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Historic Winslow (city center) - Map Location A

From Seattle the Bainbridge Island Ferry passes into Eagle Harbor and docks near the city center of Winslow. If you are driving turn left at the light down main street. If you are walking off the ferry the most direct route would be to turn left by the bus parking to the side walk next to cars off loading. Up to the light and turn left. Winslow is a nice walking town offering many bakeries, art galleries, restaurants, marinas and numerous small shops. About 1 block on the left corner is the Streamliner Diner, a very popular place for breakfast. The Historical Society & Museum is one block north from the Diner on Erickson. In addition to exhibits the museum has han-outs describing the Island and points of interest.

A bit of History; Across from the Museum at 260 & 292 Ericksen are homes that were built by employees of Hall Brothers Ship Yard in 1904 and 1907. I have been told that each night the ship builders would carry scrap lumber to build their homes. Back to Madison, continuing west the Eagle Harbor Church on the corner of Winslow Way and Madison was built in 1896. This was the first church on the Island. Head north on Madison to the House and Clinic of Doctor Frank Sheppard on the west side across the street from our new City Hall. Continuing north on Madison at the corner of Madison and Wyatt is the Wyatt House built in 1909. This was the home of steamer captain Cyprian Wyatt which became famous for the community dances and parties.

Wing Point - Map Location B

Back track to the main ferry parking lot and drive north up Ferncliff about a block and turn right on Wing Point Drive. Just past the Wing Point Golf course turn right on Wing Point Way. The road winds down this famous peninsula which reaches towards Seattle and provides protection to Eagle Harbor. Some homes have 180 degree views of Seattle, shipping lanes and Eagle Harbor. In addition to the water front and views the amenities of this neighborhood include easy access to the ferry, Winslow and the Wing Point Golf & Country Club. There are many historical homes in the neighborhood.

Manitou Beach - Map Location C

Back to Ferncliff go north and turn left at Yaquina Ave and right on Moran. Moran dead ends at Madison and Manitou Beach Rd on the right. Stay on Manitou Beach past about a 1000 ft of community beach shared by this neighborhood. From this location the views of Seattle are amazing. About ½ mile down Manitou turn left on Falk Rd. and left again on Valley to Bay Hay and Feed. This land mark is worth a stop and a cup of coffee or treat. In addition to a nursery this feed store has many gift items. Some of my favorites are local T-shirts, red suspenders, work boots and slippers.

Fay Bainbridge State Park - Map Location D

From Bay Hay & Feed go north on Sunrise about 2.5 miles to one of our Islands two State Parks. Loop through the park to see some of the Islands largest deposits of drift wood, picnic and camp sites and looking north from the beach to the Sand Spit. Fay Bainbridge State Park is a popular site for evening campfires, birthday parties and family reunions.

Port Madison - Map Location E

Exit the park and go west on Lafayette and north on Euclid to loop back through the Port Madison Community. Port Madison is one of our largest bays with the Port Madison community dock and beach shared by residents. Many home owners store kayaks or small boats on the community beach. Most of the homes have either been replaced or have had significant remodels. Yet, the area retains a historic and almost timeless feel. This is also one of the more expensive neighborhoods on the Island.

A bit of History; Port Madison was originally the site of one of Islands largest communities and the George Meigs saw mill. Across the street from the dock was the community general store with now serves as a private residence.

Leaving Port Madison driving south on Phelps. At Frog Rock turn right on Hidden Cove Road and wind along Port Madison Bay to HWY 305 and carefully turn left.

Seabold - Map Location F

Go south on HWY 305 about 1/4 mile and turn west (right) on Seabold Road and left on Komedal Road you will pass Seabold Community Center which was one of the early schools built in 1893. Komedal will dead end at Hidden Cove Rd and turn right to Manzanita Dr. At Manzanita turn left (south) along Manzanita Bay. As the road veers away from the bay the historic home of Charles Lindberg (red) is on the right side. This home has been lovingly restored by the families who have since owned this magnificent home. Continue on Manzanita and turn right on Bergman Rd and right again at Miller Rd. About ½ mile down Miller turns right on Arrow Point Dr. This will take you right to Battle Point Park.

Battle Point - Map Location G

This 90 acre park provides trails for walking & jogging, a large duck pond (or fishing for those less than 12 yrs old), kids big toy and numerous baseball, soccer and roller hockey fields. The homes surrounding the park tend to be located on larger lots (1 acre +/-) with privacy and easy access to this popular park.

The history of this park is worth reading. This was the location of the tower that captured the Japanese signals that broke the Japanese code in WW11. My husband served as Park Director when this park was developed in 1970’s. The funds were slim and it took creativity and a major community effort to pull this 90 acre park together.

Back out the front entrance and left on Battle Point Dr. will take you around the park to the second entrance for ball fields, etc. Go south on Battle Point Dr. around to the left to Miller Rd.

Fletcher Bay - Map Location H

Fletcher Bay is on the right side of Battle Point Dr. It is difficult to see the bay from the street but worth a boat ride into the bay. The bay feels like a second Walden’s Pond. With the tidal change comes the wildlife. This is one of the best kayaking available. Fletcher bay also offers protected moorage.

Bainbridge Gardens - Map Location I

From the intersection of Battle Point and Miller Bay Rd. turn left and travel about a block you will find Bainbridge Gardens, a historic nursery owned by a long-time Japanese family. The gardens have a small coffee café with also serves a light lunch. This is also a good place to stop and stretch your legs and watch the children on the play structure. When you are ready to move on head south on Miller Rd. which becomes Fletcher Bay Rd. Fletcher Bay will dead end at Lynnwood Center Rd. Turn right and then again right at Baker Hill Rd.

