The Ridges Sanctuary Nature Center

N Duncan

2024-05

One of the best boreal forests in Door County, consisting of natural scenery that is rare in other forests in this area. The trail leading up to the two lighthouses is conveniently short and accessible, considering that most of it is a raised boardwalk rather than a muddy, partly flooded trail. The boardwalk is almost completely underneath the shade of the dense conifer trees, except for a few spacious clearings where a shallow lake sits in the middle of the clusters of towering evergreen trees. These are ideal spots to take mesmerizing pictures of the forest scenery reflected off the surface of the lake’s water. Exotic looking plants could also be found on this trail, ranging from the carnivorous pitcher plants to the federally threatened dwarf lake iris! If you’re into nature, hiking, and plants, this is the best spot near downtown Baileys Harbor for that activity.

Rachel

2023-11

What a beautiful place. You park at the nature center, and there's a $5 trail fee. The main areas you walk on are boardwalks. They lead to the lighthouse. There are trails that go off of the boardwalk. It's a very peaceful place. There are restrooms in the nature center.

Jean Kube

2023-06

Beautiful hike on the boardwalk takes you to two lighthouses. Beach just across the street. By pure luck got to see a seaplane take off.

Andrew Apollo

2023-05

What am amazing place. Good for hiking and enjoying nature from trees, to wildlife, to the ridges that make this place famous!Saw a snake and some frogs!

Dave Bishop

2023-08

Beautiful trails with lots of scenic views. Friendly staff. The gardens outside of the center are cool.

Ali Dobbe

2023-06

Took our 3 yr old and had a great time. The boardwalk is perfect for walking and there are serene spots to stop and birdwatch. The nature center even has some kid's activities to do.Tip: you can find the nature center from the main road. We tried Google maps but it took us to the wrong spot.

L C

2023-05

Lovely nature center with fun facts and nice gift shop. Walk is peaceful and helps one appreciate nature.

Deb L

2023-05

The new boardwalk is fantastic. Thank you to all the volunteers who made it happen

Amy Phillips

2023-07

I had an excellent experience at The Ridges. Everyone was super helpful. The land manager even took a moment out of his day and showed me the Rams head lady slipper. I highly recommend stopping at The Ridges Sanctuary when in Door County.

Lunette Eichler

2023-05

If you love nature, history and hiking, The Ridges is a MUST visit on your trip. They have done an amazing job restoring the 150 year old Lighthouse and Range Light. Trails are all a new wooden walkway, which is totally handicapped accessible and wheelchair safe.

Bryon Shea

2022-05

Very informational nature center and the trailhead to very unique trails. Sign up for a guided hike and you will learn a lot. Anna and Jackie gave an amazing guided night hike educating about nocturnal creatures, history of the area and very interesting night vision facts. Wonderful place to support in Door County!

Brett Wendle

2023-07

We took a tour with Jane Whitney, and it was absolutely fantastic. So interesting, especially for our kids. An extraordinary place.

Lee Colby

2024-05

Beautiful grounds with lots to explore.

Marlene Lembcke

2023-05

Beautiful! The boardwalk is so easy to walk, and amazing for people with disabilities. Nature center has tours and very unique gifts for sale

Ron Binning

2024-03

The Ridges Sanctuary is a fantastic hiking center.

Charles Keller

2023-09

First rate nature preserve. The interpretation center is interesting. The staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.

view4orfunn

2023-05

Wonderful informative tour - a must, well kept friendly center well staffed. Lighthouses and find out and see about how swells (sp?) are formed.

Terri Umlauft

2023-07

Great place to visit for the day. Their board walk was great.

Carol Lagerman

2023-05

It is well worth the $8 for the guided nature walk. We had a wonderful guide.

Kathy Bandstra

2023-05

We loved the time we spent here walking on the boardwalk to the water and the lighthouse.

Noel Roberts

2021-05

Great nature center with numerous trails. Added attraction is the lighthouse which has tours.

Grant Reed

2019-05

Great trails and plenty for small children to do including crafts.

Eric Doberstein

2023-05

It was a great, easy winter hike with kids!

Bob Arevalo

2021-05

Unique and fabulous natural phenomenon. A wealth of wonderful native plants with boardwalks and trails.

Eric Wozniak

2022-05

Nice place for a quiet contemplative walk. The boardwalk is awesome!

Solomon Barnett

2017-05

It was very peaceful to wander around the majestic forest here for a few hours and listen to the birds and look for deer.

Mary Hogueisson

2020-05

Fun place to hike with interesting things to see flowers and birds

Ben DeVries

2023-05

Beautiful natural museum and trails!

Travis Houle

2023-05

I learned many things about myself here.

lena2020 Smith

2023-05

Beautiful Nature preserve.