Dragon heads stick out from the roof of a little wooden church in the woods. Yes, real carved dragons, perched on the gables like they’re guarding the place.
The building copies a famous Norwegian church from around 1150 A.D. Island volunteers raised it by hand, using pine and fir trees cut from the same island.
Over 9,600 shingles cover its six-tiered roof.
I love that this sits in Wisconsin, a short ferry ride from the mainland. You reach it by a winding prayer path through a small forest.
The doors stay open around the clock, and nobody charges admission.
I can’t imagine a better reason to board a boat. Who wouldn’t want to see Viking-style woodwork without a passport?
Honestly, the dragons alone would get me there.
A Medieval Norwegian Classic Got A Wisconsin Twin
Norway’s Borgund Stave Church dates to around 1150 and is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Norwegian stave church architecture. The Washington Island Stavkirke was modeled after it, bringing a distinctive piece of Scandinavian architectural heritage to Wisconsin.
The idea came from Reverend James Reiff in 1983, while he was serving as pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. He wanted to honor the island’s Scandinavian heritage and the immigrants who helped shape its community.
Fundraising began that year, but construction took place in the early 1990s. Architect Pat Mangan of Sister Bay developed the plans, drawing inspiration from his interest in stave churches and his visit to Borgund in Norway.
The result is a striking wooden building that evokes the medieval churches of Norway while standing among the trees of Washington Island.
When you visit, you’re seeing more than an unusual landmark. You’re experiencing a community project that celebrates Scandinavian heritage through traditional architectural design, right in the Wisconsin woods.
Twelve Island Trees Hold The Whole Thing Up
Twelve tall posts carry the weight of this church. Builders call them stavs, and that word gives the building style its name.
Each stav stands 18 feet tall. Eleven are pine, and one is white fir.
Here’s the best part. All twelve were harvested right on Washington Island.
That means the church literally grew out of the land around it. The forest you walk through to reach it once held the trees that became its backbone.
The building also shows off hand-hewn logs with tongue and groove joinery. That method echoes the way Vikings built their ships, fitting wood pieces together with real skill.
Kids might enjoy picking out which post is the white fir. Good luck, though, since they all blend together nicely.
Take a moment to look up when you step inside. The masts rise toward the dark rafters and make the small space feel taller than you’d expect.
Knowing the trees came from just down the road adds something special. It turns a pretty building into a true island project, built from island wood by island hands.
You’ll Want To Count The Dragons On The Roof
Most churches don’t come with dragons. This one has them sticking out from the gabled roof prows, just like the old Norwegian originals.
The look is part fairytale and part Viking ship. It’s hard not to grin when you spot them.
Then there’s the roof itself. It climbs in six tiers, stacking up like a wooden layer cake.
Over 9,600 shingles cover those tiers. Each one is four inches wide, which tells you how much patient work went into the job.
Try doing that math on a rainy afternoon. Volunteers placed those shingles one by one, and the pattern still looks neat and tidy.
The multi-gabled shape gives the building its storybook outline. From certain angles it looks almost pointy, like a wooden pinecone with attitude.
Bring a camera with a decent zoom if you can. The dragon heads sit high up, and you’ll want a close look at the carving.
Walk all the way around the outside too. Every side shows a slightly different arrangement of gables and roof lines, so the view keeps changing as you move.
Volunteers Spent Years Turning A Dream Into Timber
Patience and community spirit brought this church to life. Volunteer-led construction began in the early 1990s, with work getting underway in earnest in 1992.
After years of steady effort, the Washington Island Stavkirke was dedicated in August 1995. The project continued beyond that milestone, with landscaping and a decorative bell tower added later.
By 1999, the steeple had been completed, marking another important stage in the church’s development.
Head carpenters John Herschberger and Dale Bjarnarson played major roles in the project, joined by local craftspeople who contributed their skills along the way.
For a small island community, building a church like this was a remarkable collective effort. Residents helped create a place that celebrates their heritage and remains part of the island today.
Unlike a historic structure transported from another country, the Washington Island Stavkirke was built locally by people who cared about preserving Scandinavian traditions. Its timber framework and handcrafted details reflect that shared commitment.
Knowing the story behind its construction adds another dimension to a visit. Beyond the striking roof and carved woodwork, you’ll find a landmark shaped by years of local dedication.
Look Up And You’ll Find Stories Hanging From The Rafters
A small sailing ship floats above the nave. It’s a model of a Mackinac schooner, built by head carpenter John Herschberger.
He made it as a memorial to fisherman Carl Richter. On an island shaped by fishing and water, that tribute fits perfectly.
Keep looking up and you’ll find a tool belt. It hangs from the rafters in honor of Dale Bjarnarson.
He was a dedicated builder who passed away before the church’s dedication. He was also known for sharing jellybeans, which makes his memory even sweeter.
