Washington Island Observer

Washington Island Observer Locally-owned newspaper committed to providing local news, community information, and advertising.

Washington Island is a year-round island community located approximately five miles off the northeast tip of the Door Peninsula in Door County, Wisconsin. It has its own town government and supports its own school district. The island, which can be reached by boat and by air, has a landmass of approximately 35 square miles and a year-round population of slightly more than 700.

The Observer has new merchandise: T-shirts, hats, and mugs! Stop into the office to purchase, or we will have a booth at...
06/02/2026

The Observer has new merchandise: T-shirts, hats, and mugs! Stop into the office to purchase, or we will have a booth at the farmers market on Saturdays where products will also be available.

Brown Trout return to Washington Island!!The Washington Island Sportsman and Conservation Club has been working hard ove...
05/15/2026

Brown Trout return to Washington Island!!

The Washington Island Sportsman and Conservation Club has been working hard over the last two years to get the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to stock brown trout around Washington Island. The stocking finally took place on
Thursday May 7, 2026 around 3:00 pm. The fish were stocked near little Islands, off West Harbor where there is deep water nearby and shallow water available for them to thrive. A total of approximately 5,674 fish were released from the ferry. The Ferry Line ran a special boat to make this happen. The last time brown trout were stocked around the Island was 22 years ago in 2004.

Thank you Rip Koken for providing this update :)

Read more about the stocking of the trout in the 5/14/26 edition of The Observer.

After a few year’s hiatus The Observer is once again an Award Winning Newspaper!The Washington Island Observer recieved ...
05/11/2026

After a few year’s hiatus The Observer is once again an Award Winning Newspaper!

The Washington Island Observer recieved 3rd Place in the Local Column Categeroy at the 2025 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Conference; the article which garnered the award was written by Islander, Richard Purinton.

Thank you Richard, and thank you to all our contributors and subscirbers; you allow us to do what we do and help facilitate the future existence of The Observer 👏🫶

The Observer is looking for a new Layout Editor with graphic design experience! We would prefer someone local, but are ...
05/07/2026

The Observer is looking for a new Layout Editor with graphic design experience! We would prefer someone local, but are open to all applicants! So if you know somebody; brother, cousin, daughter, aunt, friend, or acquanitce that may be a fit please let them know we are looking. Thank you!!

Please contact [email protected] if interested.


05/02/2026

Islander Bob Gillespie celebrated his 80th birthday at a party held at Jackson Harbor Soup and Sandwich. His friends and family threw him a surprise party. He received a call from Sarah Gibson insisting he come to Soup & Sandwich for there was a problem with the new stove, installed last week. Bob was indeed surprised upon his arrival to find,not a broken stove, but a room full of loved ones there for the sole purpose of celebrating him and his birthday 🎂

05/01/2026

What’s the age old adage? April showers bring May snow?

04/27/2026

Michelle and Tom Jordan address the community at the Bradley Jordan Memorial Gym groundbreaking ceremony, a project that was inspired to honor their late son, Bradley Jordan.

04/27/2026

Islander, Jesse Hansen acccompanied by The Island Band singing The National Anthem at the Bradley Jordan Memorial Gym groundbreaking!

The Bradley Jordan Memorial Gym officially broke ground today at its new permanent home; located directly behind the Wa...
04/25/2026

The Bradley Jordan Memorial Gym officially broke ground today at its new permanent home; located directly behind the Washington Island School.

The groundbreaking was preceded by a ceremony that included music by the Island Band, singing of the National Anthem by Islander Jesse Hansen, and speeches given by those involved in the project.

A full article depiciting the Bradley Jordan Memorial Gym ceremony and the gym project will be in the 4/30/26 edition of The Washington Island Observer

Address

1253 Main Road
Washington Island, WI
54246

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 12pm
Tuesday 9am - 12pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
Thursday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+19208472661

Website

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