A Quaint Lake Michigan Town With Scandinavian Vibes Is Known As 'The Norway Of Wisconsin'

Wisconsin can easily be considered the perfect vacation for foodies who love cheese, but it might be the last place you'd think of visiting to get in touch with your Norwegian roots. However, just north of Door County lies Washington Island, Wisconsin — an underrated gem that transports you to a Viking village without ever leaving the U.S. Midwest. Dubbed "The Norway of Wisconsin," this little island in Lake Michigan embodies Nordic culture with everything from its unique architecture to its history and beaches.

Washington Island's Nordic roots can be found everywhere on the island, and it all stems from its earliest European settlements in the late 19th century. Here, in 1870, a Danish settler established the second-oldest Icelandic settlement in the United States, the town of Washington. More settlers began planting roots on the island, with people coming from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Even today, Washington Island is the largest Icelandic community outside of Iceland.

From the Stavkirke (Church of Staves) modeled after the medieval Borgund Stave Church in Norway to the influence of customs and traditions passed down through generations of Scandinavian families, Washington Island is the place to be for Viking vibes in the U.S. Even the weather is similar to what you'd expect in Norway.

While Washington Island can see thousands of visitors during peak tourism times, you'll find unique small-town vibes in this community, which is home to only about 700 residents. The Stavkirke, built in the 1990s, is an absolute must-visit, but there are Scandinavian touches all around. Look for Danish-style log cabins scattered around the island, or book your stay in Hotel Washington, a hotel built in 1904 by Ben Johnson, an immigrant from Eyrarbakki, Iceland. Even when you arrive by ferry, you're greeted with five flags from the Scandinavian countries that have so deeply influenced the heritage here.

Washington Island also celebrates its roots through food. The area is known for throwing traditional fish boils, something introduced by its early settlers. Local fish is boiled in a huge kettle of bubbling salt water on an open fire, complete with a fire show when the food is nearly ready. KK Fiske is also a favorite eatery, with fresh "lawyers" (freshwater cod) and homemade bread daily. For an educational experience, visit the Washington Island Farm Museum, where you can learn about the farming methods brought over by early settlers.

Beyond the culture, the island is a natural wonderland. Its interior is covered in green forests and home to nature preserves. The popular Schoolhouse Beach, one of the few limestone beaches in the world, is filled with smooth pebbles — similar to a couple of rare beaches found in Norway and Sweden. The pebbles are protected, though, so don't think of pocketing any unless you want to fork over a $250 fine.

Getting to Washington Island is as much of an adventure as the destination itself. You'll have to hop on a ferry from Northport Pier in Door County, which offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan to boot. The ferry runs about twice a day, but it's wise to check the schedule ahead of time, especially during the bustling summer months and weekends. Round-trip tickets will only run you $15, and children are discounted. You can also bring along your vehicle for an additional charge.

If you've only planned a day trip, getting around the island is pretty easy — you can rent a bike or moped to explore the island's most beautiful bike trails and town roads at your own pace. If you plan to stay, there's a variety of B&Bs, vacation rentals, and unique hotels. While you're on the island, be sure to check out the blooming lavender fields and interesting attractions like the Jacobsens Museum or the Maritime Museum.

From Washington Island, visitors can hop on another ferry and head over to Rock Island, just northeast, to check out its limestone boathouse, the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, and hike through Rock Island State Park. Washington Island is a peaceful escape that will make you feel like you're on a historical movie set, perfect for culture seekers and nature lovers.