Laura and Cory welcome you to their unique Inn located on beautiful Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin. Private studio cabins as well as their full size cottage, the Loft await you in this secret island paradise... a place a step removed from the rest of the world. Enjoy the scenic 6 mile ride on the Car Ferry passing other Lake Michigan islands along the way. Stay for the night (upon availability) or stay for a week. Come by yourself... come as a couple or bring the whole family for some playtime and much deserved "R & R". The Island offers a comfortable and lively vacation. There are activities for all ages in this year-round Island experience.
Laura and I invite you to discover why so many of our Island guests return year after year and why magazines like "Money" has referred to the Island as "THE SECRET PARADISE OF THE MIDWEST".
Smore's around the Dor Cros Campfire
Just minutes from the Washington Island Car Ferry landing as well as our quaint downtown area with it's quirky shops and restaurants is where you will find us. Our unique Cabin Style Island Motel features accommodations with private bathrooms and a warm cozy atmosphere, each unique from the other. Some of our studio cabins come with kitchenettes or the "Loft", our full size cottage, may better suit your needs with it's full size kitchen.
Mighty oak, pine, and maple trees stand tall on the spacious 2 acre grounds. Pick your favorite chaise chair and find plenty of open areas to relax in the sunshine. Set up your volleyball net for some family fun. We offer yard games like cornhole or croquet, picnic tables, Weber grills and wood for the campfires during your stay with us. We have a large area surrounding the campfire ring that is open to our starry skies. We also provide rental bicycles to tour the Island the old fashioned way... foot & pedal.
Enjoy your favorite beverage at Cabin9
Typical Island Week.... Start your morning with a walk to one of the neighboring coffee houses like Wis-co or the Red Cup, for homemade bakery with your favorite beverage and then set out to explore the Island…a haven for the adventurer. Bike along beautiful tree lined lanes. Stop in for some hand scooped ice cream or spend a lazy day at the beach. Grab your fishing pole and head out to the waters for some of the Country's best fishing. We are within a 5-minute walk to the gorgeous island shoreline or just a short drive or bike ride to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. It has been said that there are only 5 beaches in the world like Schoolhouse Beach. Come to the Island and see why.
Best Sunsets a just a short drive from the Dor Cros
Island Eateries.....When hunger grips you stop at one of Washington Island's famous eateries to experience some of the local fare. We have several restaurants on the island with a variety to choose from on their menus. Anything from as simple as a great cheeseburger from the Albatross Drive-In Ice Cream stand (conveniently located next door to us) or fresh caught local fish at KK Fiske (find them on facebook). A great salmon, steak or pasta dish at the waterfront restaurant, Sailor's Pub. After a bite to eat head to the greens for a round of golf or if you are like us... maybe their miniature golf is more your style. A must is Jackson Harbor Soup with homemade soups like French Onion or Wisconsin Beer Cheese soup. Outside dining inches from the water overlooking Rock Island.
Lots of room to roam @ the Dor Cros
Experiencing the island by biking, hiking, kayaking or on horseback? .... keep your eyes on the wildlife for Bald Eagles, humming birds, great heron, fox, deer and the occasional glimpse of a bob cat or coyote. Take a ride on the Cherry Train or the Viking Train for a narrated open-air tram tour of the island. Stop at the Farm Museum for a visit with some of the island animals or just wander through this 1850's farm and outbuildings filled with tractors of the past and other antiques from a by-gone era. During spring & fall you can witness the migratory birds.
Visit our historic places providing you with a porthole into Washington Island's past. For a relaxing afternoon learn to work the loom by taking a class at Sievers the world renowned School of Fiber Arts (Just one of the many types of classes offered). The kids can learn how to make ice cream the old-fashioned way at the Farm Museum. Your Island visit wouldn't be complete unless you payed a visit to Rock Island for the day. A 15 minute passenger ferry from Washington Island will place you in one of the Country's most unique and beautiful spots... this Wisconsin State Park only allows foot prints (...no bikes or cars). While on Rock Island be sure to tour the first lighthouse built on the Great Lakes back in 1836. Enjoy the beautiful sand beach & miles of hiking trails (no concessions so bring some snacks & beverages).
Finish your day with a beautiful Door County sunset from the bluffs of People's Park or while dining on the outside patio at Sailor's Pub or Hotel Washington Restaurant. Come back to the Dor Cros Inn for an evening campfire under our starry skies. We provide the wood while you provide the marshmallows. You may even have the good fortune of witnessing the mysterious Northern Lights. If you want to know more of what the Island has to offer be sure to click on "Things to Do".... and let your Island adventure begin!!!!!! Laura and Cory thank you for considering Washington Island for your precious time away.