Nearly 100 years, ago, an eccentric inventor build a wondrous structure in one of the most remote corners of the state. The Thordarson Boathouse is as difficult to reach as it is to imagine, but it’s well worth the journey. It’s an architectural marvel on an uninhabited place called Rock Island, and it’s a fascinating Wisconsin place you must visit. Here’s why.

Rock Island is located at the far end of Door County on the eastern tip of Wisconsin. It’s a place that was originally settled by Native Americans and, later, European immigrants.
Google / Andrew P
While early settlements failed and the island was deserted by 1875, a wealthy inventor named Chester Thordarson purchased 772 acres of the island in 1910.
Google / Hallow
He had 30 acres cleared and began construction of a summer estate, acting as the general contractor for the project. Thordarson had some help with the structure – he employed noted Chicago architect Frederick Dinkelberg.
Google / Andrew P

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He had a massive limestone boathouse built up from submerged bedrock. Almost all of the building materials used in the construction, including all the limestone, came from the island.
Google / Susham Shetty
The boathouse is huge – the lower level can hold two 50-foot yachts. The boathouse is topped by a 40-foot-by-70-foot structure that Thordarson called the Jewel House of Art and Nature.
Google / Susham Shetty
Thordarson’s heirs sold the property to the state, and today the whole island is Rock Island State Park. It’s a popular place for hiking and camping, and when you arrive on shore, the first thing you see is this beautiful old boathouse.
Google / Owen Buckley

Rock Island State Park can be reached via ferry – actually, two ferries. Take a car ferry to Washington Island, and then board a second ferry to Rock Island. Learn more on Rock Island State Park’s website. The drive to the ferry dock is very scenic – just keep your eyes on the road.

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Rock Island State Park, 1924 Indian Point Rd, Washington, WI 54246, USA