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| FAQs |
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What is the Cherry Train tour length?
Over 15 miles, up to 2 hours for each tour, with at least 3 stops at points of interest along the route.
What sort of weather can we expect? How should we dress?
Lake Michigan air can be cool, even on what may otherwise seem to be a warm day! Dress comfortably in casual wear, but consider bringing along a jacket or light sweater, even in summer.
Trams are covered, but the ride is open air and exposed to weather elements.
Where do I purchase a ticket?
You may purchase your COMBINATION FERRY + CHERRY TRAIN ticket at the Northport Ferry Booth - the best way to reserve a seat on board the train. You may also purchase Tour Only tickets at Northport Ticket Booth and on a space-available basis at the Island Ticket Booth.
Where is Northport Pier, and how do I get there?
Washington Island Ferry Line ferries leave from the tip of the Door Peninsula, at the end of State Hwy. 42. This location is a one hour drive north of Sturgeon Bay; about 20 minutes north of Sister Bay; ten minutes from Ellison Bay. A winding road, the last mile, brings you to Northport.
What about parking for our car? Restrooms? Tickets?
Signage directs you to free parking on either side of the highway. Restrooms, food, information, and tickets are right near the pier. Northport Pier Restaurant serves breakfast and lunches to 3:30pm daily, May through October, in the Northport Ferry Terminal. |
What if we want to take the Tour, but also bring our car?
No problem. Approach the ferry ticket booth, and ask for a round-trip vehicle ticket in addition to the Combination Ferry + Cherry Train Tour ticket. Many people also bring their car to Washington Island, to spend time exploring on their own after the narrated tour. Cherry Train Tours do not cover the entire island or stop at all points of interest. You will have an opportunity to do so with your own transportation on your own schedule, after the introductory tour of Washington Island. |
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What about shops, restaurants, places to stay?
Washington Island is a complete vacation community, a year-round community in fact, with a variety of businesses to meet your needs and desires. This is one reason to have your own transportation should you wish to shop, dine or visit places off the typical Cherry Train Tour route. If you stay for the night, you will most certainly want to bring your own vehicle. |
What about Jackson Harbor and Rock Island State Park?
New in 2010 is a tour of the Island North Shore and Jackson Harbor, with the opportunity for you to link with the KARFI passenger ferry to Rock Island. This tour is available FRI-SAT-SUN in July and August only, due to ferry schedules. We request reservations for this tour – (800-223-2094).
Visit our NEW TOUR Island North Shore for more information. |
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What about pets on the Cherry Train?
With the exception of pets specific to aiding disabled persons, we do not allow pets on the Cherry Train Tour. (Pets may, however, board the ferry in a vehicle, or be kept on a leash on the main vehicle deck.)
What ferry departure time should I use to meet the Cherry Train on the Island?
Since the ferry crossing takes approximately 30 minutes, board a ferry that leaves at least 45 minutes prior to the Cherry Train Tour start. If you look on our Cherry Train Tour Timetable, you will see suggested ferry times in order to make a particular tour time.
Can I use the Cherry Train as transportation to connect with the Rock Island ferry? Can I bring camping gear?
Yes, taking our North Shore and Jackson Harbor Tour (new in 2010 – see web page for this tour) will allow you to meet the KARFI passenger ferry to Rock Island, and return later that day. Please see times and prices for this option, and note this tour option is available only July 2 thru Sept.5
However, truthfully, if you wish to camp overnight, or wish to visit Rock Island with many people in your party, cooler, water toys, etc., you will find it much more convenient and efficient to simply take your vehicle from Northport, drive across Washington Island, and park at the State Park Dock (free!) in Jackson Harbor. You will then have the flexibility of making your own schedule, timing ferry crossings as suits your party, and still have the option of visiting one or several points of interest on Washington Island.
If you have questions concerning this tour option for Rock Island, please give us a call or email us for our opinion. |
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Will the Cherry Train bring me back to the dock in time to catch the ferry back to the mainland?
Our drivers are skilled at making these connections, and receive a high level of satisfaction in meeting the return ferries each time! If concerned about a tight connection, please ask our driver prior to boarding to reinforce the importance of catching the ferry. From the other side of this question, we’d like for your tour to be leisurely, not hurried, and you may enjoy a bit of time to shop, buy a snack, or just enjoy the scenery and activity prior to boarding for your return trip. Your round trip ferry ticket is good for any return ferry, any time, any day.
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