Death's Door is the water passage between the Door County peninsula and the islands to the north. This passage connects Green Bay to Lake Michigan. In the days when Native Americans were crossing this passage, it was dangerous because the canoes that were used were small and frail. Because of great loss of canoes by warriors, the Native Americans called the passage the Door of Death!

French voyageurs then named the passage Porte des Morts on their charts. Later, wooden sailing schooners sailed through the Door on their way to Milwaukee, Chicago and other Lake Michigan ports. They carried products like lumber, iron ore, and even Christmas trees. They, too, had a difficult time with water currents, winds, and rocky shores.

Today in crossing Death's Door we use modern steel ferries, Coast Guard navigational aids, radar, and GPS. The Washington Island Ferry captains always keep safety in mind when crossing this historic passage. Although there have not been any shipwrecks for many years, its charted name is still Death's Door.

Come and cross Death's Door with us. For more information on the Washington Island Ferry Line visit www.wisferry.com