The Ridges Sanctuary is a 1,600-acre nature preserve and land trust in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. It is listed as a National Natural Landmark, Important Bird Area and Wisconsin State Natural Area. It was founded in 1937 and was the first land trust in the state.
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The Ridges Sanctuary Nature Center
4.9
(61)
Baileys Harbor Ridges Park
4.7
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Lake Fire Winery
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Baileys Harbor Cornerstone Pub
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Door County Brewing Co. Taproom, DCBC Eats & Music Hall
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Sway Brewing + Blending
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Harbor Fish Market & Grille
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$$$
It's a $5 fee to take a hike thru a scenic protected area. I'm more than happy to pay to keep it that way. They have a nice brochure with a list of plants you might see based on when you visit. We did get crossed up on one of the trails...but the trails all lead back to the very well maintained wooden walkway you take to get to the trailheads. Two of Wisconsins many lighthouses are included and appear at either end of the walkway. So if you're collecting lighthouse visits you get 2 for $5 and you're not far from Cana Island which is home to a third. I think they said 97 steps to the magnificent view, I'll take their word for it. I dont know if the LH at Ridges is open for viewing, the one at Cana is.
If we go back to Door County in the Fall it might get a return visit. Take sunscreen and deet...we got bit up around the ankles and neck, tick repellent deet your best bet. With breezes off the lake it can be a few degrees cooler in the sanctuary so it's got that going for it too.
I didnt take any pictures...just enjoyed the...
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Started the day with a kayak tour at Peninsula Kayak Tours of cave point, then had lunch and door county brewery. Finished the day with a hike through the Ridges Sanctuary. What a beautiful day! A good chunk of the trails here are accessible to all via their boardwalk style. There are lots of benches available to relax throughout the trails. After the lighthouses, the trails are groomed, single track and fairly flat. Plenty of trails to pick from to make a hike length perfect for you. It also lends itself to exponential combinations for something new every time. Definitely bring your camera as there are many beautiful, varying scenery, plant life and wildlife. We also had a plant identification App that was fun to learn about all the different plants. I recommend getting their early enough to get inside the lighthouse as it closes earlier than the trails. Was fun to go inside to see where and how they lived. The attendant was informative on how these 2 lighthouses work together to guide ships even...
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My wife and I love this place, there are plenty of trails to keep you wondering for hours. Mosquitoes can be had in the summer. We found this place is perfect in the fall, winter or spring. Lighthouses are cool, the history behind the place is awesome. If available grab a pamphlet or go to the main building and ask about it. They have a beautiful area that has it's history on the walls and a nice little gift shop. There is a fee for going on the trails but what they have done with the trails is awesome. They have professionally built planks that line a decent portion of the park trails and they are in the process of upgrading some of the older wood that is getting bad.
There are some areas where my wife and I sat and watched for almost an hour, it's pretty beautiful there. Definitely a must see when you go to...
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