Parks_Content Page_Rock Island Info

Rock Island State Park

Hours

The park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

The Rock Island Ferry runs Memorial Day Weekend through the second Monday in October.

Directions

Two ferry rides are needed to reach Rock Island State Park. Take Wisconsin Highway 42 to its end at Northport, the tip of the Door County Peninsula. Take the Washington Island Ferry to Washington Island. The ferry carries people, vehicles, bicycles and freight. From the Washington Island ferry landing, travel across the island to the northeast side to the Rock Island ferry landing at Jackson Harbor. Leave your vehicle or bike there and take the passenger-only Rock Island Ferry to Rock Island.

Visitors may take their boats to Rock Island, but caution is urged as Lake Michigan can be hazardous due to reefs and storms. There is a nightly fee for all boats mooring overnight at Rock Island.

Fees

  • There are fees for both the Washington Island Ferry and the Rock Island Ferry.
  • There is a nightly fee of $1 per foot of boat length for all boats mooring overnight at Rock Island State Park. Dock space is limited and cannot be reserved.
  • Vehicle admission sticker is not required for the Rock Island ferry parking lot.
  • Camping in the Wisconsin State Park System.
  • Hunting and fishing licenses apply.

Learn about the property

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Concessions

Jackson Harbor – Drinking water is available and there is a small camp store with an ATM, basic camping supplies, ice and some food items. There are also public restrooms. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available as well as guided tours. 

Rock Island – Drinking water and restrooms are available on the island. Souvenirs can be purchased at the boathouse (cash only) and lighthouse (cash only). Firewood is available on the island for purchase (cash only). Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available. There is no camp store on the island so please plan accordingly.

Please see the Island Adventure Company website for more information on the Jackson Harbor Camp Store and Washington Island Watersports website for more information on paddle sport rentals and guided tours.

    Management and planning

    For more information about planning for this property, see Property Master Plans.

    Explore the area

    Department of Tourism listings

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