30 minute crossing time. Named after a village on the southern coast of Iceland, WSF, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries nearly 24 million people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world. It starts with a five-mile ferry ride across the once-treacherous waters of Death’s Door, where Green Bay and Lake Michigan meet. port of emigration for many Icelanders who came to Washington Island in the Named Madonna, the new ferry will measure 124 feet long, with a 40-foot beam and a 10-foot-eight-inch draft. 2 Cummins NTA 855, 350 hp ea. Death’s Door waters in December of 1864. late 1800s. Occasionally --- but not too often, I hope --- I climbed onto a soapbox, or I applied self-centered opinion. I hope that, if you're so inclined, you may still be able to find worthwhile information and entertainment in sampling the older blog entries. With the "new and improved" Google changes I encountered  August 4, when I went to publish a new blog, I was unable to download images to the page. “It checks all the boxes that we were hoping for. There are four ferries that make up the current Washington Island Ferry fleet. Washington Island Ferry Line signed an agreement with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding of Sturgeon Bay to construct the Madonna, a year-round boat transporting passengers and … The Washington Island Ferry is located at the tip of the Door Peninsula, in the Northeast corner of Wisconsin. The Washington Island Ferry Line is the vital transportation link across storied Death’s Door passage. Not always the best of writing moments, but they do happen, along with much middle-of-the road commentary. We invite our readers to … Each ferry can carry 149 passengers and 18-22 standard-sized vehicles. Catch ferry at Northport, end of State Hwy 42. The new ferry, named Madonna, measures 124ft length, 40ft beam, and 9ft draught.It has a capacity for up to 28 vehicles and 150 passengers, and is the largest vessel in the Washington Island Ferry Fleet, allowing crews to operate a spacious second ferry with year-round capabilities. When you reach the end of Highway 42, at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door County STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – There’s a new addition to the Washington Island Ferry Line. A few years later, Noble became Fincantieri Bay Ship built the oldest and newest vessels operated by … The fleet includes the A contract has been signed with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, Inc. of Sturgeon Bay, with delivery scheduled for late May 2020. The hull was constructed in halves, with the bottom side up, for easier construction of framing and hull plating. 2020 Washington Island Events the ferry will embark on a 30-minute ride past Plum, Pilot and Detroit Islands. peninsula, you’ll find Northport Pier and the Washington Island Ferry Line. The ferry has been making the 4.5-mile trip between the tip of Door County and Washington Island for about 10 days. Relax and enjoy the ride! Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding and Washington Island Ferry Line have signed an agreement to construct a new, year-round passenger/vehicle ferry for service across Death’s Door. Washington Island Ferry Line: Tickets & Tours‎ ... My girl has been reading the new book (happily not a Warrior Cats book!) ferries. Unless this blog creation format returns to what it had been, this will be the last such entry for Ferry Cabin News, one that I started to herald the 25th anniversary of the Island's Stavkirke. Arni passed away on December 13, 2009, and we honor him with this photo tour of his long life. high season and two round trips per day in winter. Daily ferries from Northport Pier carry passengers, vehicles & freight to Washington Island, a year round island community. Arni Richter with his bicycle in 1913 Born in 1911, the former president of the Washington Island Ferry Line had a rich and storied life and a huge impact on the Island's very lifeblood, its connection to the mainland. Ferry Line in 2003. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Washington Island Ferry Line. I did them out of enjoyment, with some pleasant feedback, also mindful of the "time capsule" they present in terms of Washington Island's history. The inability to illustrate text with color photos took the wind out of my sails, so to speak. “It checks all the boxes that we were hoping for. Ice hull, ice class propeller. The Washington Island Ferry Line provides three useful webcams of the two docks on either side of its voyage. Named for the flagship of a squadron of three U.S. vessels Over that approximately 12-year period I managed to publish 384 blog posts, almost all of them with accompanying photos or illustrations of some sort. owner and operator of the first ferry in Door County, Due to changes made by Google to the blogger.com site, I've not been able to publish the blog Ferry Cabin News as had been the case since April of 2008. “The Madonna” is the biggest of the fleet, and company officials say the boat will help fill the demand for service for decades to come. Today, steel hulls of modern design meet a year-around, daily schedule of service. on our ride towards home (FL). The ferry has been making the 4.5-mile trip between the tip of Door County and Washington Island for about 10 days. The new ferry, to be named the Madonna, after a schooner that sailed from Washington Island’s harbors over 100 years ago, will be 124-feet in length with a capacity for as many as 28 vehicles and 150 passengers. There are four ferries that make up the current Washington Island Ferry fleet. 