If you’ve got a bit of time to kill before the arrival of the Washington Island Ferry, head on over to the Gills Rock Maritime Museum. The museum contains a number of local artifacts and displays on the local shipping trade, famous wrecks, an old ice sled with sail, a collection of restored engines and a complete, intact 45 foot fishing boat. Perhaps most interesting is a photo of the original coast guard members. These brave men would go out with only a small boat, ropes and a few hand tools to attempt a rescue in some of the most brutal weather in Death’s Door. Amazing!

Gill’s Rock Maritime Museum12724 W Wisconsin Bay Rd.
Ellison Bay, WI 54210
(hours vary by season, check their website before visiting)