Way up at the tip of Door County sits Washington Island. The passage between the island and the rest of the peninsula was known by local Native Americans as "Death's Door" and it's how Door County got its name. Though the waters here can be treacherous for boats, what you'll find when you make it to Washington Island is the stuff of dreams.
On the north side of the island there’s a bit of an inlet. Washington Harbor has carved out a little niche and right at the bottom sits Schoolhouse Beach Park. The beach here is one of the most unique in the world - there are just five like it anywhere. Schoolhouse Beach provides crystal clear water up close and at a distance, you'll find some of the bluest waters anywhere - you'll have a hard time remembering you're actually in Wisconsin. If you're looking for a beach with clear water in Wisconsin, this is the place to go. Check it out:
Schoolhouse Beach is like a dream. Instead of a sand beach, you'll find a layer of limestone rocks that have been here for hundreds of thousands of years. The rocks under the water have been smoothed out by centuries of wave action as well as glaciers that moved through the area and deposited them here millions of years ago. The rocks on the beach are a little more jagged - make sure you wear appropriate footwear!
The rocks are so unique - a geological wonder - that a law was passed making it illegal to remove rocks from Schoolhouse Beach.
This beach is truly magical. Objectively, it can get a little busy, but the remote location means it's really tempered. There's an influx of folks every time the ferry docks, but for the most part, when you're here, you feel like you're all alone in the world. It's like your own personal fairy tale.
This used to be the location of the first school on the island, but now it's a peaceful, tree-lined beach that's great for summer dips or quiet reflection.
Though the far off location and stone beach are the main draw of Schoolhouse Beach, for me, the very best part is the deep blue, mesmerizing water.
Protected in its little cove, this beach really feels like a secret discovery.
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You'll never get sick of staring out at the stunning landscape before you.
You'll have to travel to the very tip of Door County and then take a ferry to reach Washington Island, but these pictures should convince you that getting to discover this unique and one-of-a-kind sight is well worth the effort.
Though summer is a popular time here when people love to take advantage of the swimming opportunities, the beach is actually stunning in fall when the leaves start to change.
Schoolhouse Beach is located at 1824 Washington Harbor Rd, Washington, WI 54246.
Have you ever been to this awesome Wisconsin spot? Let us know about it in the comments!
Looking for more gorgeous Wisconsin beaches? Check out these spots that feel more like the ocean than a Great Lake.
If you have a recommendation for a local attraction, restaurant, or nature trail you think we should know about, nominate it for a chance to be featured!
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