Crystal Springs- Map Location J

Baker Hill will dead end at Crystal Springs Dr. Please go left or south traveling slowly down this windy lane. This neighborhood enjoys western exposure and sunsets. Both kids and adults use the beach and enjoy swimming, boating, walking and camp fires. The road between the homes and beach makes this waterfront relatively ‘affordable’. Driving south about 1000 ft on the left is the Munroe family home built in the late 1800’s. In 1907 it also served as a general store. In the early 1900’s the ‘mosquito fleet’ functioned as a taxi service stopping here and many other docks around the Island. This was a time when few roads ran through the Island so the fleet was the fastest way to travel. The Navy shipyard in Bremerton also provided boat service to and from Crystal Springs to carry laborers across the strait to the ship yard. Before Grandpa Munro passed away in the early 1990’s he told me the fishing in the strait was fabulous.

Just past the Munroe family home is the Point White dock. This is a popular public beach. It is an Island tradition for the teenager’s and other hardy souls to jump off the dock which triggers the beginning of summer! (The Park District has posted a no jumping sign so I am not suggesting you try it.) In the spring and fall the fisherman arrives. The fishing may not be as fruitful as the earlier times, but they do catch salmon.

Point White - Map Location K

Moving south along the water and veering left you are on Point White. These low bank waterfront homes have a view that reaches across the straights. When the ferries or aircraft carriers pass thought it feels like you can step right onto the deck. They also enjoy fabulous views of both pleasure and working boats. Friends tell me they have caught salmon from their front yards.

Lynnwood Center - Map Location L

At the intersection of Point White and Pleasant Beach Dr. is the Lynnwood Center. In 1898 the Olson family purchased this land and in 1920’s Emauel Olson built a Tudor style home where the now 70 year old movie theater is located. In the early days this was a dance hall and hotel. Several years later the hotel burned to the ground not to be rebuilt. Today the Tree House Café, Walt’s Market and Sawain Thai restaurant can be a nice stop.

Pleasant Beach - Map Location M

Going south past the movie theater on Pleasant Beach Dr. there are long winding driveways that open to some of the nicest no bank waterfront on the island. These homes also enjoy the western exposure. Watch for a small lane on the right side, Lytle road. Down Lytle 200 ft is another public beach access offering a sandy beach, perfect for afternoon or evening campfires. (Note-on either side of the public access is private beach.) Leaving the beach go right or south on Pleasant Beach, a short distance turn left on W. Blakely Ave. (If you have time you can take a short run straight on Pleasant Beach into Fort Ward State Park which provides boat ramp, biking path and again beach access.) Then come back to West Blakely Ave. and up the hill.

West Blakely - Map Location N

This is another historic neighbor hood. On the left, the large building was once the Odd Fellows Hall. This was the neighborhood for ship builders and carpenters. Travel straight through the neighborhood to Blakely and turn right on Blakely Ave. past Blakely Harbor on the right. The road will make a three way split, take the middle option up the hill. As you wind down the hill you are entering Rockaway Beach.

Rockaway Beach - Map Location O

Many of the most famous pictures of the Seattle skyline were taken from Rockaway Beach. These low bank homes have an absolutely dead on view of Seattle and Mount Rainer. The Ferry’s pass close to shore with Seattle and Mt Rainer as the back drop.

Bill Point - Map Location P

Pass through Rockaway and turn left up Creosote Hill Rd and left into Bill Point. This neighborhood has enjoys views of Seattle and shipping lanes from the top of the hill. Most of the houses were built in the 70’s. The view property is so desirable that most homes have been remodeled and updated. Bill Point has another very unique feature; the community swimming pool and play field. During the summer season the Bill Point Community provides a life guard and kids have a private neighborhood club.

Eagle dale - Map Location Q

The easiest way to find Eagledale is to go back to Creosote Hill Road turn left around Bill Point. This is truly the rural side of our Island; complete with farm homes and pasture with lots of gardening, chickens and even horses. This is exactly what some people are seeking when they come to the Island. Many homes have been updated and yet some remain almost original. If a more rural life style is what you want, this area is worth considering. Old Creosote will dead end at Taylor, turn left and right on Old Mill Rd. Take a right on New Sweden Rd to Eagle Harbor Drive.

Back to Winslow - Map Location R

Go left on Eagle Harbor Dr to Bucklin Hill Rd (right) on to Wyatt and back to town. If you have time and energy you can turn left on Weaver Road and tour the Hillendale neighborhood by turning right on Village Circle. This is an easy loop through a newer neighborhood and back out to Weaver and go right past the little league baseball fields. One last neighborhood is Commodore. Weaver will dead end at High School road take a short jog to the left and right into New Commodore.

Commodore - Map Location S

This neighborhood is almost like ‘Leave it to Beaver’ with cul-de-sac’s and dogs and kids in street playing ball. This area offers easy access to the schools, public library, public pool, etc.

Back to High School Rd going left past the high school, through the round about and right on Madison. Travel past the library on the left and back to Winslow.

I have only touched on some of the neighborhoods and community centers. This Island offers many others such as Manzanita Bay, Meadowmeer, Hawley.

If you would like information on these or any other neighborhoods please give me a call. Again, I can provide information from a real estate perspective noting both active listings and homes that have recently sold.

More detailed historical information is available at the museum and several books which are available at the Eagle Harbor Book store on Winslow Way.

This narrative was written by Susan Murie Burris. This may not be copied without explicit written permission. (6/2009)