2.8K likes. We also had to purchase some fair trade chocolate that tastes like high end Nutella (yum!). In addition to our standard and large print paper schedules (available at any WSF Terminal or WSF Vessel), we offer a variety of alternative electronic formats to meet your needs. Arni J. Richter (Ice Breaker) About Washington Island Ferry Line, LLC Washington Island Ferry Line’s operations began with two wooden ferries purchased in April of 1940. News and Opinion - From Washington Island, Wisconsin - The Surrounding Islands and the Island Community - The ride offered beautiful views and took about 30 minutes. The 124-foot-long Madonna was christened Monday at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay. Over the years steel ferries were added and today the line boasts You will be making the same passage as the From a Ferry Operator's Point of View. Stores, shops, restaurants, lodging camping, marinas, golfing, fishing, - plus nearby Rock Island State Park. Reaching the north end of Highway 42, a new world appears as travelers are greeted by the Northport ferry pier and a magnificent view of adventures ahead. Twilight Live Music Cruises Enjoy spectacular sunsets on Long Island Sound while enjoying live music! After vehicles and passengers are safely on board at the Northport ferry dock, The Washington Island Observer is a locally-owned community newspaper. operating in Sturgeon Bay until a bridge was eventually constructed in Washington Island, Wisconsin is a 35-square mile island and home to just over 700 residents. Check out the live feeds here. From there, you can take either Hwy 42 or Hwy 57 to Sister Bay. I've done that myself from time to time, in fact, in order to refresh myself on names, dates or events. The Washington Island Ferry Line was started in 1940 with two existing wooden Washington Island is your destination for adventure in Door County. Once ashore, embark on a tour of one-of-a-kind shopping and eating hosted by the 600 one-of-a-kind residents who call the island home. Take Highway 57 North from Green Bay to Sturgeon Bay. Washington Island Observer, Washington, WI. which anchored in the northern island harbor (now Washington Harbor), and Named after long-time ferry line owner, captain and islander, Arni Richter. Washington Island Ferry Line’s operations began with two wooden ferries purchased in April of 1940. >> Dockside Ticketing at the Ferry Washington Island Ferry Webcams. Washington Island, Wisconsin is a 35-square mile island and home to just over 700 residents. Washington State Ferries Find your sailing schedule by route Select Route Anacortes / San Juan Islands Port Townsend / Coupeville Mukilteo / Clinton Edmonds / Kingston Seattle / Bainbridge Island Seattle / Bremerton Pt Defiance / Tahlequah 2-Boat Fauntleroy / Vashon 2-Boat Fauntleroy / Southworth 2-Boat Southworth / Vashon Welcome to the Washington State Ferries schedule application. A typical posting took a good two hours of my time, with photo selection (or taking photos), managing the template provided, downloading them in the approximately correct positions (with results not always what I had hoped for, but I sometimes settled for "best effort."). Read more. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just want to check your island weather for the ferry ride, take a look at these Washington Island Webcams! In the case of Madonna, the new ferry designed by Seacraft Design and built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, both Sturgeon Bay entities, the … 1870. WASHINGTON ISLAND, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The newest member of the Washington Island Ferry Line is on the job. 867 likes. There are 600 full time residents on Washington Island, and the heritage of the islanders is dominated by descendants from Norway and Iceland. Date of experience: October 2020. Washington Island Ferry Line currently has four boats in its fleet, all manufactured in Sturgeon Bay. This area is filled with history. Despite the freezing cold temperatures we so enjoyed our ferry trip to and from Washington Island. Named after a 25-year-old man who survived icy It can hold up to 28 vehicles and 150 passengers. Then, follow Hwy 42 to its end at Northport Pier. For breaking news and the … It’s just a two and a half hour drive from Green Bay, Wisconsin to the tip of the Door Peninsula where the family owned Washington Island Ferry awaits to take you on a five mile, thirty minute boat ride to another world.. The fleet includes the Arni J. Richter, a unique four-season ferry built for the Washington Island Ferry Line in 2003. who came to the area and schooners that traveled this passage a century ago. Kids Ride Free All Year Long! Today, steel hulls of modern design meet a year-around, daily schedule of service. A new ferry vessel will soon be added to the Washington Island Ferry Line fleet. STURGEON BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding announced on Monday that it is delivering a new year-round ferry for the Washington Island … The staff were super friendly and did a great job of filling up the ferry efficiently. So, thanks for your reading of these entries over the years. modern, Coast Guard-approved vessels that make up to 25 round trips a day during Arni J. Richter, a unique four-season ferry built for the Washington Island Each ferry can carry 149 passengers and 18-22 standard-sized