The Ridges Sanctuary is a natural area located near Baileys Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin. The 1,440 acre Sanctuary includes a diversity of unusual habitats, resulting in one of the greatest concentrations of rare plants in the Midwest.
The rare species found at The Ridges includes dwarf lake iris (Iris lacustris) in addition to 25 species of orchid. The largest known population of the federally-endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) is found here.
The natural area consists of about 30 narrow, crescent-shaped sandy ridges. Each ridge represents a former beach line of Lake Michigan and took an average of 30-50 years to form. The narrow ridges are forested with black spruce, white spruce, balsam fir, and white pine with wet swales between the ridges. Swamp conifers occupy some of the swales; others are filled with marsh and bog flora.
Activities at the Sanctuary include walking along the five miles of rustic trails and bridges to view native wildflowers. Detailed maps are available at the office to help guide you through the several hiking trails that wind through the natural area.
Educational programs are offered year-round and include naturalist-led hikes, youth and family programs, and a weekly lecture series highlight the summer season. The winter months feature snowshoe hikes and family programs during January, February and March.
The Ridges Sanctuary was formed in 1937 and is the oldest nonprofit nature preserve in the Wisconsin. The preserve is also recognized as a National Natural Landmark and Wisconsin's first area set aside to protect native flora. Ridges is also designated as a State Natural Area in 1953 and Important Bird Area. The Ridges Sanctuary is owned by the private conservation organization The Ridges Sanctuary, Inc.
The Sanctuary is open to the public year-round and a donation is requested for use of the trails. The Nature Store is open mid-May through mid-October and features a wide variety of quality nature-related books and gifts. Location Door County, Wisconsin Access: From the junction of State Highway 57 and County Highway Q on the north side of Baileys Harbor, go northeast on Q 0.1 miles and follow the signs to The Ridges Sanctuary entrance east of the road. Ridges Sanctuary Nature Center Address: 8288 Highway Q Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 (920) 839-1101
