Washington Island Lavender Fields

A Blooming Paradise in Door County

Nestled on the northern edge of Door County, Wisconsin’s Washington Island harbors one of the region’s most photogenic treasures: lavender fields that transform the landscape into a sensory wonderland each summer. The gentle slope of purple-hued rows against the backdrop of rustic farm buildings creates compositions that captivate both casual visitors and serious photographers alike. As you step into these fragrant fields, time seems to slow while golden light filters through the swaying purple blooms, offering countless photographic opportunities. Whether you’re chasing the perfect landscape shot or intimate macro details, Washington Island’s lavender farms blend natural beauty with agricultural heritage in a way that makes them uniquely compelling for visual storytellers looking to capture Door County’s diverse charm.

About Washington Island Lavender Fields

Washington Island, accessible only by ferry across Death’s Door passage, hosts several distinctive lavender farms that have become increasingly popular destinations for photographers and tourists. Each offers its own unique character and photographic opportunities while contributing to the island’s growing reputation as a lavender destination.

Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop

Located at 1350 Airport Road, Fragrant Isle is the largest and most visited lavender operation on the island. Established in 2013, it has grown to become the Midwest’s premier lavender destination with over 30,000 lavender plants of various cultivars creating a patchwork of purple hues across its 21 acres. The farm features meticulously maintained display gardens, a dedicated photography garden area, and a large farm shop selling lavender products. Their restored historic barn serves as both a visual anchor for photographs and houses their Le Petit Bistro café during peak season.

Island Lavender at the Historic Island Dairy

Found at 1309 Range Line Road, Island Lavender occupies the historic Island Dairy building, an iconic white structure dating back to 1917. This farm offers a different aesthetic with lavender fields set against the distinctive dairy building architecture. Their location features lavender demonstration gardens, a boutique shop in the restored dairy building, and surrounding fields with more naturalistic plantings. The slightly elevated position of some fields here provides sweeping views that can incorporate water vistas in the distance.

Lavender Woods Farm

A newer addition to the island’s lavender scene, Lavender Woods Farm is located at 2092 Town Line Road on the island’s east side. This boutique operation distinguishes itself by blending lavender cultivation with natural woodlands, creating unique photographic opportunities where purple fields meet native forest edges. Their intimate setting offers fewer crowds and more secluded shooting opportunities.

The lavender fields here aren’t just visually stunning—they’re part of a growing agricultural tradition that connects to Washington Island’s history of innovative farming. When traditional crops became challenging to sustain on the island, forward-thinking farmers sought alternatives that would thrive in the island’s unique microclimate. Lavender, which loves the well-drained soil and moderate temperatures influenced by Lake Michigan, proved to be an ideal match.

Photographers are drawn to these fields for their extraordinary color palette, varied textures, and the interplay of elements—from weathered farm structures to the distant shimmer of water on the horizon. The geometric precision of the rows creates leading lines that naturally draw the viewer’s eye through compositions, while individual blooms offer endless macro opportunities.

Historical Background

While lavender cultivation is relatively new to Washington Island, the island itself has a rich agricultural history dating back to the 1870s when Icelandic immigrants settled here, drawn by the fishing opportunities and climate reminiscent of their homeland. For generations, the island supported traditional Midwestern crops and dairy farming, with wheat being particularly important.

The transition to lavender farming represents an agricultural renaissance on the island. Starting around 2010, inspired by the successful lavender farms on Michigan’s nearby peninsula and the famous fields of Provence, France, several Washington Island landowners began experimenting with lavender cultivation. The island’s microclimate—moderated by surrounding Lake Michigan waters—provides ideal growing conditions similar to the Mediterranean regions where lavender naturally thrives.

Fragrant Isle, the island’s pioneering lavender operation, was founded by Edgar and Martine Anderson, who brought European knowledge of lavender cultivation to Wisconsin’s northern shores. Their success sparked additional lavender ventures on the island, creating what has become a distinctive agricultural and tourist attraction for Door County.

Island Lavender followed soon after, strategically choosing the historic Island Dairy building as their base of operations, helping preserve this important architectural landmark while launching their lavender enterprise. Lavender Woods Farm represents the next generation of this growing tradition, having established their operation within the past five years.

What Makes It Popular

The lavender fields have rapidly become one of Door County’s must-visit destinations for several compelling reasons:

The sensory experience is unmatched—the fragrance alone creates a memory that visitors carry with them long after leaving. The visual impact of thousands of purple plants set against Wisconsin’s blue summer skies creates a European-like atmosphere that feels transportive.

Many visitors appreciate the sustainable farming practices employed by the lavender farms, which typically avoid harsh chemicals and emphasize environmental stewardship. The farms often offer educational components where visitors can learn about lavender cultivation, harvesting, and various uses.

