Rock Island State Park (Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rock Island State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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Icelandic Boathouse in Rock Island State Park
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 Rock Island State Park
Location in Wisconsin
Rock Island State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Door, Wisconsin, United States |
| Area | 912 acres (369 ha) |
| Established | 1965 |
| Named for | Rock Island |
| Governing body | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Rock Island State Park |
Rock Island State Park is a special state park in Wisconsin, United States. It is located on Rock Island in Lake Michigan. This island is found off the very tip of the Door Peninsula.
To reach the island, you can take the passenger ferry Karfi from Washington Island. If you have your own boat, there are places to dock it. In winter, you can even get to the island by snowmobile or by walking across the ice. Visitors are not allowed to bring "wheeled vehicles" like cars, all-terrain vehicles, or bicycles onto the island. However, park staff do use them for their work.
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What can you do at Rock Island State Park?
Rock Island State Park offers many cool things to see and do. It's a great place for a day trip or even for camping.
Explore historic buildings and artifacts
One of the main attractions is a stone Viking boathouse. This unique building looks like something from long ago. There are other interesting structures too, like a historic water tower. An inventor named Chester H. Thordarson built these structures. This area is now called the Thordarson Estate Historic District.
You can also discover Native American artifacts on the island. These are old items that show how people lived here a long time ago. The park is also home to Pottawatomie Light. This is Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse, guiding ships for many years.
Outdoor activities and camping
Rock Island State Park is a popular spot for outdoor fun. In the fall, some people visit for deer hunting. During the winter, snowmobilers from nearby Washington Island enjoy riding on the island. The park has campsites available if you want to stay overnight. It's a peaceful place to enjoy nature.
Images for kids
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Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse
