enough points of interest for a delightful half-day exploration. The app-based navigation and offline access are major strengths, particularly for those comfortable with digital tools.

However, travelers should be aware of potential technical issues and cell service limitations, making careful preparation advisable. It’s especially suitable for visitors who prefer independent travel and customized pacing over structured guided tours. If you enjoy self-driven adventures and discovering hidden local charms, this tour can be a worthwhile addition to your Washington Island visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the self-guided nature makes it adaptable for families, but note that some stops may require walking or outdoor exploration.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone or headphones?
Yes, the tour includes app access, but smartphone and headphones are not included.

Are there any entry fees I should be aware of?
Yes, stops like Nelsens Hall Bitters Pub, the Stavkirke, Lavender Farm, Farm Museum, Mountain Tower, Park areas, and Jacobsens Museum may have separate entry costs.

Can I start this tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available any day between 12:00 AM and 11:30 PM during the operating dates from August 2025 to October 2026.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?
The data does not specify accessibility features, so travelers should plan accordingly, especially for stops involving walking or outdoor terrain.

What should I do if I encounter technical issues during the tour?
It’s recommended to download the tour using WiFi beforehand. If issues occur, contact VoiceMap support via email or phone.

How long does the tour usually take?
The estimated duration is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in this tour.

Can I customize this tour?
Since this is a self-guided tour, you can choose to spend more or less time at each stop to personalize your experience.

What is the main focus of this tour?
The tour emphasizes Washington Island’s natural beauty, Scandinavian heritage, and historic sites, offering a relaxed exploration of key landmarks.