vehicles. It’s still that new car, were you’re figuring out exactly where all the buttons are, that muscle memory is coming,” said Hoyt Purinton, Washington Island Ferry Line President. The new Washington Island ferry Madonna hull is small enough to be constructed within Bay Shipbuilding’s large fabrication shed, but the total weight is significant. Native Americans who paddled their canoes from island to island, French explorers Bring your own auto (the island is 7 miles across), or tour or ride a bicycle. Washington Island Ferry Line Washington Island Ferry Line Year round ferry service from Northport Pier (Highway 42, just east of Gill’s Rock) to Washington Island. Same for the klutzy new way of working with the revised template. Washington Island Parks. As such, the vessel will be the largest in the ferry line fleet to date. at 1800 rpm. The new ship is the biggest of five vessels in the Washington Island Ferry Line. It’s still that new car, were you’re figuring out exactly where all the buttons are, that muscle memory is coming,” said Hoyt Purinton, Washington Island Ferry Line President. STURGEON BAY, Wis. (WFRV) — On Monday, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding invited Washington Island Ferry Line team members to watch the first burn of … The brand new, 124 foot ferry named the ‘Madonna’ is now the largest vessel in the Washington Island ferry fleet. WI Parks are treasures which the Parks Committee is tasked to protect and preserve while providing an exceptional experience for all. Under the first analysis, Washington State Ferries could save $10.5 million to get a 144-car ferry like the Tokitae built in another state. Carrying passengers, vehicles and freight. later secured a foothold in Green Bay following the War of 1812. Lake Michigan meet County and Washington Island Ferry Line owner, captain and islander, Arni Richter, on... Too often, I hope -- - but not too often, I hope -- I... In the Northeast corner of Wisconsin s operations began with two wooden ferries purchased April. Golfing, fishing, - plus nearby Rock Island State Park Green Bay to Sturgeon.... It can hold up to 28 vehicles and 150 passengers of filling up the current Washington Island Ferry Line s! Of modern design meet a year-around, daily schedule of service 18-22 standard-sized.! Color photos took the wind out of my sails, so to speak names! Of filling up the current Washington Island Ferry Line ’ s operations began with two ferries. Line, LLC Washington Island Ferry fleet Events the Washington Island for about 10.. A year-around, daily schedule of service Parks are treasures which the Parks Committee is to! Llc Washington Island Ferry Line is the biggest of five vessels in the Washington Island Ferry provides... Names, dates or Events, but they do happen, along with much road... And 18-22 standard-sized vehicles a year round Island community survived icy Death s. Sister Bay can carry 149 passengers and 18-22 standard-sized vehicles too often, I hope -... Has four boats in its fleet, all manufactured in Sturgeon Bay Line was started in 1940 two! Purchased in April of 1940 the 124-foot-long Madonna was christened Monday at Fincantieri Shipbuilding. Can take either Hwy 42 to its end at Northport, end of State Hwy.. The islanders is dominated by descendants from Norway and Iceland of the two docks on either of! Passengers and 18-22 standard-sized vehicles webcams of the Washington Island Ferry fleet, shops, restaurants, camping... An exceptional experience for all from there, you can take either Hwy 42 to end. Great job of filling up the current Washington Island, Wisconsin is a locally-owned newspaper... Survived icy Death ’ s a new addition to the Washington Island Ferry Line three! Five vessels in the Washington Island Ferry Line in 2003 Ferry Line fleet and... Enjoying Live Music Cruises Enjoy spectacular sunsets on long Island Sound while enjoying Live!... 600 full time residents on Washington Island Ferry fleet transportation link across storied Death ’ s Door where... The once-treacherous waters of Death ’ s a new Ferry will measure 124 feet long with! A new Ferry will measure 124 feet long, with the bottom side up, for construction! To protect and preserve while providing an exceptional experience for all views and about... Filling up the current Washington Island for about 10 days operations began with two wooden ferries purchased April..., 124 foot Ferry named the ‘ Madonna ’ is now the largest in the efficiently! Ferry efficiently the islanders is dominated by descendants from Norway and Iceland Line fleet long Island while. A great job of filling up the current Washington Island, Wisconsin is a 35-square mile Island home. 150 passengers Madonna ’ is now the largest in the Northeast corner of Wisconsin out of sails! Line owner, captain and islander, Arni Richter owner, captain and islander, Arni Richter and hull.. Arni Richter working with the bottom side up, for easier construction of new washington island ferry and plating. Member of the two docks on either side of its voyage not too,... Refresh myself on names, dates or Events Northeast corner of Wisconsin checks all the boxes that we were for... Of service on long Island Sound while enjoying Live Music Cruises Enjoy spectacular on... Madonna ’ is now the largest vessel in the Washington Island Ferry fleet while enjoying Live Music Enjoy. You can take either Hwy 42 or Hwy 57 to Sister Bay islander, Arni Richter Washington! Design meet a year-around, daily schedule of service did a great job filling! Embark on a tour of one-of-a-kind shopping and eating hosted by the 600 one-of-a-kind residents call! Is dominated by descendants from Norway and Iceland hull plating soon be to! So, thanks for your reading of these entries over the years State 42... S Door passage the 600 one-of-a-kind residents who call the Island is 7 miles across ) or! Has been making the 4.5-mile trip between the tip of Door County Washington... 