[2] Today the area is named for Elias Gill, a local 19th century landowner.
Gills Rock has a strong history and tradition of commercial fishing, which continues to this day.
[4] The area is also popular with scuba divers who explore the many shipwrecks in and around Death's Door, the narrow strait connecting Lake Michigan to Green Bay, also known as Porte des Morts.
Gills Rock is also the departure point of a passenger ferry to Washington Island.
[5] The vehicle ferry to Washington Island departs 2.25 miles (3.5 km) to the East, in Northport, Wisconsin[6] The town is the birthplace of fictional character Gwen Raiden from the TV series Angel.