Ridge Run Park - West Bend, WI
Ridge Run Park is a 140-acre park in West Bend, established in 1965, after the land was purchased from the Pick family. The park was developed and maintained by Washington County for 50 years. In 2016, the City of West Bend took ownership of the park, and transitioned maintenance and development of the park to the West Bend Park, Recreation and Forestry department.
We visited for the first time on a cold, gray, winter day. There was just a dusting of snow on the ground, but some of the trails were a bit icy. It's a big park, with plenty of trails to hike. Lots of hills and valleys, being in the heart of the Kettle Moraine. The Ice Age Trail winds through the park as well.
We parked in the Central parking lot, in-between the east and west portions of the park. We took a portion of the Ice Age Trail on the east side, walking out onto a little island surrounded by Boot Lake. Clearly a good fishing spot. Then we headed back towards the lot, to follow the Ice Age Trail on the west side of the park, along Wells Lake. Talk about picturesque! The views of the lake in all directions were so lovely! I'm already looking forward to seeing it dressed in spring and fall color! There's even a little waterfall along the way. It's shallow enough at that point, that a summer dip in the water would definitely be a treat.
Walking the paths we spotted a Hairy Woodpecker, Chickadees, a White-breasted Nuthatch, and heard the calls of a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Spring migration along the shores of the lake here should be a birders delight. We were searching for the boardwalk that crosses over wetlands along the Ice Age Trail, but daylight was fading, and we needed to head back towards the parking lot. We will definitely make that part of our journey for next time.
Walking trails will connect you with all parts of the park. However, the west parking lot can only be accessed via Scenic Drive and Wheat Ridge Lane. Just something to note. The parking lot for the east side, and central lot are both accessible via South University Drive.
In addition to the multiple walking trails, cross-country skiing is allowed, and other features of the park include: fishing piers, a sand volleyball court, tennis/pickleball courts, soccer field, basketball court, and a sledding hill. There are restrooms at each parking lot, there are two children's play areas, and picnic spots, too.
Dogs are welcome in the park, but must be on a 6-foot leash, and, of course, must be cleaned up after.
Hours: Open Daily 6 am to 11 pm
Location: 300 S. University Drive, West Bend, WI (Washington County)
For more information, click here.
We visited for the first time on a cold, gray, winter day. There was just a dusting of snow on the ground, but some of the trails were a bit icy. It's a big park, with plenty of trails to hike. Lots of hills and valleys, being in the heart of the Kettle Moraine. The Ice Age Trail winds through the park as well.
We parked in the Central parking lot, in-between the east and west portions of the park. We took a portion of the Ice Age Trail on the east side, walking out onto a little island surrounded by Boot Lake. Clearly a good fishing spot. Then we headed back towards the lot, to follow the Ice Age Trail on the west side of the park, along Wells Lake. Talk about picturesque! The views of the lake in all directions were so lovely! I'm already looking forward to seeing it dressed in spring and fall color! There's even a little waterfall along the way. It's shallow enough at that point, that a summer dip in the water would definitely be a treat.
Walking the paths we spotted a Hairy Woodpecker, Chickadees, a White-breasted Nuthatch, and heard the calls of a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Spring migration along the shores of the lake here should be a birders delight. We were searching for the boardwalk that crosses over wetlands along the Ice Age Trail, but daylight was fading, and we needed to head back towards the parking lot. We will definitely make that part of our journey for next time.
Walking trails will connect you with all parts of the park. However, the west parking lot can only be accessed via Scenic Drive and Wheat Ridge Lane. Just something to note. The parking lot for the east side, and central lot are both accessible via South University Drive.
In addition to the multiple walking trails, cross-country skiing is allowed, and other features of the park include: fishing piers, a sand volleyball court, tennis/pickleball courts, soccer field, basketball court, and a sledding hill. There are restrooms at each parking lot, there are two children's play areas, and picnic spots, too.
Dogs are welcome in the park, but must be on a 6-foot leash, and, of course, must be cleaned up after.
Hours: Open Daily 6 am to 11 pm
Location: 300 S. University Drive, West Bend, WI (Washington County)
For more information, click here.