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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
5-6 hours
Fitness Level
Open to all fitness levels; simple walking and boat riding involved
Wildlife
History
The Rock Island area has been a key shipping hub since the 1800s, with lighthouse keepers guiding vessels safely through Lake Michigan for generations.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the island’s natural habitat and historic sites, with responsible tourism encouraged.
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands
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.
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.
Tours Offered
11 trips
Guided cruises and workshops available
Location
Ellison Bay, WI
Gateway to Plum & Pilot Islands
Photo Workshop
14 seats
Photography workshop limited to 14 people
Cruise Lengths
2.5–8 hours
Sunset to full-day options
Choose a guided lighthouse cruise, photography workshop, butterfly tagging trip, or custom private charter and secure a spot from Ellison Bay.
Wear Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Sea breezes can be cool, so dress in layers and bring rain gear if necessary.
Bring Sun Protection
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to shield yourself during the boat ride and onshore activities.
Pack Binoculars and Camera
Capture wildlife, scenery, and historic sights along the journey and on land.
Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water for the boat ride and explorations on the island.
Sun Protection
Sunblock, sunglasses, and hats to stay protected during the outdoor excursions.
summer
Comfortable Footwear
Sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and walking on uneven terrain.
spring, summer, fall
Waterproof Jacket
Preparedness for variable weather conditions during boat and land activities.
spring, fall
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the scenic views, wildlife, and historic sights.