Washington Island= Iceland? (Scandinavia, Sister Bay: how much, restaurants, shop)

[dreamingmark]

Hi,
I read someplace that Washington Island, just off of Door County, is one of the largest Icelandic communities outside of Iceland.
Is this true? Do they have the Icelandic culture preserved? And if they do, are there Icelandic festivals, food, music, and dancing that I can partake of? Thanks
love ya Wisconsin
bye!

[suecen]

Dreaming, I just have to laugh when I read your post. My friend just returned from a vacation in Iceland. If that is true that would be really interesting. I'll ask her if she ever heard of that.

[susancruzs]

A book I have about Wisconsin curiosities claims that is true and when you research Washington Island they mention their Icelandic history. Washington Island has a tourism link separate from Door County.

Washington Island History

The history is interesting and nearby Rock Island (owned by the state as a park) has Icelandic history, too.

I haven't been to Washington Island being half Scandinavian, I should go and check out the island.

[suecen]

Susan: I'm going to check out that site - thanks for sharing that. Before my friend went on vacation to Iceland (it was originally her mother's trip but she was unable to go) I had never given a thought to Iceland. Since then I can't tell you how many times Iceland has come up in conversations and in the news!!

[Geechie North]

I have been there many times, but not for 5 years, or so.

It's a nice getaway, does have a little museum of local Icelandic artifacts/history, but (in my opinion) is no more Scandanavian, or Icelandic, than Sister Bay or Gills Rock, or even Schaumburg for that matter. Although it is far more rural than that last one, and therefore more scenic.

Schedule / Rates

Here's the ferry schedule.

[alle]

We have a cottage on Washington Island. It does pride itself on being the oldest Icelandic settlement in the country. Today it emphasizes its Scandinavian heritage and flys all Scandinavian flags at the ferry dock. There is an annual Scandinavian dance festival every summer with Scandinavian foods served in the local restaurants. The local mercantile and neighboring gift shop is decorated and was built by Norwegians in a Nordic style. There is also a Norwegian Stavekirk (Stave church) built across from the Lutheran church.

Rock Island is a state park located a brief ferry ride from Washington Island.

Both islands are very beautiful, rural and a not so well kept secret!

[Dor Cros]

Hi,

Laura and I own and operate an Inn on Washington Island in Wisconsin. Some of our Island guests have come from Iceland because they have heard the same rumors. These Icelandic visitors have expressed to us how much this truly reminds them of there homeland. So I guess this is the best source one could ask for regarding the answer to your question.

Thanks, Cory

[susancruzs]

I've been to door county but not to Washington Island and when I went, I wasn't really thinking about my Scandanavian heritage (1/2).

I've visited Iceland, which has gorgeous green countryside, besides rugged rock, so I should visit Door again.

[tully]

Judging from the number of blonde-haired locals, and names ending in "sen" (eg Jorgensen), there is probably truth to it.