Beyond the fields themselves, the farms typically feature charming shops selling lavender products ranging from culinary items to bath products and essential oils. Many also offer workshops on creating lavender-based crafts or culinary experiences featuring lavender-infused treats.

For photographers, the appeal is multifaceted—the opportunity to capture something unexpected in Wisconsin’s landscape, the varied compositions possible within the geometric fields, and the way light interacts with the purple blooms throughout the day creates endless creative possibilities.

Public Accessibility & Photography Policies

Each lavender farm on Washington Island has its own distinct policies regarding accessibility and photography:

Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop

• General Access: Open to the public daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during season (May through October). Extended hours (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM) during peak bloom in July.
• Admission: Free general admission to grounds and shop. Special events like Lavender Festival (mid-July) may have nominal entrance fees.
• Photography Policy: Casual photography welcome throughout public areas. Professional photography (portraits, weddings, etc.) requires advance reservation and a $50 permit fee. Commercial photography for advertising or stock photos requires prior arrangement and licensing fees starting at $150.
• Special Photography Access: Offers “Photographer’s Early Access” passes ($25) that allow entry at sunrise (5:30 AM) on select days during peak bloom season. Limited to 15 photographers per session.
• Drone Policy: Drones permitted only during designated hours (before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM) with advance permission and signed liability waiver.

Island Lavender at the Historic Island Dairy

• General Access: Open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Memorial Day through September. Limited hours in May and October.
• Admission: Free entrance to shop and display gardens. $5 per person fee (children under 12 free) to access main lavender fields during peak bloom season (late June through July).
• Photography Policy: Personal photography permitted throughout public areas. Professional photography requires $35 permit fee and advance scheduling. Commercial photography evaluated on case-by-case basis with negotiable fees.
• Special Photography Access: Offers “Sunrise Photography Sessions” by appointment ($40 per photographer) with access to fields from 5:00 AM until regular opening hours.
• Drone Policy: No drones permitted due to proximity to residential areas and historic preservation concerns.

Lavender Woods Farm

• General Access: Limited public hours—typically open Friday through Monday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM during peak season (late June through August). Other times by appointment only.
• Admission: $8 per person entrance fee includes self-guided tour brochure and small lavender gift. Children under 8 free.
• Photography Policy: Personal photography included with admission. Professional photography welcomed with advance reservation and $25 donation to their pollinator conservation program.
• Special Photography Access: More flexible about early/late access by arrangement. Offers exclusive “Private Farm Access” for photographers ($100 for 2-hour session) that can be scheduled outside public hours.
• Drone Policy: Drone photography permitted with advance permission and proof of FAA registration. No additional fee but limited to early morning hours.

Best Time of Year for Photography

The lavender blooming season on Washington Island typically runs from mid-June through early August, with peak bloom usually occurring in early to mid-July. This timing can vary slightly depending on the year’s weather patterns.

For photographers seeking the most vibrant purple display, timing your visit for peak bloom is essential. The farm owners typically post bloom updates on their websites and social media channels as the season approaches.

Different photographic opportunities present themselves throughout the season:

• Early Season (mid-June): The plants display fresh, vibrant green with hints of purple beginning to emerge. This period offers a different color palette with more emphasis on texture and form.
• Peak Bloom (early to mid-July): This is when the fields reach their full purple glory and the fragrance is most intense. The farms are busiest during this time, so arriving very early or staying late is advisable for photographers seeking scenes without visitors in frame.
• Late Season (late July to early August): Some fields may be partially harvested, creating interesting patterns and contrast. The light tends to be warmer, and the farms less crowded.

For those seeking to incorporate other Door County seasonal elements, late June through mid-July offers the additional benefit of coinciding with wildflower blooms in surrounding areas and long daylight hours for extended shooting opportunities.

Best Time of Day for Photography

The magic hours—early morning and late afternoon into evening—provide the most flattering light for lavender field photography:

Morning (5:30 AM – 9:00 AM): The early morning offers soft, directional light that accentuates the texture of the lavender rows. Morning dew can add a magical element to close-up shots, and on still mornings, the fragrance of lavender hangs heavily in the air. This is also when you’ll find the fewest visitors, allowing for uninterrupted wide landscape shots.

Late Afternoon and Golden Hour (6:00 PM – sunset): The warm, golden light of late afternoon creates a magical glow across the purple fields. The low-angled light emphasizes the contours of the land and the texture of the plants. This timing can create dramatic silhouettes when shooting toward the sun, or rich, saturated colors when shooting with the light at your back.

