Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is a forested island in Lake Michigan with about ten miles of trails along rocky shores and sandy beaches. The 906-acre property offers walking paths through woods and places to rest by the water.

The Pottawatomie Lighthouse was built in 1836 and stands as Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse, still helping guide ships on Lake Michigan today. The island shows a long history of people who came to settle and make their mark here.

The island holds sites where Native American communities lived and left their mark long ago. These places tell the story of people who made their home on this remote location for generations.

Reaching the island requires taking two ferries, so visitors must bring all their own gear and supplies. There are about forty primitive camping spots spread across the property, most located near fresh water sources.

A stone boathouse from 1929 with Norse-inspired design sits on the island and ranks among Wisconsin's largest public boathouses. The building shows the craftsmanship and style of an era when such structures were built with great care.

Location: Door County

Inception: 1965

Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/rockisland

GPS coordinates: 45.41580,-86.81940

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42