If you’re searching for a Midwest getaway that soothes the senses and leaves you feeling renewed, Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm on Washington Island is a destination you’ll want to add to the top of your summer bucket list! With thousands of lavender plants (grown in an all-natural environment), serenity, and phenomenal aroma, Fragrant Isle offers an experience that’s as magical as it is memorable. Keep reading and immerse yourself in this must-visit destination!
Arrive on Washington Island
Your trip to Fragrant Isle starts with one of Door County’s most memorable experiences—a ferry ride across the storied Death’s Door Passage. As you watch the shoreline drift away and feel the lake breeze, you can sense the everyday stress lifting off your shoulders.
Once you arrive, Washington Island greets you with its peaceful charm. The drive from the ferry dock is short but beautiful, winding past quiet woods and open meadows that hint at the island’s hidden treasures. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you arrive at Fragrant Isle.
It’s the kind of spot that immediately makes you want to slow down, explore, and savor every moment. The journey is easy, but the sense of discovery you feel when you reach Fragrant Isle is what makes it truly special.
Discover Fragrant Isle
Let the discovery begin! No matter if you’re here for a quick visit or a full day of relaxation, here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:
Leisurely Strolls
Take a leisurely stroll through the lavender fields. For a small entrance fee during Full Bloom (mid-June through mid-August), you can walk through thousands of fragrant lavender plants. From buds to blooms to harvest and distillation, enjoy lavender’s seasonal journey. Along the way, snap some dreamy photos, breathe in the calming scents, and just soak up the peaceful vibes.
U-Pick Fields
Looking for a more hands-on experience? Pick your own lavender bundle! During July and August, the U-Pick fields are open, letting you snip your own fresh lavender bundle to take home. There’s something special about walking away with your own lavender bundle—a fragrant souvenir that brings a little piece of Fragrant Isle home with you.
Guided Tours
Want to learn more? Take a guided tour. The farm offers 30-minute tours where you’ll learn how lavender is cultivated, harvested, and steam distilled in handmade copper stills to capture Fragrant Isle’s therapeutic-grade lavender essential oil—all naturally and without chemicals or pesticides.
Le Café
For an unforgettable treat, head over to Le Café! Enjoy Le Café’s selection of gourmet lavender treats, such as fresh croissants, baguettes, cookies, chocolates, salads, sandwiches, and their famous macarons. Don’t miss the lavender vanilla ice cream or a refreshing lavender lemonade. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy your meal with stunning views of the lavender fields.
Fragrant Isle’s Shop
Before you leave, be sure to browse The Shop, which features “All Things Lavender,” Wisconsin and Door County’s largest selection of luxurious lavender products. Fragrant Isle’s signature line of products is made by select vendors, all in the United States, to produce more than 300 products to their specifications and using only their lavender.
From fine personal skin care products to delicious lavender edibles, to lavender products that help with laundry and household cleaning chores, scented candles that spread soft light, and many other exciting products. (Therapeutic-grade is the highest grade recognized by the Essential Oil Industry.) And if you time it right, check out their special events—from U-Pick your own lavender bundle to tours of the lavender fields, and more, there’s always something fun happening!
The Distillery
Sip one of their signature drinks as you overlook the lavender fields at The Distillery, the wine and craft beer bar.
With so many ways to enjoy Fragrant Isle, it’s easy to see why visitors fall in love with this special place. But what truly sets Fragrant Isle apart isn’t just the beauty of the blooms or the variety of experiences—it’s the heart and vision behind it all.
Meet the Owners
At the core of Fragrant Isle is the story of its owners, Edgar and Martine Anderson, who have poured their hearts into every inch of the farm. Martine’s love for lavender began as a child in the south of France, where fields of purple stretched as far as the eye could see. Those early days sparked a lifelong passion—a dream she carried with her all the way to Wisconsin.
When Edgar and Martine settled on Washington Island, they looked for a business in which to invest, but nothing seemed to suit. They wanted to create a business that was good for the environment, would create jobs, and contribute to the economic growth of Washington Island.
Fragrant Isle represents the highest standards in lavender cultivation from budding plants to finished products. The Fragrant Isle experience builds appreciation for Lavender and its many benefits in everyday life.
Edgar and Martine’s mission is to educate people about lavender, its many benefits, and uses while enjoying the farm’s beauty and phenomenal aroma. Whether you’re wandering the lavender fields or browsing The Shop’s shelves, you’re stepping into a labor of love built on years of dedication and vision. It’s a family legacy you can see, smell, and feel in every detail—and it’s what keeps visitors coming back, year after year.
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Fragrant Isle offers the perfect escape for everyone—whether it’s a romantic getaway, a girls’ weekend, a solo retreat, or a family adventure. With stunning views, soothing lavender scents, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a place to relax and recharge. Every visit will leave you refreshed and inspired.
Ready to see what awaits? Check out this Discover Wisconsin Day Trip, ‘Fragrant Isle — Washington Island’s Only Lavender Farm’ for an inside look:
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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
