Schoolhouse Beach
Schoolhouse Beach
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
446 reviews
Excellent
294
Very good
113
Average
37
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Stephanie A
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We came here as a couple on a week away—and it was too cold to swim. Still, we were pleasantly surprised by how well-maintained the beach area is. The rocks are pristine and the area is virtually free of trash. The signage not to take rocks seems to be extremely effective and we were able to make cairns on the lakefront without issue. It was a great experience and highly recommended for families.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrissy S
Chicago, IL10 contributions
Sep 2020
Schoolhouse Beach is really unique and beautiful, but it was extremely crowded every day we were there. So crowded that we decided to not get out of the car two out of the three days we stopped by. The water is really clear and the rocky beach is really unique, so it's worth checking out. We much preferred Sand Dunes Beach to this location, though. Especially for swimming and having more space to yourself.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betty
2,784 contributions
Jul 2021
This beach is gorgeous with the smooth rocks and clear blue waters. Some people like to build a cairn with the rocks. The view is breath taking and it is so calming to watch the waves row onto the beach. Make sure we do our part to preserve this lovely beach. There is a $250.00 fine for removing the rocks.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
meganc9150
Staunton, VA144 contributions
Aug 2020
Unfortunately came here on a day that the weather was not cooperative, super windy and very cold for August! It is a beautiful beach with the smooth round rocks, would have loved to be able to swim for a bit. Shoreline wrapped around so you could've spaced out to get away from the crowds. Enjoyed the brief visit here and wish the weather had been more cooperative
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy O
Sauk City, WI1,159 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
We visited early in the morning and only a few people were there. There is a rule that you can't take any of the smooth stones that make up the shoreline, so beware there is a fine if you get caught. The lake is crystal clear here. It was a nice place to sit and take in the quiet of the morning.
Written July 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiffanyjim
Marion, IA1,122 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We have been to Schoolhouse Beach a few years back, but didn’t get to stay long as it was a tour around the island. This time we got to stay a while and it was so relaxing and beautiful. The water is clear and crisp and the stones are really cool. I would recommend swim shoes as it is hard to walk on the rocks.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OurIowandBeyond
Iowa1 contribution
Jun 2021
Beautiful beach with shades of gray colored limestone smooth rocks. Nice shelter with picnic tables and restrooms nearby. Parking has been expanded and there are spots in the trees to park also. This area can get very busy during the day but there is always a spot to watch the waves.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deina S
Baldwin, WI20 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
This beach has rare limestone rocks that are rounded by time and water. The stones almost feel soft. The stones are fun to stack. The water is crystal clear and has beautiful colors. There is a park pavilion and bathrooms.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WI Weezie
Madison, WI217 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
This is a very unique “beach” of limestone rocks that have been polished smooth. It’s a beautiful view and made for some great pics.
While there were a lot of people there, it looked very uncomfortable to sit on, to walk on and to swim in. Definitely wear aqua shoes if you go!
While there were a lot of people there, it looked very uncomfortable to sit on, to walk on and to swim in. Definitely wear aqua shoes if you go!
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RICART75
Peru, IN2,089 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Being it was March, the beach stones were still mostly covered in ice and snow; but the views out to the water were still quite magnificent.
There were only two other people in the area when we arrived, and they soon headed out. There is something quite impact full in a place like this when the winter solitude is giving way to spring.
There were only two other people in the area when we arrived, and they soon headed out. There is something quite impact full in a place like this when the winter solitude is giving way to spring.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can we bring our dog
Karen V
Pella, Iowa162 contributions
I'm sure you can bring your dog, keep on a leash and pick up any BM it may do. The rocks are smooth, so no reason a dog can't walk on them too, they are so smooth, I had not issue bare foot on them! can become slippery but I just walked a bit to get my feet on them, water was quite cool when we visited, but had to get that feeling of them on my bare feet!! There are trees close by, and a dock, so don't let your doggy just run, esp when others are enjoying the beach too. I did not see signs of 'no pets allowed" that I can recall, just do not take any of the rocks per signs.
fronzak_hailey17
South Beloit, IL
How much is the ferry? Or overall price?
UPwrite
Kingsford, MI918 contributions
Hi! There are a few options available. You can take your car on the ferry, or you can be a "walk on". There is also a combination package of "take the ferry and then take the Cherry Train tour", which is what we did. There is also one that goes to Rock Island, as well. The schedule changes for each season.
Here are the rates, taken off the current brochure, 2018.
Round trip $13.50 adult, child 6-11 $7.00
Auto, (occupants not included) $26.00
Motorcycle $15.00. Bicycle $4.00
Ferry-Cherry Train Combo $29.50 adult, child 6-11. $14.50
Group Reservations 809-223-2094
Tanz R
Pune, India24 contributions
Hi
I'm little confused between school beach and Washington island? can anyone guide me? is school beach on the Washington island? how to get there? is it through washington island ferry line? please help. I am planning to visit this weekend to see the fall colors. Thanks in advance
Anita O
Forest Lake, MN91 contributions
School House Beach is on Washington Island (one of the many things to see on the Island). Just an Fyi... it's considered off-season so a lot of things may be closed. You do need to take the ferry to get to Washington Island, about a 25 minute ride. I would recommend paying the extra and bringing you car. Once on the island it's easy to manuver with an island map. It was a fabulous get-a-way from our getaway!! Two lavender farms/shops, interesting places to eat, a General Store, fishing museum and great views! It was my first time to Door County, definitely not my last!!!
ViruDh
Chicago, IL11 contributions
how good are fall colors? am planning to visit on weekend of 8th and 9th Oct. Wisconsin fall color report says we will get peak colors in 2nd week od Oct.. but also says colors are at 0% today. Can someone please help?
S G
Howards Grove, WI50 contributions
We are south of Green Bay and the colors are just starting to come out on some of the trees. The east skyline was gorgeous last night with a deep blue sky and some of the trees showing color.
MBNMD
Glenview, IL
This is supposed to be Schoolhouse Beach, WI
on Washington Island.
The map directs me to a California beach.
Any thoughts?
markbuc03
Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN21 contributions
Sure enough, ha, that's a flaw in the Trip Advisor page. Just Google it and you'll find where it is on Washington Island, which is off the northern end of Door County, WI. Note: A ferry ride is required to get out to Washington Island.
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Claim your listingSchoolhouse Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Schoolhouse Beach
- Hotels near Schoolhouse Beach:
- (3.56 mi) Jackson Harbor Inn
- (1.46 mi) Townliner Motel
- (1.19 mi) Washington Island Westside Shorefront Home
- (2.24 mi) Gibson's West Harbor Resort
- (3.97 mi) Hotel Washington & Studio
- Restaurants near Schoolhouse Beach:
- (0.45 mi) Fiddlers Green
- (8.67 mi) The Shoreline
- (1.73 mi) Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub
- (2.82 mi) Albatross Drive-In
- (3.53 mi) Jackson Harbor Soup & Sandwiches
Schoolhouse Beach Information
Excellent Reviews | 294 |
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Very Good Reviews | 113 |
Schoolhouse Beach Photos | 230 |










































































