THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Join a private boat tour from Washington Island to discover the scenic beauty and rich history of Rock Island State Park, featuring stunning cliffs, historic lighthouses, and shipwreck relics.
Join a private boat tour from Washington Island to discover the scenic beauty and rich history of Rock Island State Park, featuring stunning cliffs, historic lighthouses, and shipwreck relics.
Book with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands · Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Set sail from Washington Island and venture along the island’s rugged west coast to reach Rock Island State Park, a captivating destination for outdoor enthusiasts craving maritime adventure. This 5-6 hour private boat tour offers a hands-on experience with the area's natural and historic marvels. As you glide across clear waters, you'll witness the impressive Niagara Escarpment rising dramatically from the shoreline, providing a striking geological backdrop. Along the way, the historic Boyers Bluff Light signals to passing ships, its history dating back over a century, while the haunting remains of the Louisiana shipwreck add an intriguing layer of maritime lore. Once ashore, visitors can embark on scenic hikes through the island’s lush terrain, explore the historic lighthouse, or simply enjoy a picnic amid spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Rock Island boasts a rich history rooted in shipping and maritime activity, and its rugged terrain features unique limestone formations, diverse flora, and abundant birdlife, making each moment on the island visually compelling. The tour’s intimate setting provides a personalized experience, perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers seeking a memorable escape. The journey highlights the best of Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shore, making it a standout adventure for those seeking a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Whether you’re a history buff, birdwatcher, or just after a scenic day on the water, this private tour guarantees an authentic, tailored outdoor experience away from the crowds. Its accessibility and the opportunity to appreciate wilderness and history make it a draw for both seasoned adventurers and casual visitors alike. Disembark with not only photos but stories of shipwrecks and lighthouses that have shaped the local landscape for generations.
easy.
5-6 hours.
Open to all fitness levels; simple walking and boat riding involved
Yes, the tour is family-friendly; children should wear life jackets provided and enjoy the scenic ride.
No previous boating skills are necessary; the crew will handle the boat, making it accessible for all.
Bring water, snacks, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera for photography.
Limited shade is available, so be prepared with sun protection, especially in summer.
Summer and early fall offer warm weather and active wildlife sightings, but tours run seasonally.
Pets are not permitted on the boat but are welcome on land with proper supervision.
The Rock Island area has been a key shipping hub since the 1800s, with lighthouse keepers guiding vessels safely through Lake Michigan for generations.
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the island’s natural habitat and historic sites, with responsible tourism encouraged.
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands is a volunteer-driven nonprofit based in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, dedicated to promoting, preserving, and providing access to the natural and maritime heritage of Plum and Pilot Islands. The organization organizes guided cruises, workshops, and private charters that visit historic lighthouses, life-saving stations, shipwreck sites, and the unique ecosystems of the Niagara Escarpment. Trips include photography workshops with a 14-person limit, lighthouse cruises with stops on Plum Island, private out-island and Rock Island State Park tours, a Fayette State Park ghost town cruise, a Monarch butterfly tagging cruise, and custom private charters aboard The Shoreline. Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands partners with subject-matter experts and regional organizations for educational programs, including a Niagara Escarpment Field Day with Don Mikulic from the Niagara Escarpment Resource Network. Events focus on hands-on learning, natural history, and maritime preservation while offering scenic hiking, picnicking, and interpretive commentary. The group’s public programs support ongoing preservation and interpretation of Range Lights, the historic Life Saving Station, and other island resources. Visitors book directly for scheduled lighthouse cruises, workshops, and passport days, or arrange private and custom charters for groups. Safety briefings, interpretive guidance, and small-group formats are emphasized to protect fragile island habitats and historic structures. Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands maintains a transparent program schedule from Ellison Bay and works with local partners to ensure reliable access to Plum and Pilot Islands for education and conservation. Online reservations and detailed trip itineraries are available spring through fall annually.
Book with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands