Wisconsin Door County Rock Island Retreat   

June 9-11, 2023

Practice the art of mindfulness while exploring nature by kayak on the shores of Door County, Wisconsin.  You will spend a 3-day weekend camping, paddling, and relaxing in the company of like-minded women.

Rock Island is located just off the tip of the Door peninsula. It is mostly forested, with mature hardwood trees in the interior and white cedar along the rocky coast. The island is home to several species of birds including spotted sandpiper, cliff swallow, veery, ovenbird, American redstart,  and black-throated green warblers.

Paddling activities in nature gives us the opportunity to slow down, and refocus on the moment. So often the mind is crammed with thoughts or stresses that we miss what’s happening directly in front of us and consequently life itself. To be in the present moment, with a centered state of mind, is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those around you. 

On our kayaking and yoga weekend for women, we have combined paddling with mindfulness (yoga) to help participants focus on appreciating the moment, which improves mood, reduces stress and anxiety, and results in an overall greater enjoyment of each day.

While exploring the island, you will visit the historically significant boathouse, a 40' x 70' stone structure that rises 65' above the water line, and the Potawatomi Lighthouse. Cultural and natural history of the island will also be explored.

Who should sign up?

The trip is open to women ages 18 and older. Anyone in good health, and who is moderately active can enjoy the activities listed on the itinerary.   No previous kayaking experience is necessary.

Click below for the itinerary.

The order of activities is subject to change based on weather and water conditions. The activities, lodging, guides, and schedule may change without notice as practical considerations arise during program development or onsite. 

Deposit due April 28. 

Limited to 14 participants.

 This Door County Kayaking Adventure Includes:

-1 half day sea kayaking instruction and paddle.

-1 full day paddling and exploring Rock Island

-Potawatomi Lighthouse tour

-Yoga & mindfulness Instruction

- Naturalist presentation

- Washington Island museums

Click on link to review:

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation Policy

COVID Cancellation Policy & Frequently Asked Questions

Participants will camp on the island. Tents and pads will be provided. Campsites include a firepit, picnic table, and pit toilets.

Meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 3

Submit your deposit by April 15th to reserve your spot.

Questions?

Contact

Peggy Farrell

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

715-346-4681

pfarrell@uwsp.edu

or

Green Edventures Tours

1-888-622-4911 x 2

contact@greenedventures.com

Arrive at the Northport Pier, 215 WI-42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, by 9:45 am to catch the 10:00 am Washington Island Ferry. Take a scenic 1 hour drive north to arrive at Jackson Harbor Dunes Park, 1902 Jackson Harbor Rd, Washington, WI 54246 where your guides will meet you and begin your adventure. After introductions you will learn how to pack your kayak with your gear, then head to the lake for Sea Kayaking instruction. Learn paddling, maneuvering, wet exit, and practice your skills on a calm bay. 

Then it's time to head to Rock Island and set up camp. A relaxed-paced one mile paddle will bring you to the campsite where you will enjoy a presentation on the island's culture and natural history. A hearty dinner will be prepared and eaten in camp to fuel you up for the evening paddle to the historic boathouse. 

Meals: D

This 906-acre island was discovered by the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, also known as La Salle. It is home to the Pottawatomi Lighthouse, Wisconsin's oldest light station, built before Wisconsin became a state! You will spend the day exploring the island by land and by water. Yoga and mindfulness practices will be integrated throughout the day. 

Meals BLD

Paddlers breakfast, then break camp and return to Jackson Harbor. Optional activities are a visit to the Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum where you can take a walk through the Historic Fisherman's Cottage to get a feel for what life was like in this former fishing village; visit the Washington Island Farm Museum which has a collection of old farm buildings and implements, and live animals too. 

B

I enjoy teaching people how to paddle. This trip will immerse you into the natural beauty of the water, the geology and unique features of paddling on Lake Michigan. Fun, adventure and memories are the rewards of paddling with me as your guide. 

Tim Pflieger is the owner of Door County Adventure Center and the principal guide for this adventure. Tim is a Level 4 ACA Coastal Sea Kayaking Instructor, environmental educator, and adventurer. 

Kaitlynn LePire currently works at Door County Adventure Center as an Operations Coordinator, managing the flow day to day. She also holds certifications as a Level 2 coastal sea kayak instructor, aerial park operator, zip line guide and co-facilitator of programs while applying the teachings of yoga into workshops and programs. She started her yoga journey back in 2015 and fell in love with the physical form of a yoga practice (asana). In 2021 she then committed to a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training and has been submerging herself into the teachings of the practice ever since. Yoga has done so much for her mind-body well being and wishes to share her knowledge and benefits of the practice.