WATERMARK INN - A Sanctuary For Nature Lovers and Romantics

The Watermark Inn has become a popular destination for nature lovers, romantics, and other vacationers who seek refuge from the chaos of everyday life.

Sitting on three acres of beautiful wooded land with an all-natural shoreline, Watermark Inn features two private spacious suites full of amenities. From your upper level deck you'll have a view of nature in action Washington Island's natural beauty and wildlife, including Hog Island, a National Wildlife Refuge and nesting ground for water fowl and terns.

Hog Island Bird Sanctuary

Less than a mile looking east from Watermark Inn sits Hog Island, a 2 acre bird sanctuary belonging to the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The island was set aside by Executive Order in 1913 as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. It became the 28th refuge in the U.S. and second in the Great Lakes region.

The island's isolation and steep cliffs make it a favorable site for the colony of herring gulls that has used the island for many years. A few red-breasted mergansers nest on the island as well. Hog Island is home to Canada yew, a native shrub that was once common in the area but has become rare due to over-browsing by white-tailed deer.

The limestone and dolomite rocks that make up the base of Hog Island formed from compacted sediments of marine life that were deposited over 500 million years ago when the area was covered by an ancient ocean. At one time, Hog Island was tree-covered. However, all the trees are now dead, and many have fallen over.

All public use is restricted due to ground nesting by migratory birds and the limited and treacherous access.