Rock Island (Wisconsin) facts for kids
 Rock Island
Location in Wisconsin
Rock Island
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Green Bay, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 45°24′55″N 86°49′15″W / 45.415322°N 86.820831°W |
| Area | 974.87 acres (394.52 ha) |
| Length | 1.6 mi (2.6 km) |
| Width | 1.1 mi (1.8 km) |
| Highest elevation | 702 ft (214 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Door County |
| Town | Washington Island |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Rock Island is a beautiful, wooded island located off the tip of Wisconsin's Door Peninsula. It sits at the mouth of Green Bay in Door County, Wisconsin. This island is about 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long and 1.1 miles (1.8 km) wide. It covers about 974.87 acres (394.52 ha).
Rock Island has no people living on it permanently. Most of the island is owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. They manage Rock Island State Park. It is the northernmost part of the town of Washington Island.
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Exploring Rock Island's Past
Rock Island has a long and interesting history. It was first home to Native American communities. Later, missionaries and explorers from Europe used it as a stop. This was part of a travel route called the Grand Traverse. This route connected upper Michigan and Wisconsin.
Early European Settlement on Rock Island
The island was once home to the first permanent European settlement on the Door peninsula. This was a small fishing village located on the eastern shore. However, these settlers later moved to nearby Washington Island. This left the original village abandoned. You can still find grave markers from some of these early villagers on the north shore.
In 1836, the Potawatomi Lighthouse was built. It stands on the northern tip of the island. This lighthouse became a very important landmark for ships. It helped them navigate safely.
Chester Thordarson's Island Estate
A wealthy inventor named Chester Thordarson bought a large part of the island in 1910. He purchased about 775 acres (314 ha). In 1920, he cleared about 30 acres (12 ha) on the southwest side. Here, he started building his summer home. This area is now known as the Thordarson Estate Historic District.
You can visit his large boathouse. It has cool designs from the Norse Runic alphabet. The estate also includes Thordarson's water tower.
How Rock Island Became Part of Wisconsin
The border between Wisconsin and Michigan was once unclear. It was supposed to follow the "most usual ship channel" into Green Bay. But ships used routes both north and south of Rock Island. This led to a disagreement over the border.
In 1936, the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision. They ruled that Rock Island and three other islands belonged to Wisconsin. This decision was part of a case called Wisconsin v. Michigan.
Who Owns Rock Island Today?
The Wisconsin DNR bought the island and its buildings in 1965. They purchased it from Thordarson's family. Today, the only other landowner is the US Coast Guard. They operate an automated light for navigation near the old lighthouse.
The Historic Potawatomi Lighthouse
The Rock Island Lighthouse was one of many built by the government back then. Its design, including the woodworking around doors and windows, followed standard plans. The main part of the lighthouse has two stories. If you count the basement and the top lantern room, it has four levels.
The main two floors have very thick limestone walls. The lantern room at the top is made of wood. The lighthouse also has a summer kitchen. Lighthouse keepers used this room during warm weather. Today, this space is a gift shop and a small kitchen.
Restoring the Lighthouse
The Friends of Rock Island State Park have worked hard to restore the lighthouse. They even got a copy of the special lens used in the original light. This lens is called a Fresnel lens.
During the summer, volunteers stay at the lighthouse for a week at a time. They give tours to visitors. The lighthouse does not have running water or electricity. However, one room can be heated.
Unique Carvings on Rock Island
You can find special carvings on Rock Island. These were made by the workers who helped build Chester Thordarson's buildings. These unique carvings are still visible today. They offer a glimpse into the island's past.
Plant Life on Rock Island
Rock Island is home to many beautiful plants and flowers. You can see lots of Trillium, Jack in the pulpit, and lady's slipper flowers. Other plants include cow parsnip and Indian paintbrush. Be careful, as poison ivy also grows there. Chester Thordarson planted a non-native plant called Icelandic thyme on the island.
Getting to Rock Island
You can reach Rock Island by taking a passenger ferry. The ferry is named the Karfi. It departs from Washington Island. It's important to know that no vehicles are allowed on Rock Island. This includes bicycles.
Images for kids
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Landscape and lake
