In the eyes of Door County residents at least, the “coolest thing made in Wisconsin” is beginning to take shape in Sturgeon Bay. Work on the Washington Island Ferry’s newest vessel named the Madonna began in August at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. When it is complete, Madonna will be 124 feet long with a capacity of 28 vehicles and 150 passengers, making it the largest in the Washington Island Ferry fleet. The ferry will also give the company extra flexibility in the winter because of its ice-breaking abilities. Washington Island Ferry President Hoyt Purinton says with every one of his regular updates on the project, he is happy Madonna is being made in Door County.

While the ferry line expects its newest vessel to be delivered in May 2020, you only have until Sunday to make sure Madonna beats pickles made in Bear Creek as the “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.”