Washington Island

Washington Island’s Scandinavian heritage is on display throughout the island, just a few miles off the tip of the Door County peninsula. (Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune )

Chicago Tribune

June 29, 2017 9:05 AM PT

Lavender and laid-back charm are a few of the things you’ll find on Wisconsin’s Washington Island.

Car ferries run on the hour to Washington Island during the summer, crossing through Death’s Door, a passage responsible for the wrecks of hundreds of vessels over the years. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )

Red Cup Coffee House is a community hub, bringing together tourists and local residents to shoot the breeze, without the distraction of Wi-Fi service. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )

The sun sets over still waters near Washington Island’s Sand Dunes Park. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )

The quirky personality of Washington Island is exemplified by the roadside art called Catfish. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )

Deb Wayman, owner of Fair Isle Books, divides her calendar year between her hometown of Chicago and Washington Island. “I’m perfectly happy here. There’s a hardware store, a grocery store, restaurants, a wonderful performing arts center. … It’s like heaven.” (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )

Countless rocks made of limestone line Schoolhouse Beach along the waters of Washington Harbor. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )

Visitors caught removing rocks from Schoolhouse Beach can face a $250 fine. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )

According to legend, the Hotel Washington was built with a $500 loan secured with a handshake. The hotel, which opened in 1904, housed ship captains who anchored their schooners in the harbors. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )

The nautical-themed Trueblood Performing Arts Center hosts the annual Washington Island Music Festival. This year it’s July 31 through Aug. 11. (Kurt Chandler/Chicago Tribune )