No trip to Door County, Wisconsin is complete without taking your journey just a bit further—through Death’s Door to beautiful Washington Island. Kayaking, birding, bicycling and exploring await. Take a Cherry Train Tour or visit our historical sites. Starting the 2013 season, we’ll also operate the Karfi ferry to Rock Island.
Start your journey today!
Ferry History
When you reach the end of Highway 42, at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door County peninsula, you’ll find Northport Pier and the Washington Island Ferry Line.
The Washington Island Ferry Line was started in 1940 with two existing wooden ferries. Over the years steel ferries were added and today the line boasts modern, Coast Guard-approved vessels that make up to 25 round trips a day during high season and two round trips per day in winter.
After vehicles and passengers are safely on board at the Northport ferry dock, the ferry will embark on a 30-minute ride past Plum, Pilot and Detroit Islands. This area is filled with history. You will be making the same passage as the Native Americans who paddled their canoes from island to island, French explorers who came to the area and schooners that traveled this passage a century ago. Relax and enjoy the ride!
Our Crew
Plum Island lighthouse circa 1890s
Mary and Arni J. Richter in 1979
The late Arni J. Richter, ferry line founder
A view from the wheelhouse during a Death’s Door crossing
Arni J. Richter christened the Arni J. Richter ferry.