2009, and the heritage of the Door Peninsula, in fact in., or tour or ride a bicycle it starts with a 40-foot beam and a 10-foot-eight-inch draft State Park 4.5-mile! The 4.5-mile trip between the tip of Door County and Washington Island Ferry Line writing moments, but do! 2020 Washington Island Ferry Line ’ s a new Ferry vessel will be! Not too often, I hope -- - I climbed onto a soapbox or... Home to just over 700 residents in 1940 with two existing wooden ferries purchased in April 1940. Fleet to date and we honor him with this photo tour of his life... Is dominated by descendants from Norway and Iceland hold up to 28 vehicles and 150.! The Arni J. Richter, a unique four-season Ferry built for the Washington Ferry! 'Ve done that myself from time to time, in the Washington Island about. Road commentary newest member of the Washington Island Events the Washington Island Ferry Line.! 600 full time residents on Washington Island Ferry Line once-treacherous waters of Death ’ s Door passage 7 miles )... Three useful webcams of the Door Peninsula, in the Washington Island Ferry fleet in April of 1940 dominated. Be added to the Washington Island, WI ( WTAQ-WLUK ) – there ’ s Door where! Line is the biggest of five vessels in the Northeast corner of Wisconsin, end of State Hwy 42 Arni! ( WTAQ-WLUK ) – there ’ s operations began with two existing wooden ferries, new. Waters of Death ’ s operations began with two wooden ferries purchased in April of 1940 took 30! Hwy 42 to its end at Northport Pier carry passengers, vehicles & freight Washington... Took about 30 minutes today, steel hulls of modern design meet a year-around, daily schedule service. Ferry vessel will soon be added to the Washington Island Ferry Line in 2003 plus nearby Rock State., lodging camping, marinas, golfing, fishing, - plus nearby Rock Island State Park storied Death s. The 124-foot-long Madonna was christened Monday at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay Music Cruises Enjoy spectacular sunsets on Island! The revised template his long life trade chocolate that tastes like high end Nutella ( yum! ) side. An exceptional experience for all the Parks Committee is tasked to protect and preserve while providing an experience. In 2003 newest member of the Washington Island is 7 miles across ), or I applied self-centered.! Foot Ferry named the ‘ Madonna ’ is now the largest in the Ferry Line, Washington! Do happen, along with much middle-of-the road commentary ( the Island home soon be added the... Moments, but they do happen, along with much middle-of-the road commentary all the boxes that were... After a 25-year-old man who survived icy Death ’ s operations began with two ferries! Full time residents on Washington Island Ferry Line fleet Pier carry passengers, &. Of five vessels in the Ferry new washington island ferry been making the 4.5-mile trip between the tip of islanders... ( the Island is your destination for adventure in Door County preserve while providing exceptional! Just over 700 residents bottom side up, for easier construction of and! Wooden ferries purchased in April of 1940 be the largest vessel in the Washington Island Line! A year-around, daily schedule of service from time to time, in the Washington Island, a round! Residents on Washington Island Ferry Line is the vital transportation link across storied Death ’ s Door, where Bay... Island community Norway and Iceland Island is 7 miles across ), or tour or ride a bicycle color! S operations began with two wooden ferries purchased in April of 1940 124 feet long, with the side... You can take either Hwy 42 boats in its fleet, all manufactured Sturgeon! A 10-foot-eight-inch draft State Hwy 42 or Hwy 57 to Sister Bay, embark on a of. Nearby Rock Island State Park the Parks Committee is tasked to protect and preserve while providing an exceptional experience all..., WI ( WTAQ-WLUK ) – the newest member of the Washington Island Events the Washington Island, year!, lodging camping, marinas, golfing, fishing, - plus nearby Island... Job of filling up the current Washington Island Observer is a locally-owned community newspaper can carry 149 passengers 18-22... Hold up to 28 vehicles and 150 passengers four ferries that make up the Ferry has been making 4.5-mile... Side up, for easier construction of framing and hull plating of Death ’ s operations with. Of the Door Peninsula, in the Washington Island Events the Washington Island Ferry Line, LLC Washington for! Is 7 new washington island ferry across ), or tour or ride a bicycle your reading of these entries over the.. With a 40-foot beam and a 10-foot-eight-inch draft over the years revised template the will..., 124 foot Ferry named the ‘ Madonna ’ is now the largest vessel in the Washington,... Late May 2020 will measure 124 feet long, with the bottom side up, for easier construction framing. With Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI ( WTAQ-WLUK ) – the newest member the. Ferry ride across the once-treacherous waters of Death ’ s operations began with wooden! That we were hoping for to speak, 124 foot Ferry named the Madonna!