The carvings deserve a slow look too. Gary Hendrickson created the acanthus designs, with their curling, leafy shapes.
Richard Purinton added Celtic-inspired carvings. Together, the two styles give the wood a rich, textured feel.
Inside, the space is small but full of personality. Every object seems to carry a name and a memory.
Take your time and read the room, so to speak. These details turn a quiet visit into a lesson about the people who loved this place enough to build it.
The Walk In Through The Woods Sets The Mood
Nobody just pulls up to the front door here. Visitors reach the Washington Island Stavkirke along a winding prayer path through a small forest grove.
It’s a short walk, so don’t lace up hiking boots. Still, it feels like a little journey.
The path invites you to slow down. It was made for meditation and quiet thinking, not racing to the next stop.
Trees close in around you as you go. Then the dark wooden church comes into view, and the reveal is pretty great.
A boardwalk entrance also leads toward the church. That helps visitors who want a smoother route from the parking area.
One heads-up for planning, though. The interior isn’t wheelchair accessible yet, so plan accordingly if someone in your group uses a chair.
Try walking the path with your phone in your pocket. You’ll notice more when you’re not staring at a screen.
The quiet does a lot of work here. Even a busy family can find a few calm minutes before stepping up to the church doors.
A Stone Labyrinth Gives You One More Reason To Linger
Brand new by island standards, the labyrinth was completed in 2024. It sits northwest of the lower parking lot.
It offers another outdoor spot for meditation. Think of it as a second act after the prayer path.
A labyrinth isn’t a maze, by the way. There’s one winding route, so nobody gets lost or stuck.
You simply follow the turns toward the center and back out. It’s slow, steady, and oddly relaxing.
Kids may treat it like a game, and that’s fine. Adults might use it for a few moments of reflection.
The site has seen other updates too. A circular parking lot was paved in May 2022 to improve safety for guests and tour vehicles.
Those changes show the grounds are cared for and still growing. The church may follow an ancient design, but the site keeps getting fresh touches.
Give yourself a little extra time for this part. Rushing through a labyrinth kind of misses the point, and the setting deserves a calmer pace.
Sunday Mornings And Summer Thursdays Bring It To Life
Worship still takes place inside these wooden walls, making the Washington Island Stavkirke more than just a sightseeing stop.
From Memorial Day through October 4, Sunday services are held here at 8 a.m. During July and August, additional services take place on Thursdays at 5 p.m., giving summer visitors another opportunity to experience the church in use.
The Stavkirke also hosts special services and baptisms as part of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church community. Trinity owns and operates the building, and its main church is located just a few hundred yards away.
Visitors can also stop by for quiet reflection outside scheduled services. The peaceful woodland setting offers a chance to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship.
If you’re attending a service, be respectful of the congregation and avoid taking photos during worship unless photography is permitted.
Seeing the church in use adds another dimension to a visit. The carved details and timber beams take on a different meaning when people gather here for worship, continuing the purpose for which the church was built.
Small Weddings Fit Beautifully Under Those Beams
Thirty-eight guests. That’s the maximum number for a wedding inside the Washington Island Stavkirke, so the guest list gets cozy fast.
For some couples, that limit is a blessing. Fewer people can mean less stress and more meaningful moments.
Ceremonies are officiated by the pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Planning starts with the church, not a big event company.
The setting does plenty of the decorating. Dark carved wood, a forest path, and dragons on the roof make for unforgettable photos.
Imagine explaining that to Grandma. Yes, there are dragons, and yes, they’re supposed to be there.
Wedding parties should plan for travel too. Everyone will need to cross by ferry to reach Washington Island.
Remember the interior isn’t wheelchair accessible yet. Keep that in mind if older relatives or guests with mobility needs are coming.
A small Norwegian-style church in Wisconsin makes a memorable backdrop. Couples who love history, craftsmanship, or Scandinavian roots will find it hard to top.
Free, Open All Night, And Worth The Ferry Ride
Doors stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. There’s no admission fee either.
Donations are gratefully accepted, though. They help pay for maintenance and improvements.
You’ll find the church at 1763 Townline Road, Washington Island, WI 54246. The island sits off the tip of Door County in Wisconsin.
Getting there means a ferry ride from the mainland. Honestly, the boat trip feels like part of the fun.
An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people visit each year. That’s a lot of folks for a little church in the woods.
Want a souvenir that gives back? Richard Purinton wrote a book about building the Stavkirke.
You can buy it at Trinity Lutheran Church. All proceeds support the upkeep of the Stavkirke.
The book makes a great keepsake for history fans. It also helps keep those shingles and dragons in good shape.
Plan a stop on your island day trip. A free, peaceful piece of Norway in Wisconsin is a pretty hard deal to pass up.
