port washington wisconsin
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
|
Port Washington, WI Lat: 43° 23.088 Long: 087° 51.609 |
|
Quick Reference:
|
Important Numbers
|
|
DISTANCES
|
|
DESCRIPTION This area was originally the home of the Sauk first nations people. In the 17th and 18th century, it was crossed by French explorers and fur traders. The first settlement began in the 1830's The settlement was a natural place for a harbor and the continued growth of the community was tied directly to its port. In fact, Port Washington claims to be the first man-made harbor in North America. Over the years, Port Washington Wisconsin was an important transhipment port for lumber, grain, fish and manufactured goods. Today, Port Washington is home to one of the largest commercial fishing fleets on the Great Lakes. As commercial activity either declined or shifted to other ports, recreational boating assumed a much larger role and is now the focus of harbor activities. |
|
APPROACHES The approaches to Port Washington Wisconsin are clear from all directions. . The harbor sits at the mouth of Sauk Creek. The outer harbor is formed by a 2000 ft/ 617 m breakwater, running on a NW - SE line. There is a Fl RED light on the north pierhead, with a horn and visible 10.3 nm offshore. The south breakwater encloses the harbor and is marked with a Fl GREEN light, visible 6.8 nm offshore. At the northwest corner of the harbor, there is a 1000 ft/ 300m breakwater that serves as the south wall of the inner harbor. The entrance to this inner harbor is on the northwest corner, marked with a Fl GREEN light, visible 5.6 nm. Port Washington Marina is located in the inner harbor. |
|
MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Port Washington Marina (262) 284-6606 VHF 9, 16 Port Washington Marina has 220 slips with about 4 dozen available for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water and power are available at all slips. The marina office building has restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. There is a ship's store on-site. The grounds have a children's playground, picnic areas and BBQ grills. There is internet service available. Port Washington Yacht Club (262) 284-9904 PWYC does not have facilities for visiting sailors. However, their clubhouse, located about a block from the marina welcomes sailors from other clubs and ports. |
|
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's E and S Mobile Marine offer in-water repair service Beck's Grand Ave. Mini Mart carries basic supplies. It is about 1 mi/1.6 km from the marina. There is a Walmart Superstore located about 3.5 mi/5.5 km from the marina. Port Washington State Bank is located about .3 mi/.5 km from the marina. |
|
MEDICAL SERVICES Aurora Medical Center (262) 329-1000 is Port Washington's community hospital. It is located 7 mi/11km south of the marina. Shopko Express Pharmacy (262) 284-3436 is located 1 mi/1.6 km north of the marina. |
|
PLACES TO EAT There are a number of options within easy walking distance of the marina. Newport Shores Restaurant is just noth of the marina. This very popular restaurant serves steaks, ribs, fish and chicken along with a great view of the lake. Dockside Deli is on the west side of the marina and serves a variety of deli sandwiches. Enjoy on their deck with a nice view overlooking the marina. Further into town (just a few blocks), you can find Beanies Mexican Restaurant and Tello's Grill and Cafe. Both serve Mexican fare and Tello's offers Greek menu options as well. The Pasta Shoppe is a long-time local favorite for Italian food. |
|
THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Every July, Port Washington hosts the Port Washington Fish Day This is a huge celebration and draws visitors (including a lot of sailors) from all over. Book a slip well ahead of time and come ready to have some fun. Port Washington Light Station, built in 1860, is open for tours. A stroll along the Harbor Walk is informative as well with an exhibit recalling ships that have been lost on Lake Michigan. The downtown district is close by and, in many ways, presents a classic mid-western town streetscape. Every Saturday throughout the summer there is a bustling Farmers' Market. The Port Washington Wisconsin website will give you more ideas on how you can enjoy your time here. Return from Port Washington WI to Lake Michigan Return to Home Page |
