About Fair Isle Books & Gifts
Fair Isle is a small bookshop and gift store on Detroit Harbor Road, at the first stop sign after you drive off the ferry onto Washington Island. Its theme is inspiring curiosity, connection and compassion through story: books are chosen by hand for children and adults, and every item that isn't a book is fair trade, bought from artisans who are paid a steady living wage, many of them women supporting their families.
The shop is open from late May to late October, 10 am to 4 pm every day except Monday, which makes it an easy first or last stop around the ferry schedule. The shop also has a resident dog named Maddie.
Beyond books, the shelves hold candles, kitchen and tabletop pieces including handmade pottery from Mexico, Haitian metal wall art, soaps, scarves, socks, jewelry, bags and clothing for adults and kids. Children will find toys, finger puppets and games. An island section gathers books about Washington Island, island-themed gifts and local photographs. The Red Cup coffee house is right next door if you want a drink before browsing.
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop is about 10 minutes northeast across the island, so you can browse here after getting off the ferry and continue on to the lavender fields.
What to do
- Browse hand-picked books for adults and children
- Find books, gifts and photographs about Washington Island
- Shop fair trade jewelry, scarves, pottery and Haitian metal art
- Pick out toys and finger puppets for kids
- Get a coffee next door at the Red Cup before or after
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open on the island late May to late October; online year-round
- Hours
- Season as posted 2026: daily 10 am–4 pm, closed Mondays
Tips for your visit
- It sits at the first stop sign after the ferry, so it is easy to fit in on arrival or before your return crossing
- Closed Mondays, so plan island shopping for another day
- Off-hours questions can be texted to the number listed on the shop's website
Pair it with a lavender farm
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop · about 10 minutes away
Stop here near the ferry dock, then drive about 10 minutes northeast to Fragrant Isle's lavender fields and shop.
Getting there
Questions
When is Fair Isle open?
From late May to late October, 10 am to 4 pm daily except Mondays.
Where is Fair Isle on Washington Island?
At 1885 Detroit Harbor Road, at the first stop sign after you leave the ferry.
What makes the gifts different?
Every non-book item is fair trade, made by artisans paid a steady living wage.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Door County, Wisconsin
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
