Way up at the tip of Door County sits Washington Island. The passage between the island and the rest of the peninsula was known by local Native Americans as “Death’s Door” and it’s how Door County got its name. Though the waters here can be treacherous for boats, what you’ll find when you make it to Washington Island is the stuff of dreams.
On the north side of the island there’s a bit of an inlet. Washington Harbor has carved out a little niche and right at the bottom sits Schoolhouse Beach Park. The beach here is one of the most unique in the world – there are just five like it anywhere. Schoolhouse Beach provides crystal clear water up close and at a distance, you’ll find some of the bluest waters anywhere – you’ll have a hard time remembering you’re actually in Wisconsin. If you’re looking for a beach with clear water in Wisconsin, this is the place to go. Check it out:
Schoolhouse Beach is like a dream. Instead of a sand beach, you’ll find a layer of limestone rocks that have been here for hundreds of thousands of years. The rocks under the water have been smoothed out by centuries of wave action as well as glaciers that moved through the area and deposited them here millions of years ago. The rocks on the beach are a little more jagged - make sure you wear appropriate footwear!
TripAdvisor/HannaAB23
The rocks are so unique - a geological wonder - that a law was passed making it illegal to remove rocks from Schoolhouse Beach.
TripAdvisor/Kim0000000
This beach is truly magical. Objectively, it can get a little busy, but the remote location means it’s really tempered. There’s an influx of folks every time the ferry docks, but for the most part, when you’re here, you feel like you’re all alone in the world. It’s like your own personal fairy tale.
TripAdvisor/TriciaorPaulB
This used to be the location of the first school on the island, but now it’s a peaceful, tree-lined beach that’s great for summer dips or quiet reflection.
TripAdvisor/lyonlady
Though the far off location and stone beach are the main draw of Schoolhouse Beach, for me, the very best part is the deep blue, mesmerizing water.
TripAdvisor/esfesq
Protected in its little cove, this beach really feels like a secret discovery.
TripAdvisor/Kim00000000
You’ll never get sick of staring out at the stunning landscape before you.
TripAdvisor/NancyT
You’ll have to travel to the very tip of Door County and then take a ferry to reach Washington Island, but these pictures should convince you that getting to discover this unique and one-of-a-kind sight is well worth the effort.
TripAdvisor/EverWorkingMom
Though summer is a popular time here when people love to take advantage of the swimming opportunities, the beach is actually stunning in fall when the leaves start to change.
TripAdvisor/jnelson80
Schoolhouse Beach is located at 1824 Washington Harbor Rd, Washington, WI 54246.
TripAdvisor/HannaAB23
TripAdvisor/Kim0000000
TripAdvisor/TriciaorPaulB
TripAdvisor/lyonlady
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TripAdvisor/Kim00000000
TripAdvisor/NancyT
TripAdvisor/EverWorkingMom
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Have you ever been to this awesome Wisconsin spot? Let us know about it in the comments!
Looking for more gorgeous Wisconsin beaches? Check out these spots that feel more like the ocean than a Great Lake.
If you have a recommendation for a local attraction, restaurant, or nature trail you think we should know about, nominate it for a chance to be featured!
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Address: 1824 Washington Harbor Rd, Washington, WI 54246, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
beach with clear water in Wisconsin April 12, 2020 Jackie Ann Are there any other beautiful beaches in Wisconsin? Wisconsin has several beautiful beaches that are ideal for those summer days when you’re looking to spend a day of fun in the sun. For those in the Milwaukee area, Bradford Beach offers ample sunshine, a lovely little beach, and even a volleyball court. Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan features more than two miles of beaches and dunes nestled along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and Whitefish Dunes State Park in Sturgeon Bay also has some beautiful beaches, impressive sand dunes, and even 6 miles of hiking trails to explore. What lakes have the clearest water in Wisconsin? Wisconsin is peppered with countless lakes, and many of them are spring-fed which lends to having some of the clearest lakes you’ll ever see. One of the clearest lakes in Wisconsin is the Black Oak Lake in Vilas County. On a calm day, you could see up to 30 feet beneath the surface of the water. What else is considered to be the most beautiful lake in Wisconsin? With over 10,000 lakes, it’s hard to choose the most beautiful lake in Wisconsin. The largest inland lake in Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago, is a popular spot for fishing and soaking up some sun. For beautiful tree-line and mountain backdrops, Lake Pepin is ideal. And over in Madison, Lake Mendota features five beaches, three of which have lifeguards on-duty, plus a mesmerizing shoreline view of the city. Over in Jackson County, Wazee Lake is the deepest lake in the state and a popular scuba diving destination. There’s also a beach to sink your toes into, multiple campsites, picnic areas, and several hiking trails and bike paths nearby.
The OIYS Visitor Center
beach with clear water in Wisconsin
April 12, 2020
Jackie Ann
Are there any other beautiful beaches in Wisconsin? Wisconsin has several beautiful beaches that are ideal for those summer days when you’re looking to spend a day of fun in the sun. For those in the Milwaukee area, Bradford Beach offers ample sunshine, a lovely little beach, and even a volleyball court. Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan features more than two miles of beaches and dunes nestled along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and Whitefish Dunes State Park in Sturgeon Bay also has some beautiful beaches, impressive sand dunes, and even 6 miles of hiking trails to explore. What lakes have the clearest water in Wisconsin? Wisconsin is peppered with countless lakes, and many of them are spring-fed which lends to having some of the clearest lakes you’ll ever see. One of the clearest lakes in Wisconsin is the Black Oak Lake in Vilas County. On a calm day, you could see up to 30 feet beneath the surface of the water. What else is considered to be the most beautiful lake in Wisconsin? With over 10,000 lakes, it’s hard to choose the most beautiful lake in Wisconsin. The largest inland lake in Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago, is a popular spot for fishing and soaking up some sun. For beautiful tree-line and mountain backdrops, Lake Pepin is ideal. And over in Madison, Lake Mendota features five beaches, three of which have lifeguards on-duty, plus a mesmerizing shoreline view of the city. Over in Jackson County, Wazee Lake is the deepest lake in the state and a popular scuba diving destination. There’s also a beach to sink your toes into, multiple campsites, picnic areas, and several hiking trails and bike paths nearby.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wisconsin has several beautiful beaches that are ideal for those summer days when you’re looking to spend a day of fun in the sun. For those in the Milwaukee area, Bradford Beach offers ample sunshine, a lovely little beach, and even a volleyball court. Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan features more than two miles of beaches and dunes nestled along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and Whitefish Dunes State Park in Sturgeon Bay also has some beautiful beaches, impressive sand dunes, and even 6 miles of hiking trails to explore.
What lakes have the clearest water in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is peppered with countless lakes, and many of them are spring-fed which lends to having some of the clearest lakes you’ll ever see. One of the clearest lakes in Wisconsin is the Black Oak Lake in Vilas County. On a calm day, you could see up to 30 feet beneath the surface of the water.
What else is considered to be the most beautiful lake in Wisconsin?
With over 10,000 lakes, it’s hard to choose the most beautiful lake in Wisconsin. The largest inland lake in Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago, is a popular spot for fishing and soaking up some sun. For beautiful tree-line and mountain backdrops, Lake Pepin is ideal. And over in Madison, Lake Mendota features five beaches, three of which have lifeguards on-duty, plus a mesmerizing shoreline view of the city. Over in Jackson County, Wazee Lake is the deepest lake in the state and a popular scuba diving destination. There’s also a beach to sink your toes into, multiple campsites, picnic areas, and several hiking trails and bike paths nearby.
