Your adventure begins at the end of Highway 42 at Northport Pier. The Island Tour Guide Service, operated by Beverly Hudson, is the original step-on guide service to Washington Island. Guides meet motor coaches at Northport and narrate as the coach boards the ferry for the trip across the Door. The ferry ride and history of the passage known as Death's Door is a highlight of each visitor to Washington Island.

Guides explain how Door County and northeastern Wisconsin were settled: Did you know Rock Island's lighthouse was the first in Northern Lake Michigan waters? And that Door County's first official government meeting was held on Rock Island? Settlements began with fishermen in the early 1800s and maritime connections for Washington Island continued with the establishment of nearby lighthouses, Coast Guard facilities, key Great Lakes shipping lanes, plus island passenger and freight transportation, right to present day. Washington Island's economy has always reflected extremes due to open and active lake navigation, and the isolation brought by surrounding waters.

The Island Tour Guide Service offers a personalized, complete island tour with knowledgeable guides. For a great day of history, shopping, lunch and fun, beginning and ending with a ride aboard the Washington Island Ferry, allow approximately six hours. Island Tour Guide Service also arranges step-on tours of the Peninsula. Group rates apply to 20 or more persons, with driver and Tour Escort Comp.

Tour Lunch Stop is at an island inn with Norwegian carvings.

2007 Island Tour Guide Service - Package Rates: Call 800.443.2146
Tour rates include Ferry, Guide, Jacobsen Museum, Luncheon
You can also call the Washington Island Ferry Line for information 800.223.2094

Touring Tips Charter Group Tours...
Your reservation is important to us, and we want you to have the best experience possible. Here are some suggestions that may help in planning.

TIP #1 – Allow plenty of time to get to the ferry, arriving at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Whether boarding in a motor coach or walking on board, this process is smoother when you're on time and ready to board.

TIP #2 – Since your group has a reservation, pull close to the dock, in the open area near the ticket booth. Tour Escort: Let the ticketing person know who you are, and wait for instructions.

TIP #3 – The Ferry Captain will instruct your driver to move forward and will guide the loading process.

TIP #4 – If you are late, get lost, or for any reason have a problem give us a call at 800.223.2094. We understand delays and will work to get you back on schedule.

TIP #5 – If your group intends to board on foot (without coach) for an island tour by Cherry Train we will provide a parking spot as close to the ferry landing as possible. Our captain will also phone ahead once the ferry departs the pier to ensure your Cherry Train Tour arrangements are ready.

TIP #6 – Our ferries run in just about any weather, but we don't take chances! If our ferry boat captain judges conditions as unsafe or unpleasant enough for your group, we'll tell you so.

We try our hardest, and we'll gladly reschedule for the following day if that is an option for you. By the way, we operate five all-steel, US Coast Guard approved and inspected vessels, all designed and built by local marine architects and shipbuilders.

For directions and maps to Northport Pier click here.  For ferry schedule and rates click here.

Cherry Train Group Tours...All Aboard!

Since 1965, island visitors have learned about island history and island living through this 90-minute, narrated tour experience. It's a fun alternative. Your group boards the ferry at Northport and the Cherry Train will be waiting for you at the Island Dock. The Cherry Train Tour of Washington Island is aboard open air trams pulled by a 4-wheel drive vehicle. It operates daily May through October from the island Ferry Dock. There is available seating for 48 to 60 depending upon group size and availability. Lunch can also be added as an extra charge.

Reserve your group today for one of the Cherry Train Tours! Go to cherrytraintours.com

Custom Tours Available With Step-On Guide

Packages by calling Ed Livingston at 920.847.2039.

2008 CHERRY TRAIN GROUP TOUR PACKAGE – (includes ferry ride and tour)
Cherry Train Group Price – $25.00 per adult

2008 CHERRY TRAIN GROUP LUNCHEON TOUR PACKAGE (includes ferry ride, tour and lunch)

Cherry Train Group Price – $34.00 per adult

2008 CHERRY TRAIN FISH BOIL GROUP LUNCHEON TOUR (includes ferry ride, tour and fish boil luncheon)
Cherry Train Group Price – $39.00 per adult