In fact, there are only six other beaches that are like School House Beach in the world. The Robert Noble car ferry travels back to Gills Rock from Washington Island to drop off a full load of cars and people. . Visiting antique shops and arts and crafts stores can also be done while on the island. There is a farm museum that you can visit to see what farm life is like on the island, and a maritime museum that has artifacts from the Door County fishing and boating industry. One of the most enjoyable things to do on the island is renting a bike and riding along some of the very scenic tree-lined roads and trails of Washington Island.
Bikes are availible for rent both on the mainland, and on the island.
Even though Washington Island is small and relies mainly on tourism for money, the island is still very self- sufficient. It has its own gas station, general store, doctor, police and fire departments, EMTs, airport, and school. Many people on the island are full-time residents, so they need these services. Many of the full-time residents on Washington Island make a living from the tourists that visit the island. They own shops, inns and restaurants.