The Ridges Sanctuary
8270 Hwy 57 P.O. Box 152 Baileys Harbor , WI 54202
920.839.2802
info@ridgessanctuary.org
Come and explore all the Ridges has to offer! The Sanctuary is Wisconsin’s first land trust, and features exhibits on the cultural and natural history of The Ridges, a fully accessible boardwalk that spans a third of a mile, naturalist-guided hikes, historic range lights, educational programs, a nature store and more.
Meandering along our trails, you are walking atop ancient ridges built by Lake Michigan’s receding shoreline. Running parallel to the ridges are shallow wetlands called swales. This ridge-swale complex provides a wide range of environmental conditions, from open beach to densely shaded conifer forest. Nearly 500 different species of plants, including 28 species of native orchids, populate these varied habitats which are also home to over 60 species of breeding birds and 12 threatened or endangered species, including the federally endangered Hine’s Emerald dragonfly. Springtime carpets the Sanctuary in wildflowers and rare plant species that flourish through summer. Fall brings fungi and warm colors including magnificent tamaracks painting the swales in gold.
The Cook-Albert Fuller Center, Hidden Brook Boardwalk, and nature trails are open year- round. And don’t forget to check out our Logan Creek and Appel’s Bluff properties. Programs and hikes are listed on the website calendar.
Visit Website