There will be no visitors to one of Wisconsin’s most remote state parks this year. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced Monday it will not reopen Rock Island State Park for the 2020 season. COVID-19 played a role in the decision with the Friends of Rock Island State Park worried about its volunteers’ health and social distancing struggles on the Karfi vessel operated by the Washington Island Ferry.  DNR District Supervisor Michael Bergum says an even bigger issue is the high water level of Lake Michigan.

Bergum says if funding is available, they would like to extend Rock Island State Park’s dock so it can be adjusted to the water levels. Even with the high water levels sticking around, he does not believe it would keep the DNR from being able to reopen the popular attraction next year.

Photo by Mike Kowols