The Ridges Sanctuary - Baileys Harbor, WI

The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor was founded in 1937, as Wisconsin's first land trust.  The Ridges features one of the states most biologically diverse ecosystems. Home to a rich variety of plants, birds, and insects, the topography ranges from open beach to forest, and features an amazing boardwalk experience. If you're looking for peace and beauty, this is a good place to start.

I arrived early evening, but after closing time, so I was not able to visit the nature center. The trails, however, are open daily, dawn to dusk. A $5 trail fee is requested. A donation box is available at the trail entrance to the Hidden Brook Boardwalk. 

​The boardwalk trail is wheelchair accessible. For the most part, at this time of day, I had the Hidden Brook Boardwalk pretty much to myself. Just me, the mosquitoes, and the calls of frogs in the wetlands, and woodpeckers and songbirds resonating from the treetops. The light through the trees was lovely, and the boardwalk was a  winding, easy trek. Following it along you will come to a clearing. Looking both left and right you will see a lighthouse at each end - the Upper Range Light, and Lower Range Light. The boardwalk heading to the Lower Range Light travels on to the beach. 

Other foot trails abound. It was too late in the day to explore those. Along with a visit to the Nature Center facilities, a good reason to return another time. 

Nature Center Hours: Monday-Saturday - 9am - 4pm; Sunday - 10am - 3pm
Admission to Nature Center: $5 for adults, 18 and under Free
Nature Trails Open Daily - Dawn to Dusk. $5 donation requested

Dogs are Not allowed at The Ridges. However, there is a dog park located in Baileys Harbor at 2392 Cty F.

Location: 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI (Door County)
For more information, click here.  Trail map.