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Anderson Dock

3083 Anderson Ln
Ephraim, WI 54211

Attraction, Activities & Attractions, Indoor Activities, Educational, Museums

Summary

A rare example where graffiti is an accepted part of an attraction is at Anderson Dock. A posted sign notes that boaters have "signed" the dockside warehouse walls for years with their boats' names and the year that they docked. "We encourage boaters and visitors to continue the tradition by being creative but tasteful." No carving or spray paint, please. There is an Anderson Historic District within the village that includes Anderson Dock, the Anderson Gas Station Gallery, the Anderson Ice House, and the Anderson Family Homestead. It's safe to say that the village of Ephraim might be a much different place without the enterprising spirit of the Anderson family. For many Ephraim residents and visitors alike, the Anderson Dock and all that goes with it – the store, the warehouse (now the Francis Hardy Gallery) – are Ephraim.

Winter Hours

Closed in Winter

More Information

The Anderson Dock story begins in 1858, when Ephraim’s early settlers sold brothers Aslag and Halvor Anderson 166 acres with the understanding that the two would construct a deepwater dock for community use. The Anderson Dock proved to be an excellent idea, for now any vessel sailing the waters of Green Bay could dock at Ephraim. Thirty years later, the Anderson Dock would serve as a standard port-of-call for passing steamships. The Goodrich, Hill, and Hart Line steamers stopped on their appointed rounds, bearing the summer vacationers that would begin to fuel Ephraim’s economy around the turn of the century.

DO'S AND DON’TS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE ANDERSON DOCK TRADITION …

It is acceptable to paint your name, just as sailors did over 100 years ago, but we ask that you do so respectfully. Please follow these guidelines to participate in the Anderson Dock tradition:

  • The ONLY place on Anderson Dock where graffiti is permitted is the siding on the warehouse building NOT on the doors, windows, signs, and plaques.
  • Do not paint on any of the concrete, break wall, rocks, light posts, light bollards, signage, or trash cans…. Nothing other than the building siding, please!
    • Anything on the interior of the building such as the bathrooms, shall not be painted.
  • When painting on the building, painting is not permitted above seven feet (7 ft).
    • Absolutely no ladders, lifts, or scaffolding to assist in painting above seven feet (7 ft).
  • Do not exceed the height of the board width of the building siding with your painting.
  • No vehicles are permitted on the dock.
  • Permitted paints: Acrylic and latex paints, applied only by a brush no larger than ½ inch in width. The use of a roller is prohibited.
  • Prohibited paints/art supplies: Spray paint, enamel paint, and oil-based paints. Sharpies, paint pens, paint markers, and permanent markers are prohibited. (Please do not use permanent markers of any kind!)
  • This is a family-friendly, historic site. Please abide by the following content rules:
    • Names and commemorative dates only, please.
    • No political slogans or statements, prose, or poems.
    • No profanities or improper graphics or images.
    • Leave room for other people.
  • Please do not carve into the building.
  • 10.03 of the Ephraim Code of Ordinances regulates Graffiti prohibition, abatement, and penalties.

Witness unacceptable behavior? Please contact the Village Administrator at 920-854-5501 Monday-Friday 8 AM -4 PM. Outside Village office hours, call the Door County Sheriff’s Department non-emergency phone number 920-746-2400 to report the vandalism.

Location