Blue Hour (just after sunset): The cool tones of twilight create a complementary backdrop to the purple fields, offering a brief but rewarding shooting window with a distinctive mood.

While midday lighting is generally less favorable for landscape photography, it can be ideal for capturing the vibrant color contrasts between the deep blue summer sky and the purple fields. Using a polarizing filter can help manage midday glare and enhance these color relationships.

Tips for First-Time Photographers

1. Respect the Farm: Stay on designated paths and ask permission before venturing into the fields. Most farms welcome photographers but have specific guidelines to protect their crops.
2. Consider Farm Differences: Each farm offers unique compositions—Fragrant Isle offers classic expansive field views, Island Lavender provides historic architecture elements, and Lavender Woods Farm offers woodland-edge compositions. Visit multiple locations if time permits.
3. Explore Different Perspectives: Don’t just shoot standing height—get low to emphasize the lavender against the sky, or find elevated positions to capture patterns and scale.
4. Include Scale Elements: Incorporate farm buildings, people (with permission), or other elements that give viewers a sense of the field’s size and context.
5. Focus on Details: Beyond the grand landscape shots, look for intimate compositions—bees pollinating blooms, dew drops on stems, or the architectural structure of individual plants.
6. Consider Composition Carefully: The rows of lavender create natural leading lines—use these to draw viewers into your image. The rule of thirds works particularly well in lavender field photography.
7. Visit Multiple Times: If possible, visit at different times of day and in various weather conditions. Morning fog, evening golden light, and even overcast days each offer distinctive moods.
8. Bring Protection: Bees love lavender! While they’re generally focused on the flowers and not photographers, those with bee allergies should take appropriate precautions.
9. Dress Appropriately: Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes as the ground between rows can be uneven. Consider wearing neutral colors that won’t compete with or reflect onto the lavender in your images.

Recommended Photography Equipment

Essential Gear:

• Versatile Zoom Lens: A 24-70mm provides excellent range for both wider landscape shots and closer details.
• Macro Lens: A 90mm or 100mm macro allows for breathtaking close-ups of individual lavender blooms and visiting pollinators.
• Tripod: Essential for low-light shooting and ensuring sharp images, especially during golden and blue hours.
• Polarizing Filter: Helps manage reflections on the lavender’s waxy leaves and intensifies the blue sky as a backdrop.
• Graduated ND Filters: Useful for balancing bright skies with the darker lavender fields, particularly during golden hour.

Additional Helpful Items:

• Wide-Angle Lens: A 16-35mm helps capture the expansive feel of large fields.
• Telephoto Lens: A 70-200mm allows for compressed perspectives that emphasize patterns and isolate sections of the field.
• Kneeling Pad: For comfort during low-angle shooting.
• Reflector or Diffuser: Helpful for portrait work or close-up photography to manage shadows and harsh light.
• Drone (if permitted at your chosen location): Provides unique aerial perspectives of the geometric patterns formed by the lavender rows.
• Wind Protection: Lavender stems sway in even slight breezes, so faster shutter speeds or patience may be required for sharp images.

For those interested in capturing the full sensory experience, consider recording equipment for the ambient sounds of buzzing bees and rustling plants to complement your visual storytelling.

How to Get To Each Farm

Once on the island:

• Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm (1350 Airport Road) is about a 5-minute drive from the ferry landing. From the ferry dock, follow Main Road to Airport Road and turn right. The farm will be on your left.
• Island Lavender at the Historic Island Dairy (1309 Range Line Road) is approximately a 7-minute drive from the ferry landing. Follow Main Road, turn left onto Range Line Road, and the distinctive white dairy building will be visible on your right.
• Lavender Woods Farm (2092 Town Line Road) is located on the eastern side of the island, about a 15-minute drive from the ferry landing. Take Main Road to Town Line Road and follow it east.

The island is also navigable by bicycle, with rental options available near the ferry landing for those not bringing a vehicle. Public transportation is limited, so planning your transportation method in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist season.

A Photography Experience That Smells As Heavenly As It Looks

As the sun begins its descent over Washington Island, casting long shadows across rows of purple splendor, you’ll understand why photographers return to these lavender fields season after season. Each visit offers new perspectives, different light, and fresh creative possibilities. Whether you’re capturing the expansive fields at Fragrant Isle, the historic architecture at Island Lavender, or the woodland edges at Lavender Woods Farm, these fragrant fields provide a photographic experience unlike any other in Door County. Pack your camera, set your alarm for sunrise, and prepare to immerse yourself in a world where color, fragrance, and light converge in perfect harmony. The lavender fields of Washington Island aren’t just a destination—they’re an inspiration, waiting to be captured through your unique vision. When will you answer their purple-hued call?